Posted on

Beware: The Heat Is Upon Us

The heat all across the lower half of the U.S. is outrageously high, and shooters are at an increased risk for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. This is all a continuous spectrum of heat-related illness. Dr. Dan Fisher of Chattanooga, an NSCA Level 2 instructor, warns us of some risk factors that you might need to consider.

First, your age. Shooters older than 60-65 are at an increased risk. Many shooters this age are not in good physical shape. Second, your overall condition. If you have cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes, you are at big risk. Third, your weight. If your BMI is over 35, watch out. Temperature regulation for you might be a problem. Fourth, your degree of acclimatization. If you are not used to excessive heat, danger could be on your horizon. If you have several of these risk factors, your risk goes up dramatically.

Dr. Fisher has several basic recommendations to keep you out of trouble. First, know yourself. Don’t ask yourself to try to do something that is beyond your physical capabilities. If you get overheated, stop immediately and cool off. Second, if possible, try to shoot in the morning between 8 a.m.-noon. The sun is not your friend. Third, consider eating something for breakfast. Milk is actually a good fluid for rehydration. Fourth, pre-load with fluids. Dr. Fisher feels strongly that the literature on the subject recommends fluids with some sort of sodium supplement — not just plain water. There are many sports drinks on the market, all with different levels of sodium in them. Fifth, drink plenty of fluids while shooting. This might be as much as 12-16 ounces of fluid per hour if it is terribly hot. This also may depend on how much you sweat and the humidity of the environment in which you are shooting. Remember that sweating is the body’s elaborate way to cool down under most physiologic circumstances. Sixth, consider shooting shells with less recoil to conserve energy on a hot day.

Competitive shooters are always looking for a top-notch performance. If your fluid and electrolyte balance is off-kilter, there is no doubt that your mental and physical performance will be affected. Plan ahead for the heat, and with these suggestions, you just may manage to avoid something as bad as heat exhaustion and stroke. If nothing else, you might just see and shoot better. Remember, only you can prevent these potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Shooter beware! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Thanks to Dr. Dan Fisher, a physician and shooting instructor, for these valuable tips to keep you safe while shooting this summer.

Posted on

Sponsor a New Gun Rack at the NSC

The National Shooting Complex will have all-new, hand-crafted metal gun racks soon, and you have an opportunity to have your name on one or more of them. Each of the new gun racks will have two 4.5×12” metal plates on opposite sites on which we’ll engrave a sponsor/donor’s name.

The racks will be spread throughout the complex and have varying levels of exposure, so they are priced accordingly. Sponsorship/donor commitments are for a five-year period and include recognition on both metal plates. However, the first 50 gun rack sponsorships will have the recognition period doubled, meaning you get 10 years for the price of 5. Because we are a nonprofit organization, the sponsorship cost is a tax-deductible donation. See prices below.

Members may wish to have their own name on a gun rack, or perhaps you’d like to memorialize a late member, honor your club, recognize a friend, or promote your brand.

A limited number of gun racks sponsorships are available, so contact us right away to make sure you don’t miss out — and that you get the extended sponsorship term as one of the first commitments.

To sponsor one or more gun racks, contact Kris Hampton, khampton@nssa-nsca.com, or 210-771-2051.

Posted on

NSCA Legend Lois Neely Passes

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lois Neely, a true legend and cherished member of the sporting clays community. Lois departed this world on July 10, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the minds and hearts of our industry. Lois dedicated her life to sporting clays tournaments with an unwavering commitment to excellence, skill and service to our sportsmen. Her career began with the NSSA in member services in 1985. She moved to the NSCA in 1989, the first staff member to solely focus on the NSCA at headquarters, with member services until December of 1996 when she became the lead of the NSCA as Assistant Director.

In 2000, Lois struck out on her own as WyShotgun and offered tournament administration services to gun clubs throughout the country. Lois stayed on the NSCA Rules Committee and Hall of Fame Committee for another 10 years as an at-large member due to her knowledge of the game. Lois ran registration for every NSCA National Championship held in San Antonio from 1990 to 2022. Her tireless efforts earned her a spot in the NSCA Hall of Fame as a recipient of the Hal DuPont Service Award in 2021.

Our friend’s memory will forever live through the countless experiences, profound knowledge, and exuberant personality she generously shared with us. Funeral arrangement details will be provided when information is available. Let us be patient, understanding, and supportive during this difficult period, granting her family the necessary time and space to heal.

Posted on

Amber Schwarz Marks 25 Years With NSSA-NSCA-NSC

Amber Schwarz, NSSA-NSCA Director of Member and Club Services, celebrated her 25th anniversary with NSSA-NSCA on April 26. Amber started helping with shoots at the National Shooting Complex in 1996 and became a full-time employee in 1998.

Amber is known as a go-to person at the office who can figure out the answer to any problem, as there are few jobs there she hasn’t done, or practices and policies she hasn’t helped implement. “I’ve worked from one end of the office to the other,” said Amber, “doing anything and everything I could learn to get the job done.” She spent many years as Assistant Director of the National Shooting Complex, assisting with corporate, charity, and registered shoots, event personnel, marketing of the complex, and many other functions associated with NSC management.

In 2020, Amber was promoted to Director of Member and Club Services, managing the staff and practices involved with Headquarters’ most important function — taking care of its members and member clubs.

“Amber’s work ethic and desire to do a great job in everything she does is what makes her special and an incredible team leader here at Headquarters,” said Michael Hampton, Jr., NSSA-NSCA Executive Director. “No matter if its 6 a.m. or 10 p.m., she has a smile on her face and is doing whatever it takes to get the job done and is ready to do it all over again the next day.”

On behalf of the staff, membership, and governing bodies of NSSA-NSCA, we congratulate Amber on her 25th anniversary and offer our appreciation for her many contributions to our success.