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030826 hr2

030826 hr2

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 In this episode of Eye on the Target Radio, hosts Amanda Suffecool and Rob Campbell broadcast from the floor of the SHOT Show, interviewing guests about new ideas, businesses, and experiences within the firearms and outdoor industries. The first segment features Brooke and Paul from The Range Network, a growing collaboration of gun ranges designed to help range owners share ideas, solve business challenges, and strengthen the shooting industry. Paul explains that the concept grew out of a program he previously developed with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, where industry leaders gathered in roundtable discussions to talk openly about issues affecting ranges, retailers, and manufacturers. When the program ended during the COVID pandemic, Paul and his partners decided to rebuild the idea independently, focusing specifically on gun ranges. The goal is to create a supportive network where operators can exchange "pre-competitive" information—practical advice about staffing, insurance, operations, and best practices—without giving away competitive business strategies. The Range Network organizes regular "huddles," which are virtual meetings where range owners can discuss problems, ask questions, and learn from one another's experiences. In some areas with many participating ranges, the meetings are held in person. The network emphasizes cooperation rather than competition, encouraging ranges to work together and refer customers to one another when appropriate. Brooke explains that the network already includes more than 120 ranges across 45 states and even some in Canada, and it continues to expand as more operators discover the benefits of collaboration. Importantly, membership in the network is free for ranges, and the meetings are closed to outside vendors so participants can focus solely on operational issues rather than sales pitches. Paul also discusses how different types of customers tend to gravitate toward different types of ranges. Some shooters prefer tactical environments centered on defensive firearms and modern sporting rifles, while others treat shooting as a social or recreational activity similar to golf. Recognizing these different customer groups helps ranges tailor their offerings and even partner with nearby facilities that specialize in different shooting disciplines, such as sporting clays or long-distance rifle shooting. By encouraging cooperation rather than rivalry, the network aims to strengthen the entire shooting sports ecosystem. Connected to this effort is another initiative called MyCalibreCard, a membership program that provides discounts at participating ranges and firearms-related businesses. For an annual fee, cardholders receive reduced prices on range visits and certain products while also gaining access to a broader shooting community. The program encourages shooters to visit different ranges—especially while traveling—and helps drive new customers to participating businesses. Some ranges even include the card as part of their own membership packages, creating a nationwide benefit for their members. Later in the broadcast, the hosts interview outdoor television personality Melissa Bachman, host of the hunting show Winchester Deadly Passion. Bachman shares her personal story of turning a lifelong love of hunting into a career. After graduating with degrees in television production and Spanish, she struggled to find work in the industry and initially volunteered at the North American Hunting Club to gain experience. After years working behind the camera filming other hunters, she eventually launched her own production company and television show, building a career through persistence and a willingness to take financial risks. Bachman explains that the show focuses on authentic hunting experiences rather than scripted stories. She films real hunts as they happen—the successes, the failures, and the unexpected moments—because she believes audiences appreciate authenticity. Over the years she has traveled extensively, sometimes hunting more than 300 days a year, pursuing game such as whitetail deer, elk, mule deer, and even alligators. She also describes the unique experiences of different types of hunts, including nighttime alligator hunts where hunters can call gators by mimicking the sound of baby alligators. A major theme of Bachman's work is encouraging families and newcomers—especially women—to participate in hunting. She emphasizes that hunting is about far more than harvesting animals; it's about spending time outdoors, building family traditions, and understanding where food comes from. With five children in her own family, she often involves them in the entire process, from scouting and hunting to processing meat at home. She also donates excess meat to people in need, demonstrating how hunting can support local communities. Throughout the conversation, Bachman encourages new hunters to find mentors, ask questions, and take the first steps ...
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