ABC4 Utah and Good Things Utah recently hosted Sarah Clark, a Utah-based mom, blogger, YouTuber and business owner, to discuss the important topic of teaching children about gun safety. Clark shares her personal strategy that she uses with five children, including role playing, gun safety ABCs and safe storage.

“This is a conversation for every single family. Every parent should have these tools,” said Clark, “because you never know when your child might come across a gun.”

Clark’s statement is spot on considering your children, at some inevitable point, will leave the control of your home. Even if you are responsible and do everything you can to be safe, outside of your home there are external factors that are uncontrollable. This is exactly why it is critical to teach these fundamental safety principles at an early age.

In the video, Clark explains that in her downtime with her children she uses a role playing game to mimic decision making in different life scenarios. In this instance, she uses the example of coming across a gun in the home and asks the kids if keeping it a secret is a wise decision. She then asks if it is a thumbs up (good decision) or thumbs down (bad decision). This is a great idea that has limitless use when it comes to developing good decision-making skills.

Another gun safety tactic under Clark’s belt is using the ABCs, which in its simplest form looks like this: (A) Assume it’s loaded, (B) Be brave, and (C) Careful. Expanding on this she explains more:

1. Assume it’s loaded. Do not handle it, even if it looks like a toy.
2. Be brave and tell an adult if you see a gun or if someone tries to touch it. Don’t keep it a secret.
3. Careful. If we have permission to handle the weapon, be sure it’s not pointed at anyone or anything!

This system is very similar to the message of “Stop. Don’t touch. Get away. Tell an Adult.” taught in this children’s video offered by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the National Crime Prevention Council.

Here’s another video from McGruff that supports this same message.

Finally, Clark touches on one of the most effective safely tactics in any home — safe storage. “I like to have a [gun] safe. They have so many different kinds now,” said Clark as she shows the gun safe she uses at her home. “It’s really up to you, but make sure they are locked up.”

Finally, I’d like to thank Mrs. Clark for her effort in spreading the message of firearm safety. Firearm safety is up to each and every one of us, so please consider passing on these helpful tips.

Here are some other resources for teaching children firearm safety:

• “Toys, Tools, Guns & Rules: A Children’s Book About Gun Safety” by Julie Golob
• “There’s Only One You!: A Gun Safety Book for Children” by Ryan M Cleckner
• “Safety On: An Introduction to the World of Firearms for Children” by Yehuda Remer
• Project ChildSafe Parent and Gun Owner Resources

Safety programs we support: https://gunownerscare.org/safety/.

About the Author

Justin Morrissey is a gun owner and an advocate for safety, community, conservation and outdoor traditions. He was recently recognized as one of 40 Under 40 Firearm Industry Leaders by SHOT Business for his integrity, passion, and determination in his work. In his personal time he enjoys being a mentor and friend, spending time with his family, cooking wild game, training his dog and playing hockey. He supports UNICEF, Special Olympics and Wounded Warriors.

The post Approaching Gun Safety as a Responsible Parent appeared first on Gun Owners Care.

Gun Owners Care® About Their Communities

From hunters donating their harvests to local food banks, law enforcement and concealed carriers being heroes in their communities, to gun clubs and firearms business owners holding local food and blood drives, to groups organizing fundraisers to benefit those in need, gun owners and the firearms industry are bettering our communities every day.

See some of the gun owners who are making a difference.

The post Federal Ammunition’s Support of Injured Veterans Approaches $250,000 appeared first on Gun Owners Care.

Gun Owners Care® About Their Communities

From hunters donating their harvests to local food banks, law enforcement and concealed carriers being heroes in their communities, to gun clubs and firearms business owners holding local food and blood drives, to groups organizing fundraisers to benefit those in need, gun owners and the firearms industry are bettering our communities every day.

See some of the gun owners who are making a difference.

The post Wildlife Habitat Protected Thanks to South Dakota Family appeared first on Gun Owners Care.

As a hunter and/or gun owner, do you know your role in conservation? Without diving too deep, here are three major ways hunters help wildlife through funding conservation efforts.

3 Major Funding Sources for Conservation

1. Gear and Firearm Purchases (Federal Excise Tax)
2. State Hunting Licenses (State)
3. Federal Duck Stamp (Federal – USFWS)

So you see, from the moment you purchase hunting gear, a firearm or hunting license, you become part of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. It’s that easy! But where does the money go, how is it used and who benefits?

Who Benefits from Conservation Efforts?

First and foremost, the most important recipients of conservation efforts made possible by hunters are wildlife and the ecosystems in which they thrive. Regardless of how much each U.S. citizen contributes to conservation and public land acquisition, surely every citizen has access to the benefits. The U.S. public “owns” an amount of public land equivalent to the size of Colorado. And who pays for habitat improvement for that land? Mostly hunters and anglers.

Where Do Conservation Dollars Get Distributed? 

Funds generated by hunting license fees go back to the state in which the license was purchased. So if you are buying resident hunting licenses in your home state, you are helping to fund conservation efforts by your state wildlife agency. If you hunt other states by purchasing non-resident licenses, you are helping to fund the conservation efforts in the state listed on your hunting license.

The costs of some equipment you buy, including firearms and ammunition, include a federal excise tax that has collected over $12 billion since it began in the U.S. in 1939 under the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act. This funding supports conservation projects, wildlife research, hunter education, public shooting ranges and more. The total amount of federal funds generated from the Pittman-Roberston excise taxes are apportioned among all 50 U.S. states.

A total of 98 percent of duck stamp sales revenue goes toward the purchase and preservation of wetlands. Since 1934, more than 5.5 million acres of waterfowl habitat have been acquired for the National Wildlife Refuge System through duck stamp sales revenue. Over a billion dollars have been generated by this simple stamp that represents wetland conservation.

How are the Funds Used?

In America, wildlife agencies and hunters have worked cooperatively over the last century to create and maintain a favorable environment for wildlife. It’s important to emphasize the relationship between wildlife experts, who establish and monitor regulations, and hunters, who follow those regulations and also pay excise taxes on equipment and purchase permits and licenses that support wildlife agencies’ ability to acquire and maintain land.

These state and federal systems are just the foundation for hunter’s conservation efforts — there are many individuals who go up and beyond to restore wildlife habitat on private lands and also those who volunteer with wildlife conservation groups like Delta Waterfowl, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Deer Association, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and many others. There’s never been a more important time to know and share all of these facts, which is why the NSSF has created the attractive shareable infographic below.

We invite you to use the “You may be Surprised to know… hunters are a vital part of conservation” infographic to help promote a better understanding of hunting and hunters.

Help us spread this important information by sharing this infographic on social media. View more NSSF infographics from this series at nssf.org/infographics.

The post Hunters are a Vital Part of Conservation [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Gun Owners Care.

Gun Owners Care® About Their Communities

From hunters donating their harvests to local food banks, law enforcement and concealed carriers being heroes in their communities, to gun clubs and firearms business owners holding local food and blood drives, to groups organizing fundraisers to benefit those in need, gun owners and the firearms industry are bettering our communities every day.

See some of the gun owners who are making a difference.

The post Hornady Donates to GRACE Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society appeared first on Gun Owners Care.

Elite Shooting Sports, an indoor shooting range located in Prince William County, Virginia, and an NSSF member shooting range, recently shared on social media a heartfelt “thanks” to all those who donated to the program.

“Elite Shooting Sports was honored to be a part of this year’s U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Our friends with the Greater Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad station picked up all of the toys and gifts to be taken for distribution to the families who need them most, just in time for #Christmas! A huge Thank You to all those who donated! Your gifts will make a difference in the lives of many, many little ones this holiday season! #toysfortots #seasonofgiving”

Too often negative stories of criminals misusing firearms overshadow the stories that define gun owners values that make a true difference for safety, community, conservation and tradition. This is but one example among countless others that exemplify our shared American values. #GunOwnersCare

Gun Owners Care® About Their Communities

From hunters donating their harvests to local food banks, law enforcement and concealed carriers being heroes in their communities, to gun clubs and firearms business owners holding local food and blood drives, to groups organizing fundraisers to benefit those in need, gun owners and the firearms industry are bettering our communities every day. See some of the gun owners who are making a difference.

The post Elite Shooting Sports Helps Bring Holiday Joy to Children Through Toys for Tots Program appeared first on Gun Owners Care.

Primary Arms Government is partnering with the Houston Police Department this holiday season with their Blue Santa Program. Throughout December, Primary Arms Government is working to collect toys for locals in need. Read the full story here.
The Blue Santa Program is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization owned and operated by local Houston police officers. This program collects unwrapped gifts from the community and distributes them to less-fortunate children and teens in the Houston area. Gifts range from toys and school supplies to necessities like soaps, shampoo, and shaving kits. In the recent economic slowdown, these items are more needed than ever, and Primary Arms Government is proud to support this crucial community program’s efforts.

The post Primary Arms Government Hosts Holiday Gift Drive with Houston TX PD appeared first on Gun Owners Care.

This isn’t the first time that Henry Repeating Arms has raised money for an amazing cause. Their charitable endeavors under the Guns for Great Causes program focus on sick children, both individual cases and children’s hospitals, veteran and wounded veteran organizations, Second Amendment and wildlife conservation organizations.

The post Henry Repeating Arms Raises Over $47,000 For 3-Year-Old Battling Leukemia appeared first on Gun Owners Care.

What we didn’t expect, what no one could have anticipated, was the world we’re living in now.

You could easily have forgotten all about Gun Owners Care. But you didn’t. In fact, not only did you not forget about Gun Owners Care, you rose to the occasion.

Manufacturers of all sizes throughout our industry looked at their machinery and their wealth of skilled labor professionals, and immediately put them to work making safety glasses, masks, face shields and hand sanitizer. Employees everywhere fed first responders, crafted more masks on sewing machines at home and set up food banks for communities struggling with pandemic shortages. And through it all, you’ve legally armed millions of people who, over the last several months, have come to truly understand what self-reliance and personal responsibility mean.

We are proud of you. You have amply, genuinely demonstrated that Gun Owners Care. And you will rise to the challenge time and time again. It’s who you are. Because of that, I’m asking you now to step up one more time and join NSSF in our fundraiser for the American Red Cross.

It’s not just about getting through the pandemic. The people of the American Red Cross are there whenever tragedy strikes, from an apartment fire in the city or a tornado ravaging a small Midwest farming community to hurricanes on the Eastern Seaboard and the summer wildfires of the West. They provide global aid ranging from childhood vaccines to the most vulnerable citizens of developing countries, food, clothing, water and resource support in times of crises like drought and famine. They are ardent, critical supporters of our U.S. military members and their families, and they are, of course, the lynchpin in the process of collecting blood donations and distributing them to medical facilities across the country.

More than, perhaps, at any other time in recent memory, the American Red Cross needs your help to deliver their lifesaving mission. Please, join us in donating today. Whether $5 or $5,000, every dollar counts. Our goal is to raise $10,000 through this fundraiser over the next three months—and if your generosity over the past few months is any indication, we have an excellent chance of topping that. We also encourage you to donate blood where you can. This link has the details (just enter your zip code in the indicated box), and it also provides information on how all blood donations are being tested for COVID-19 antibodies, which is key to ending this health crisis and preventing a devastating resurgence.

Donate

We will get through all of the struggles we’re going through. We will get back to normal. And we will make our voices heard and show our country we’re fighting the good fight for the benefit of all Americans. We are Gun Owners Care.

Note: All donations made to NSSF’s GoFundMe.com page for the American Red Cross go directly to that organization.

Join our Gun Owners Care blood donation team

Join our Gun Owners Care blood donation team and help save lives. Simply download the “Blood Donor” app and on the bottom right click on “Impact.” From there you can search Gun Owners Care and join our group.

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NSSF Donates to Newtown Community Virus First Responders

Gun Owners Pitching In During COVID-19 Crisis

The post Showing We Care: Support the Lifesaving Work of the American Red Cross appeared first on Gun Owners Care.

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Gun Owners Pitching In During COVID-19 Crisis

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