NRA Days in Massachusetts, Illinois and more as weather gets cool

Our run of warm weather may be coming to a close in preparation for the fall, but that doesn't mean people will stop enjoying the outdoors.

One great way that you can have fun is at a Brownells/NRA Day event. Held all over the country, these community activities let adults, kids, families, hunters, sportsmen, competitors - basically everyone - to learn more about, or improving their skill at, the shooting sports.

NRA Days have themes for the activities they provide and are not all the same. But all events are hands-on and typically outdoors, letting you can discover the shooting sports in a safe, controlled, beautiful environment.

You're also sure to have a good time at an NRA Day because the staff are some of the frendliest people around. They wouldn't be putting the event on if they didn't want to share their love of firearms with others. If you've never been to an NRA Day and have even the slightest interest, contact someone putting on an NRA Day near you and see what they have to say.

Here's a list of NRA Days going on in September so you can make plans early.

Safety And Firearm Education Events
Safety is applied and practiced as participants are taught how to safely handle, load, shoot, and unload a variety of different guns.

• September 23
  Old Colony Sportsmen's Assoc.; Pembroke, MA
  9:30am-2:00pm
  First 50 youth receive free NRA t-shirt
  lunch provided to all youth
  Must bring adult - they can shoot too!
  Basic firearms safety and operation followed by, shotgun, black powder, etc.
  Contact George Wilson at 781-871-0003
  GWIL111@comcast.net

• September 30
  Leominster Sportsmen's Club; Leominster, MA
  8am Rain or Shine
  .22 rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Black powder rifle and Archery
  $5.00, includes NRA Day t-shirt for first 50 to register
  Contact Art O'Leary at 978-537-2642
  oleary5150@comcast.net

Competition Events
Participants learn how to compete in a specific shooting sport, what rules govern the sport, proper selection and use of equipment, and how to develop the skills and techniques that give a competitive edge in matches, tournaments, and championships. Competition camps can be conducted at beginner, intermediate or advanced skill levels.

• September 22
  Bristol Ranges; Bristol, IL
  8:30 am
  Family Fun Shoot, all ages welcome  
  Firearms safety class, Civil War-Muzzleloaders, Handgun, Rifle, Trap Shooting Urban & Cowboy Action Shooting
  18+ $15, 12-17 $10, 11 & under are free with a paid parent
  SPACE IS LIMITED
  Contact Ellen Herring at 847-845-6028
  camp@statelinerifle.com

• September 29
  Vienna Fish & Game Club; Vienna, OH
  Ages 9-18
  Gun and archery safety, hands on with rifle, pistol, shotgun, blackpowder and archery
  Pre-register by Sept. 21, 2012
  Call 330-898-4486
  larrybeard@aol.com

Youth Sportsfest Events
Youth participants are introduced to the fun and excitement of shooting sports in a safe, positive, and educational environment. Each SportsFest has its own specialized program focus based on the resources, expertise, and facilities at the sponsor's disposal.

• September 15
  Dean Shultz; Sisseton, SD
  Enjoy a day outside at the Sisseton NRA Field Day
  Call 605-698-3852
  dean.shultz@state.ds.us

Interested in holding an NRA Day at your club or range? Contact NRA Day Program Coordinator Claudia Olsen at nraday@nrahq.org or 703-267-1597 for more information. Remember, NRA Days can be tailored to the needs of your club, community or based on your resources.

Not only can you introduce new folks and families to the shooting sports, but you can show off the programs and activities offered at your club or range.