'Girls Just Wanna Have Guns' coming to region
Women hone their shooting skills during a "Girls Just Wanna Have Guns" event.
Courtesy Photo
COEUR d’ALENE — It’s not uncommon for North Idaho women to have guns in their home — but many lack the skills needed to use one effectively in a self-defense situation.
Adelina Mae is looking to change that.
Mae began "Girls Just Wanna Have Guns," a woman-owned and operated business, after realizing her own mother didn’t know how to use the guns her father kept in the home.
“My mom of all people, who has had guns in her house for a long time, did not know how to use the gun in her own nightstand,” Mae said.
Based in Arizona, "Girls Just Wanna Have Guns" holds events for women in cities across the country to teach them just about everything there is to know about owning and operating a gun, from holding it correctly to aiming, shooting and reloading.
“We go through everything as though you haven’t seen a gun in your life,” Mae said.
Mae said it’s common for women to have limited experience with shooting because they often receive help from their husbands, fathers or other men in their life out on the range.
“Most women, when they go to the range, their husband will load the gun and everything and they’ll just pull the trigger,” Mae said, “but it’s the same gun they would grab and need to operate if something happens at home.”
"Girls Just Wanna Have Guns" hosts events by women, for women, Mae added, because some women may have their reasons to not want to learn about guns from a man, such as survivors of domestic violence.
“It gives them a big sense of confidence and independence," Mae said. "They know they are doing everything they can to protect themselves."
Later this month, Mae is bringing "Girls Just Wanna Have Guns" to Coeur d’Alene — a homecoming of sorts, as Mae’s parents that inspired the business live in Athol.
The June 28 event will include about three hours of dry fire, hands-on learning at the Fernan Rod and Gun Club. Attendees also receive goody bags with essentials for a day on the range — all in pink and black.
Tickets to the event are $175 and can be purchased at girlsjustwannahavegunsevents.com.
Info: @girlsjustwannahavegunss on Instagram.