If hunting is the new shooter's goal, then he also has to learn to fire his gun from various field-shooting positions that are necessary in the hunting fields. In addition, he has to learn to clearly identify game, judge its worth as a trophy, and also to gauge the distance to determine if that game animal is within the hunter's effective range.

Some new hunters will simply assume that they can bluff their way through these hurdles and no one will ever know that they are new to the sport. My friends, that approach is rarely successful. I suppose they think that their outfitter, guides, and hunting pals will make fun of them. The simplest and easiest solution is just to take your guide aside and tell him that you are new to this type of hunting. Tell him that you need his advice and that he will have to coach you on the hunt. You'll be amazed at how many outfitters and guides are willing to do this simply because happy hunters are generally repeat customers.

Those who elect to carry a defensive handgun are often in this same boat. Most states' licensing laws call for a very minimum of classroom sessions. These licensing instructors are far more concerned that you learn the state's law pertaining to using that handgun. Their job is not to teach you to shoot.

Besides knowing how to operate your handgun safely and accurately, the defensive handgunner must also be well versed in defensive tactics, speed reloads, drawing techniques, the use of cover, and a whole battery of other skills that sure aren't going to be learned overnight.

Nor will these techniques be learned by reading a book or, perish the thought, watching some adventure movie. Extensive training is mandatory for the defensive handgunner.

Probably the best route for the new shooter is to get some training at a recognized firearms school. This may not provide any shortcuts to developing shooting skills, but it will keep the student from having to unlearn bad shooting habits. Training and practice are the two things that will build the skills necessary to become a competent gunhandler.

I can recommend two shooting schools that I have attended. They are Gunsite in northern Arizona, and Thunder Ranch in Oregon. Gunsite was founded by the legendary Col. Jeff Cooper, and the staff maintains the tradition set by him. Thunder Ranch is run by Clint Smith, a former peace officer and my good friend, who has had the experiences to back up what he teaches. Another school that I have not personally attended but I hear good things about is the Valhalla Shooting Club.

All three of these schools offer training for the defensive shooter. The new shooter will come away with a good foundation upon which to build his own personal shooting sports. In addition, the training staffs at these schools are among the nicest people you'll ever meet.

In the meantime, the rest of us old gray-haired shooters need to be alert for the new guys at the range and in the hunting fields. A kind word and a friendly piece of advice might be all they need to help them make the shooting sports a safe and enjoyable part of their lives. The family of shooting sportsmen is a pretty important part of our lives. I'd like to see it keep growing, wouldn't you?