It is not my usual practice to spread negative information about any person, club or organization.  But, today I make an exception.  Since relocating to the Port Orchard area, my husband and I have been scouting prospective shooting facilities in the area.  My husband, (Vietnam Vet), enjoys long range rifle shooting, and it requires an outdoor facility.  In my usual way, I first went to Google to find ranges in the area.  Gig Harbor Sportsman Club is the closest to our location.  Shooting at an outdoor range can be very enjoyable, in good weather.  As I currently teach women’s classes, I thought there might also be a chance to offer some classes at their facility as well.  Many women from the area have asked if I offer anything on “this side of the bridge”, (Tacoma Narrows).  The answer is always the same, “No, I don’t access to a range.”

Living in the outskirts of Port Orchard is beautiful and peaceful.  And, there is no cell phone reception.  So most of my communication with the outside world is through email.

I contacted the Gig Harbor Sportsman Club, by email, and requested information about their membership and facility.  I explained that my husband and I enjoyed shooting as a sport, and that my husband was a Vietnam Vet.  Often clubs will honor the vets with discounts.  I was honest and up front about my interest to offer women’s classes.  I had been warned in advance by a couple of friends that this club was run by a group of “Good ole boys”.  Nothing new, really, in the gun community.

The following is the first response to my request, and I quote:
“The Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club has very stringent protocol and qualifications as to who is able to use the facility for teaching firearms related classes.”  No other rhetoric.  Nothing was mentioned about us joining the club.  I responded by saying I was glad they are so safety conscious, and asked if I might be told what those protocols and qualifications were.

The following is the 2nd response to my request, and I quote: