A Different Idea for Mother's Day

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Before dinner at the fancy restaurant on Mother's Day, why not treat her to something she may never have tried before -- target shooting?

Ever-growing numbers of women have been taking their first shots at the range. In fact, a program of the National Shooting Sports Foundation known as "First Shots" is helping ranges introduce the shooting sports to beginners, a large percentage of whom are women.

As serious shooters know, if you can just get someone to try shooting, it's quite likely you'll create a new participant. It's just that much fun.

Handgun shooting has become especially popular among women. Surveys of First Shots participants indicate that 42 percent were women. They have found that it is a way to spend more time with their friends, husbands or boyfriends, while enjoying an exciting new pastime.

As Cyndi Dalena, manager of the First Shots program, points out, "There are many opportunities for newcomers to give shooting a try in a friendly, safe, supportive environment."

For more information on getting started, visit www.firstshots.org and www.huntandshoot.org.