"Father - Daughter" Range Day?

[Charles L. Cotton]

I see a lot of events for fathers and daughters and I would like to get some feedback on a potential "Father - Daughter Range Day" at PSC. Based upon what I see (and hear) at our range (PSC), Dads don't have any trouble getting their sons to go to the range with them, but girls, at least teenage girls, always seem to have something else to do. Once they try it, they typically like shooting, but getting them there the first time is the hurdle.

I would like to see if the Father-Daughter concept would prove as popular in the shooting range arena as it is elsewhere. Not only would it give Dads something else to do with their daughters, it would give the girls a chance to go to an event specially designed for them and their Dads and be able to shoot with more of their friends. At a minimum, it would give fathers and daughters a nice outing together, but I hope it would put shooting on the "activity menu" and girls would start asking their friends to go shooting -- in addition to the mall, spa, mall, movie, mall, etc. After all, women won't go to the restroom without a buddy, so this could be our version of match-making for shooting partners.

Okay, I'll get serious, at least for a moment. If this event were to have the desired result, it would encourage girls to view shooting, with our without Dad depending upon their age, as an activity that is fun and practical, rather than something unusual that they do once or twice a year. Camaraderie with their peers would go a long way to achieving this goal. They're much more likely to take up shooting as a hobby, or at least for regular practice, if they can call their friends and ask them to go to the range and not hear "you want to do what!!?"

Let me know what you think of the concept. I know PSC is too far away for many to come to such an event, but I still want feedback from as many people as possible. Input from fathers with daughters would be especially valuable, as would input from daughters still living at home. I have not thought about how it would be structured in any detail, but it would probably be a half-day event beginning with lunch, then having a variety of activities in the pistol bays. Instructors and coaches would also be available and we would have mini-competitions for the girls and perhaps for father/daughter teams. I have no objection to making it an all day event, if that is what people would want. Obviously, we wouldn't schedule it during the summer! Also, feel free to offer suggestions about activities and anything else you feel might make this event more attractive and enjoyable for everyone.

I haven't broached this subject with my fellow Board Members at PSC, but I will if there seems to be any interest. There would be no age limit, so grown daughters would be most welcome. Since I'm a grandfather myself, it would be great to see dad, daughter and granddaughter coming. I've been thinking about this for several months now and it began with a comment from a very close friend who has three daughters, two of whom are grown. He and his youngest daughter were my guests at PSC for a day. They had a great time and he later thanked me for "one of the best days he and his daughter had together in quite a while." She's a great kid, but as a teenager life is often too busy and hectic to spend a lot of time with Dad. They (family) are now PSC Members. I want a lot of dads and daughters to have the same experience.

Thanks for your input.
Chas.

[mbw]

Mr. Cotton, I think that this is a terrific idea and should probably be expanded into a continuing program. Once a month might be too much but certainly 4 times per year could work.

I live on the far North side of Houston so a trip to PSC would be a whole day trip. Starting at noon with lunch would make the trip doable for us. My little girl is 38 and travels the world on business. I introduced her to shooting when she turned 8, like my dad did with me. If she was available and the event was scheduled for a weekend, I would come.

[Pug]

The concept is great. My daughter (now 24) and I still make the range. She cut her teeth on an old BSA .22 more than 15 years ago. She recently upgraded from her 20GA to a new Mossy 12GA. She loves the G36 CC that she stole from my beside two years ago (it was backup to my CC anyway -- and she is my girl), and recently picked up an XDM 9mm for plinking (which we do at least monthly). She has learned how to properly handle firearms, how to field strip and clean (handguns, my AR, shotguns), and took two young bucks (deer, that is) last season -- the 6th year in a row she's tagged and bag-eg.

Were PSC no so far south, we would join you simply out of principle.

[cowboymd]

That would be a great idea for a outing for Fathers/Daughters. My daughter may be living in the Lufkin area when/if the event happens. It would be a long drive for me, but might be a good excuse to visit her, and then take her farther South to PSC. Voted for the good idea/too far to drive but you never know.

[WildBill]

Charles - Since I don't have a daughter, I didn't vote. I think that it's a terrific idea.

[Teamless]

Charles - Since I don't have a daughter, I didn't vote. I think that it's a terrific idea.

[GTRich94]

I started taking my daughter with me to PSC a couple of years ago when she was in kindergarten, so we would be interested in a father/daughter day. Could we do it after the temps come down? It's just too hot to go out there right now.

[Salty1]

That is a great idea, the more people who are interested and get involved in the shooting sports makes a healthy future for gun rights as well as ensure that there will be future generations ready and willing to carry the tourch of freedom.... plus it is tons of fun to shoot as a family..........

[MMac]

It's a great idea. I went shooting with my daughter (21 next week) today and we had a great time.

[Lodge2004]

Great idea. My youngest daughter is getting a .22 for her 9th birthday, she just doesn't know it yet. I'm looking for ways to expose her to other girls shooting (other than her big sister).

[gwashorn]

I like the idea and even though my daughter lives in Georgetown, if she can get away for an event like this, she and her husband would love to come to it. I have had them at the PSC before and they had a good time.

[Fire1141]

Count me an my 2 daughters in !

[Skiprr]

Charles - Since I don't have a daughter, I didn't vote. I think that it's a terrific idea.

I'm with Bill. But it's a marvelous idea!

[srothstein]

Well, I would be interested. I have one daughter who is asking if we can arrange it for before she leaves for Vermont for college. My other two daughters that are home just don't care for shooting. But i think my oldest daughter would go if we scheduled it. The granddaughter is just a little too young yet (3), but I do have the rifle waiting in my closet for her when she gets older.

[UpTheIrons]

Well, my wife took her dad shooting last week, and my daughter wants to go with me next time, too, so I think its a great idea.