Hey boys, I hear what you're saying, I'm one of those guys. I've killed thousands of birds in our back pasture with 95+% hit rate (especially birds fired from a hockey stick).
Yesterday was my first visit to an actual club. I took two buddies that hadn't ever shot before. We had one helluva good time, and I learned that I'm not a 95% shooter on a real course, yet. I'm joining my local club this spring.
What I definitely noticed is that at 38 I was the youngest person there by at least 20 years. My contact at my local club says it's the exact situation at home.
My point is that it's a somewhat intimidating place and sport to break into, and if we don't somehow draw in some young blood, soon, it's gonna go the way of the dodo. Poking fun at people who come out and try ain't the way to make it better. The boys at the club yesterday were absolutely great, but I made it subtly clear that I knew what I was doing, and that we were safe, yet twice there was paternalistic moments of being talked down to. That's a real turn off.
-J.
It is only intimidating if you make it that way where I have shot over the years. Most members will go out of their way to help and guide newbies in fact many me included have taken them alone on separate fields away from everyone if they so desire even with my gun if they want and my ammo just to ensure they have the right tools to do the job and are comfortable before joining in. In fact most members will do the same
We never poke fun at new people that come out to try unless it is very very clear they need a shotgunning lesson and that shows very quickly. Those yep I and other members will kick your ass and some will even say after Christ I always thought I was a good shot but see I have a lot to learn here ( which I think you now agree with) and I am by far not one of the best shooters anymore. The odd one grunts and goes home never to be seen again but that is rare
How about your statement "made it subtly clear that I knew what I was doing" and it was your first time at an actual club. THINK ABOUT THAT
No you honestly may know shotguns inside out but had no clue with respect to how to shoot each station at the club, hold points, club rules etc etc
If you did I ask did you run the 25 or a 50 nope. WHY you knew what you are doing. See what I am getting at
I am shooting close to 50 years and still to this day there are guys when I miss give me their immediate feedback oh you shot behind. ya I know I did but I just laugh and keep going same guy finishes the round 5 birds less than I hit. But every round I am still learning since I have never run 400 straight in 4 gun and never will in fact many days struggle for 25's ,50's and 100's now I but keep trying
As far as dying yes it is in certain areas here for sure it is but not because of new guys not being treated properly. Lets be honest kids today want very little to do with guns and shooting, why I don't know other than maybe the BS to get a PAL the high costs of shooting are factors but until we can fire rounds from a cell phone
I think you are going to see many clubs just hanging on
IMO Drop the I know what I am doing, ask for feedback and help and let any comments which you dislike run off your back
I close with your I'm not a 95% shooter on a real course, yet
You know how many years it took me to get there a lot and a couple 100,000 of shotshells. May be I am a slow learner, for me easy to get 95% but to do it every simgle round is a different story
Bottom line is have fun and listen there is a lot to learn regardless how much experience you have and thicken up your hide on the comments some share since even if you are running 100's the comments still come from some
Just my 2 cents which is not worth anything mama keeps telling me
Cheers
