That’s the motto of the national women’s shooting organization A Girl & A Gun, and members of the Logan County chapter say it accurately reflects the spirit of the organization.
More than 35 women attended a meet-and-greet membership meeting of the local chapter Saturday morning, Jan. 17 at the Logan County Fishing & Game Association, 2056 N. U.S. Route 68, Bellefontaine.
Members emphasized to prospective participants that the group is about far more than shooting. “We’re family,” several women shared, explaining that the club also connects members through shopping trips, meals, and conversations on everyday topics such as canning, household skills, and practical know-how like how to change a tire.
Women of all experience levels are welcome, from complete beginners to seasoned shooters, and members come from a wide range of professions and backgrounds. Ages represented at Saturday’s meeting ranged from 14 to 79. The local chapter has discretion to allow youth members to participate.
One member, Diane, described the club’s culture candidly, saying, “We don’t like drama, we don’t deal well with stupid, and we love to shoot guns.”
Another member, Emily, said she joined late last year as a beginner and initially felt intimidated. That feeling quickly faded. “They don’t make you feel dumb,” she said, adding that the women here are very helpful and supportive. Club leaders echoed that message, saying there are no dumb questions — only missed opportunities when questions aren’t asked.
Prospective member Hillary, a DeGraff-area resident, said her interest in joining reflects the diversity of reasons women are drawn to the club. She said she owns several firearms and has a significant other who enjoys shooting, but she hasn’t been active in the hobby for several years. Now that her son is older, the work-from-home mom said she has more flexibility in her schedule and is eager to return to something she once enjoyed.
“I miss it,” Hillary said, adding that the club offers a comfortable, supportive environment to ease back into the sport while connecting with other women.
Local chapter facilitator Haleigh Hoffer said membership in the national organization costs $50 annually, with a $5 fee per local meeting. Hoffer started the Logan County chapter in September 2024 and said growth was slow at first but is now gaining momentum.
Hoffer is a National Rifle Association certified pistol, rifle and shotgun instructor, a USA archery instructor, NRA range safety officer and is Wilderness First Aid and Stop the Bleed trained.
”We’re at about 25 members signed up,” she said, noting that many women joined or expressed interest during Saturday’s meeting.
Hoffer also stressed that owning a firearm is not required to participate. Women who don’t have a gun — or don’t have one that fits them well — can still attend meetings and learn in a safe, welcoming setting. Club members said they are happy to help new members find the firearm(s) that suit them best, and joked about the addictive nature of buying guns and talking fellow members into sometimes buying them more out of want than need.
Along with Hoffer, a handful of women are known as the local group’s “A-Team” and serve the club in a variety of leadership roles. The “A-Team” of Tisha Young, Amanda Mack, Alana Wells and Amanda Schneidmiller all assisted Saturday providing demonstations for attendees on gun safety, proper stance, grip, eye domination and basic gun knowledge.
There is a West Mansfield A Girl & A Gun chapter, which is separate group from the Logan County chapter.
In addition to local meetings and range time, members learned that A Girl & A Gun offers extensive opportunities for education, training, and connection at both the local and national levels.
The organization hosts an annual national conference, described as one of the largest firearms events specifically for women in the country. The multi-day event features professional instruction, hands-on training, vendor exhibits, product giveaways, sponsored shooting demos, and opportunities to connect with women from chapters across the nation.
Members also have access to a variety of national training events held throughout the year in locations across the country. These include skill-focused experiences such as defensive handgun training, outdoor adventure shooting events, city-based shooting clinics, and multi-day immersion courses designed for shooters at different experience levels.
The club offers structured Pistol Marksmanship and Defensive Marksmanship programs, which are designed to help women build confidence, improve accuracy, and develop safe, effective shooting skills. The programs are open to beginners and experienced shooters alike and emphasize practical instruction, progressive learning, and personal growth.
The Logan County club utilizes the Fish & Game’s shooting ranges, but members say even with club dues and an additional $65 for an annual F&G membership, the overall cost to members is very afforable relative to other clubs or range fees.
Attendees received a $25 gift card, which could be used toward first-year dues and were able to participate in a raffle with gun-related items, clothes and other prizes.
Click here for a list of membership perks and benefits, such as attending the AG & AG’s annual national conference, sniper school, Virtual Girls Night Out events, book club and more.
To learn more or to join, contact Hoffer at (937) 407-9288 or at ag.aglogancounty@gmail.com.
