I started my shooting sports photography journey when my wife started shooting local USPSA and steel matches. Along the way, we have both met very interesting people of all ages and from all walks of life, and we’ve and made some cool friends. One group of shooters who stood out right away – the women. OK, get the giggles and snickers out of the way. Some of these ladies can SHOOT. They practice. Many of them practice a LOT. There are a lot of women shooters of all levels. There are some of you out there who would like to look into trying your hand at competition, but don’t think you’ll be comfortable around “seasoned” shooters. Stop talking yourself out of giving it a go. Check out a match, connect with a women’s shooting group like the Well Armed Woman. Find a local match or ask the group about local matches. My friend Mindy Kay Ray is a firearms instructor who works with women of all levels. I’ll introduce her in more detail in a later post.
I would like to introduce you to as many women shooter as I can and would like to make this a permanent part of ShootTactical.com’s content. I have met some fun and interesting folks along the way, from all walks of life. Today, I’d like to share a little Q&A I had with Jennifer Wiesse.
ShootTactical: Jennifer, when and how were you introduced to shooting sports?
Jennifer: I began shooting with my boyfriend (now husband) in 2005, maybe? We shot some sporting clays and shot pistols occasionally. We got our LTC together in 2007, just before we got married. Then, I took my first pistol class not long after that at Tac Pro Shooting center. Fast forward about 8 years, and my husband got a job in the firearms industry. That lit a whole new fire under me, and I decided I should try three gun! I have been very fortunate that the right doors opened at the right time for me. I would not have gotten anywhere without the pit crew of people that maintain me and my guns.
ST: I met you at the Tactical Games. Looks like you definitely caught the bug. So, how often do you practice? What type of practice do you do?
Jennifer: I definitely never practice enough or dry-fire like I should! I am lucky that get to shoot a match once or twice a month. And, depending on the time of year get an extra range day in to practice.
ST: IS there anything you ALWAYS make sure you have with you at the range?
Jennifer: I definitely always have chap stick (Burt’s Bees) and a trauma kit with me at the range.
ST: Is there ONE thing you would like for all new shooters to know about the sport, men or women?
Jennifer: The one thing I want all new shooters to know (especially women) is that we were all nervous the first time we took a class or shot a match!
ST: Do you have a go to EDC? How do you carry?
Jennifer: I appendix carry a Glock 43 with XS DXT2s! I feel like I can’t conceal anything strong side and my shoulder range of motion would never let me efficiently draw from my back.
ST: What is your favorite type of competition and how often and where do you compete?
Jennifer: I love to shoot 3 gun! I try to shoot a match once a month. And recently, I thought it was a good idea to try a Tactical Games Skirmish. I have shot two of those matches now and will definitely shoot more. I am working up the courage to shoot the full Tactical Games match in July at Triple C.
ST: Other than shooting, what else do you like to do? Any other hobbies?
Jennifer: Mostly my other hobbies are wife and mommy. I am a Certified Athletic Trainer. I worked in the high school setting for 10 years taking care of athletes. Currently, I teach Sports Medicine to high school age students in Saginaw, Texas. I do Cross Fit 4-5 days a week, but I would have never attempted that if I had not decided to try the Tactical Games. Now I am hooked.
ST: Jennifer, thanks for your insight and time today. I really appreciate it. Before we go, is there anyone you’d like to give a shout out to, any local businesses that have been a positive in your shooting sports journey?
Jennifer: XS Sights- xssights.com, XS Sights on IG: @xssights. Odin Works- odinworks.com, Odin Works on IG: @odin_works, Freedom Power Sports – freedompowersportsfortworth.com, Freedom Power Sports on IG: @freedompowersports. All these great companies help me keep on shooting!
ST: Thanks again, Jennifer. See you at the range!