One of the fastest growing segments in all aspects of the outdoors is women. I attribute this to a number of factors. There are more peer groups and organizations to help women get started in activities like fishing, hunting and shooting than there have ever been. There is the rise in the number of single parent families and the desire of mothers to get their children outdoors.
Another big change is that the outdoor industry has finally recognized the value of women as a market segment. Equipment and clothing designed for women are becoming commonplace.
In addition, more women are rising to prominence as role models and instructors in previously male dominated activities. Lanny Barnes from Durango is one such role model. Barnes was a three-time Olympian in biathlon, which is a combination of cross country skiing and shooting. She is now a prominent professional 3-gun competitor as well as a shooting instructor.
Barnes and her twin sister, Tracy, competed in the Olympics together and inspired the world when Tracy selflessly gave Lanny her spot on the 2014 Olympic team in Sochi, Russia after Lanny fell ill during the final trials and wasn’t able to complete all the events. Lanny and Tracy travel the country teaching courses to military, law enforcement and competitive shooters on how to shoot with an elevated heart rate and under stress. She also teaches a basic handgun class for women.
Lanny Barnes joined me on my radio show last Saturday to talk about her journey to the top of the shooting sports and the current state of women in the outdoors. She grew up hunting and fishing. Her dad was an avid hunter and shooter who shared his passion with his three daughters. This eventually led to shooting small bore competitions. She claims that biathlon has made her a better hunter and hunting has made her a better biathlete and shooter. She is able to accurately shoot a rifle with a heart rate of 180 beats per minute and effortlessly pursue elk above 10,000 feet.
She shared a story of her dad going to the army surplus store to buy them hunting clothes. “He would always buy mediums,” she said. “So we would have to synch them and roll them up.” Things are much better today with the clothing designed for women.
Lanny said she never knew hunting and shooting were male dominated activities until she got older. Now, as an instructor, she is aware that many women find it a bit intimidating learning from men. Many women are more comfortable, initially, with a female instructor.
Lanny Barnes is Vice President of the Women’s Outdoor Media Association and spends a lot of time traveling to schools and organizations talking to young people about following their dreams, setting goals, and leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Barnes and her sister will be in the Loveland area at the Liberty Firearms Institute instructing classes on March 3rd and 4th.
For more information on Lanny Barnes
Hear my entire interview with Lanny Barnes
https://soundcloud.com/1043thefan/lanny-barnes-terry-wickstrom-outdoors-2318
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