Returning to the Range: My Evolving Journey with Shoot Like A Girl at SHOT Show 2025
By Sarah Barlow
Field Reporter II for Utah Channel 3
Published: September 28, 2025
LAS VEGAS — Three years after my first tentative steps into the world of firearms at SHOT Show 2022, I’m gearing up for a triumphant return—one that feels less like a rookie initiation and more like coming home to an old friend. Back in January 2022, as a wide-eyed field reporter for Utah Channel 3, I stepped into the Shoot Like A Girl mobile range trailer with a mix of childhood curiosity and adult apprehension. What started as a “cowboys and Indians” daydream evolved into a life-changing afternoon of hands-on training with bows, handguns, and rifles, all under the expert guidance of instructors who made safety feel empowering rather than intimidating. Now, with SHOT Show 2025 on the horizon from January 20-23 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, I’m thrilled to announce my plans to dive deeper into this transformative program, covering its growth, innovations, and impact on women in shooting sports—while sharing stories from fellow participants who, like me, have found confidence in every shot.
For those unfamiliar with my origin story, my 2022 experience was nothing short of revelatory. Invited by Karen Butler, the visionary president and CEO of Shoot Like A Girl, I entered their state-of-the-art semi-tractor trailer setup on Range Day—a safe haven equipped with air-powered simulators that mimicked recoil without the risks of live rounds. In under an hour, I went from gripping a compound bow with white-knuckled hesitation to confidently sighting down a rifle barrel. The program’s “Know the Five … to Stay Alive” safety rules—treating every gun as loaded, keeping the muzzle safe, finger off the trigger, knowing your target and beyond, and securing firearms from unauthorized access—became my mantra. I even tested Walker’s Electronic Hearing Protection, which amplified conversations while suppressing blasts, turning a muffled world into one of heightened awareness. By day’s end, I was live-firing with exhibitors, discovering a passion I didn’t know I had. As I wrote then, “This whole experience was a dream come true… I think I found a new passion! Who knew?”
Fast-forward to today, and that spark has ignited into a steady flame. Living in Southern Utah, where the red-rock vistas of St. George beg for outdoor adventures, I’ve since incorporated shooting into my routine—target practice at local ranges, bow sessions prepping for archery seasons, and even mentoring a few nervous newcomers myself. The program’s emphasis on proper gun fit, recoil management, and age-appropriate safety talks resonated deeply as a mother and widow who’s navigated loss and rediscovery. Shoot Like A Girl didn’t just teach me to shoot; it equipped me to embrace the sport responsibly, aligning perfectly with my reporting focus on technologies that enhance safety in winter and summer pursuits.
For SHOT Show 2025, my coverage plans are ambitious, building on the event’s record attendance and expanded women’s initiatives. I’ll kick off with an exclusive sit-down with Karen Butler and Shoot Like A Girl’s vice president, Christa Forrester, during their guest appearance at the Gun Tote’n Mamas booth (#43005) on Tuesday, January 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This collaboration highlights the synergy between SLG2, Inc.’s hands-on training and GTM’s concealed carry accessories, empowering women with both skills and gear for confident self-protection. Expect in-depth interviews on how the program has driven over 4,000 gun sales and 2,200 bow sales in 2024 alone, per their latest figures, while fostering a community that’s as much about marketing safety as it is about the thrill of the trigger.
Beyond the booth, I’ll embed with the Shoot Like A Girl team for Range Day on January 20, capturing live demos of their updated mobile range tech—now featuring enhanced simulators for even more realistic training on everything from revolvers to AR platforms. I’ll spotlight participant stories, from first-timers echoing my 2022 nerves to seasoned hunters fine-tuning techniques, and tie it back to Utah’s growing women’s shooting scene. With NSSF data showing a 35% surge in female firearm ownership since 2020, I’ll explore how programs like this are closing the gender gap, perhaps with a segment on the Women of the Gun Reception on January 22 at The Venetian’s Palazzo Ballrooms, hosted by NSSF, Project ChildSafe, and Women’s Outdoor News.
Of course, no coverage would be complete without hands-on segments. I’ll revisit the Walker hearing protection lineup—now with Bluetooth integration for range playlists—and test emerging safety innovations, like app-linked smart holsters that alert to unsafe handling. For our Southern Utah audience, I’ll draw parallels to local events, such as the Shoot Like A Girl stops at Bass Pro Shops in St. George, emphasizing how these free, sponsor-backed sessions make the sport accessible year-round. And yes, I’ll squeeze in some personal shooting time, because as any SLG alum knows, practice isn’t just perfect—it’s exhilarating.
Early-bird registration for SHOT Show closes November 30, but for Shoot Like A Girl events, check shootlikeagirl.com for nationwide schedules. Whether you’re a beginner eyeing your first bow or a pro seeking community, this is your invitation. As I head back to Vegas, I’m reminded: Three years ago, Shoot Like A Girl handed me a gun and a future. In 2025, I’m paying it forward—one story, one shot at a time.
Sarah Barlow is a senior field reporter for Utah Channel 3 with a broad focus on technology that improves safety and promotes winter and summer sports found in Southern Utah.