Britney Starr is a part owner, operator and social media guru for Starr & Bodill African Safaris - an all service operation based in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. When not tweeting about her time taking down springboks, cape buffalo and wildebeest, Britney contributes and article or two to the Women's Outdoor News.

She recently sat down with 2012 NRA Sybil Luddington Women’s Freedom Award winner Nicole “Nikki” Goeser of Nashville, Tennessee. Take a look:

Shooting Starr: Nikki Goeser on life, death and the Second Amendment

Britney: Congratulations on being awarded the NRA’s Sybil Luddington Women’s Freedom Award. Thank you for all of the hard work you have been doing; you are most deserving of the honor. What does receiving this award mean to you? Can you tell us about your background and what you want people to know about you?

Nikki: I feel extremely honored to receive this very prestigious award from the National Rifle Association. It means a great deal to be part of such a powerful organization that puts everything they have into trying to prevent innocent people from being helpless victims. I have a firsthand account of what that feels like. I have worked very hard to educate others about the importance of our right to keep and bear arms for our own self defense and it is nice to be recognized for that.

More on Britney's interview with Nikki Goeser ...

Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award recognizes modern day heroines and their legislative work to protect the 2nd Amendment

Fairfax, Virginia - If you don't know the name Nicole Goeser, well, you should. Think again. Maybe you know her by the name of Nikki. In either case, you will know her now as the winner of NRA's 2012 Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award.

On April 2, 2009, Nikki was working with her husband Ben in a Tennessee restaurant. It was a family karaoke business. During the night's shift, Ben was shot and killed by a man who had been stalking Nikki. She was there.

Though a conceal carry permit holder, Tennessee law did not allow Nikki to carry inside a bar or restaurant. She decided to change that.

After countless weeks and months of meeting with lawmakers and testifying before committees, Nikki was able to help change that law in Tennessee.

"She lives what she believes," said NRA Women's Programs Coordinator Diane Danielson. "As a strong and fervent advocate for gun rights, Nikki has demonstrated her dedication through her actions."

Learn more about Nicole Goeser ...

NRA Training Department staffers Andy Lander and Sean Thornton headed out west to the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico to teach an NRA Training Counselor Development Workshop. From April 20-22, 16 candidates took part in the training and earning their appointments at Traning Counselors. The group included 2012 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award Winner Donna Vandermolen.

Candidates came from all across the country including Texas, Wyoming, Colorado, California, Arkansas, Indiana, Oregon, Michigan and even as far as Hawaii.

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November 1st is right around the corner, and that means you've got less than a week to either apply for the Women's Wildlife Management/Conservation Scholarship or nominate someone for one of the NRA's Women's Awards.

Full-time female college juniors or seniors with a GPA of at least 3.0 majoring in Wildlife Mangement, Conservation, or a related area are eligible to apply for the Women's Wildlife Management/Conservation Scholarship. This one-year, renewable scholarship of $1,000 from the NRA Foundation will be awarded to one lucky young woman to help pay for her education.

NRA's Women's Programs Department is dedicated to providing programs and services for the women of the NRA and for honoring ladies who show a dedication to the Second Amendment and the shooting sports. The NRA Women's Awards program recognizes two women each year by awarding the Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award and the Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award.

Time is running out, so apply now for the Women's Wildlife Management/Conservation Scholarship or nominate an outstanding lady for the Sybil Ludington or Marion P. Hammer Award. The deadline is November 1st, so don't wait another minute!

Each year, NRA presents outstanding women with two presitigious awards, and the November 1st deadline for nomination is just around the corner. Earlier this year, our Women's Program Department awarded Margi Constantino (pictured) the Marion P. Hammer Award and Marlene Duncan with the Sybil Ludington Award for their efforts. 

Named for a heroic young woman who helped America achieve independence, the Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award recognizes women for their exceptional accomplishments through legislative activism, advocacy, volunteerism, education of others, and additional pursuits towards the goals of the Second Amendment and the NRA.

The Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award is named for the first female President of the NRA, known for her grassroots efforts and pivotal role as a lobbyist for Flordia's Right-To-Carry legislation. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports through advocacy, education, volunteerism, and legislative activism in accordance with the goal of the NRA.

In order to be considered for this award, women must be nominated no later than November 1st. If you know a woman who is making a difference and should be recognized for her efforts and support of the NRA and the Second Amendment, don't hesitate! Nomination forms are available online for both the Sybil Ludington Award and the Marion P. Hammer Award, so review the forms to see if an incredible woman that you know meets the criteria.

The National Rifle Association has selected Margi Constantino of Montezuma, Iowa, to receive the 2011 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and legislative activism in support of the goals of the NRA.

Chosen for her dedication, passion, and hard work, Constantino has worked tirelessly to teach and mentor people all of ages in the shooting sports, but particularly youth. Preservation of the Second Amendment relies heavily upon getting young people involved in the shooting sports and providing them with opportunities to retain and hone their shooting skills. For the past 16 years, Constantino has done just that, helping to develop and foster a love of the shooting sports in countless children.

“Margi Constantino has touched the lives of so many people through her efforts, helping to guide and educate them to become safe, skilled marksmen and responsible, ethical hunters,” said Rosemary Herr, Manager of NRA’s Women’s Programs Department. “Her support of the shooting sports and Second Amendment is one that will not soon be forgotten by those who have benefitted from her efforts.”

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The National Rifle Association has selected Marlene Duncan of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to receive the 2011 Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award. This award recognizes exceptional accomplishments of modern heroines through their legislative activism as well as advocacy, volunteerism, and education of others to the goals of the Second Amendment and the NRA on a national level.

For the past 30 years, Duncan’s involvement in and support of the shooting sports and Second Amendment has been invaluable not only to the NRA, but to her community and the many lives that she has touched through her hard work.

“Marlene is one of those special women that you can’t help but admire,” said NRA Women’s Programs Manager Rosemary Herr. “She has taught us all the meaning of service and dedication and as a role model for women of the NRA, Marlene is second to none. We are very proud to have her as our 2011 Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award winner.”

An NRA Benefactor Life Member, Duncan holds numerous certifications with the NRA, including NRA Appointed Training Counselor, Chief Range Safety Officer and NRA Coach School Instructor. During her tenure, Duncan has trained hundreds of people, from creating more NRA Certified Instructors, Coaches, and Range Safety Officers, to serving as a Clinic Director for Women On Target® clinics.

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Each year, NRA presents outstanding women with two presitigious awards, and the deadline for nomination is drawing near. Named for a heroic young woman who helped America achieve independence, the Sybil Ludington Women's Freedom Award recognizes women for their exceptional accomplishments through legislative activism, advocacy, volunteerism, education of others, and additional pursuits towards the goals of the Second Amendment and the NRA.

The Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award is named for the first female President of the NRA, known for her grassroots efforts and pivotal role as a lobbyist for Flordia's Right-To-Carry legislation. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports through advocacy, education, volunteerism, and legislative activism in accordance with the goal of the NRA.

In order to be considered for this award, women must be nominated no later than November 1st. If you know a woman who is making a difference and should be recognized for her efforts and support of the NRA and the Second Amendment, don't hesitate! Nomination forms are available online for both the Sybil Ludington Award and the Marion P. Hammer Award, so review the forms to see if an incredible woman that you know meets the criteria.

The National Rifle Association has selected Janet Nyce of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, to receive the 2010 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and legislative activism in support of the goals of the NRA.

Nyce was introduced to hunting by her huband, James, nearly 45 years ago. Since then, the two have raised three children, nurtured six grandchildren and shared their passion for the outdoors in their Pennsylvania community.

An accomplished shooter, Nyce hunts with a rifle, shotgun, inline, primitive muzzleloader, and compound bow. Her devotion to training and education led to her becoming an NRA Certified Instructor in shotgun, rifle, and Refuse To Be A Victim. She also volunteers with her community’s Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinic and serves as a shotgun Range Master at the NRA’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge.

“Being a mentor and instructor are two of the greatest joys in my life. The return factor is amazing,” Nyce said. “I always have felt this quote is so true: ‘the leader who shares experience ensures a bright future and leaves a legacy of success behind.’”

A legacy of success is guaranteed with Nyce. As an appointee of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, Nyce mentors 30 young people who make up the Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation.

In 2005, Nyce was a finalist of the Budweiser Conservation Award. She is a member of many hunting and conservation organizations; a Patron member of both the NRA and the National Wild Turkey Federation; a life member of both Safari Club International and Second Amendment Sisters; and countless others.

To honor the pioneering spirit of Ms. Marion P. Hammer, the National Rifle Association bestows the Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award in her name. Hammer has influenced many in her fight to preserve Second Amendment freedoms. From her role as lobbyist in the passage of Florida's Right-to-Carry legislation, to her grassroots efforts in educating youth about firearm safety, ownership and responsibility, Hammer exemplifies activism. As the creator of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program and first woman president of the National Rifle Association, she has significantly impacted her community, state and the nation.

Visit this website to learn more about the Women’s Programs offered by the NRA.