Syren USA recently added more strong, fabulous women to its impressive team of ambassadors. This month in Syren Savvy, you’ll meet three of the newest members of its ambassador program who share the benefits of shooting shotguns made for women. Find out more about them and why they chose Syren shotguns.
Lindsey Martin
How should a woman interested in upland hunting get started?
A woman interested in upland hunting should first look to a friend or family member who enjoys upland hunting. A familiar face always makes the process a little easier. If you don’t have anyone, your state’s Department of Natural Resources is a great place to begin.
Educating yourself on the laws and rules required in your state is imperative. Most likely, you will be required to obtain a hunting license. Signing up for a hunter’s safety course will get you started. This exposure will go a long way.
Next, research local chapters of organizations such as Pheasants Forever or the Ruffed Grouse Society. Both are great organizations with passionate members willing to mentor and guide you, and offering women’s specific events to help educate new female hunters. This helps make you feel included, easing the stress and anxiety of the unknown. Being pointed in the right direction and having someone to go hunting with will make the experience more enjoyable!
It can be a little overwhelming when you first start out, but being pointed in the right direction, having the will to learn new things, and someone to mentor you will make the experience more enjoyable!.
When women ask you why you shoot a Syren, what do you say?
Shooting my dad’s shotguns was fine for a while, but I really struggled with how well the shotgun fit me. Being a smaller statured female, it was difficult. My dad decided that since I was becoming passionate about sporting clays, I needed a shotgun that fit me. My dad took me to a demo day at our local gun club to try Syren shotguns. He knew that the company rep would be on hand to answer all of our questions. The rep, Jim Hagar, was so encouraging and excited for me that he took his time to ensure that the shotgun fit perfectly. I was amazed at how well the Syren Tempio fit me. Immediately, I was sold, well, actually, my dad purchased it for me. I couldn’t hold back my excitement, so we went right out on the course. With my second shot, I was breaking clays!
Thinking about how much I really wanted to start competing, I knew I needed a shotgun that would meet the necessary demands. Not that my Tempio couldn’t accomplish the task, I really had my eye on the new Julia. The fit, the longer barrels and a look so captivating. Knowing how well my Tempio fit me, the Julia seemed to become an extension of me. I shoot my Julia every weekend, no matter the weather, and it is an amazing shotgun!
Every rep, pro staffer and team member at Syren has been so kind and supportive. They truly embrace the passion of empowering women in shooting sports. It was a dream come true when I was chosen to be a Syren ambassador. Being able to share my experiences and passion is a dream come true.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to go shooting sporting clays with my dad every weekend. This has been something he and I have been doing together for years. When it’s upland bird season in Michigan, we like to go out into the woods to hunt ruffed grouse and pheasants. I also enjoy attending Pilates classes, spending time with my family and friends and being outdoors.
Blayke Barlow
I am currently 16-years old and a sophomore at Alvarado High School. My household consists of myself, my amazing sister, mom, dad and two dogs. I was raised in a Christian household, and I, myself, am also a firm believer in Jesus Christ. Some interesting things about me are that my favorite color is yellow, my favorite animal is a cheetah, my favorite food is Chipotle and I love energy drinks.
How did you discover the shooting sports?
I started shooting shotguns after three years of archery and being introduced to trap during a competition. I quickly discovered I loved shotguns more than archery and decided to pursue them fully. Through shooting, I have had many opportunities and met so many amazing people, and I am very grateful for them.
When women ask you why you shoot a Syren, what do you say?
When asked why I shoot a Syren, I don’t just talk about their guns, but also their customer service. I started out shooting an Elos N2, which was a great gun that fit me very well. As I got older, I grew out of the gun, so I got a Caesar Guerini. All of their guns are amazing, whether it’s a Syren or a Caesar Guerini. However, the guns aren’t the only thing that sets their company apart. Their customer service is one of the best I’ve seen. You send your gun in, and it will be back and fixed way quicker than with other companies. They have amazing communication and are all very knowledgeable and are more than happy to help you with anything you need.
What do you do in your free time?
Even though I do not have much free time, the time I do have I normally spend with my sister. One thing I started this year is managing her softball team. If we’re not on the field, then we are most likely working. This could range from working at our local boutique, Adams Tack, to babysitting, to organizing. I do enjoy my free time when I do have it.
Aniston Hamil
Please tell our readers what you want them to know about you.
My shooting journey all began when I was just a little girl. My brother and I would ride around in the club car, fastened into our car seats with ear muffs on, watching my dad and grandfather compete. Fast forward to my 7th grade year, I began competing under my high school team, Strong Rock Christian School. I furthered my career in shooting at Emmanuel University and competed at the collegiate level for 5 years. From winning national championship titles and individual highs, I couldn’t have imagined attending any other school. Post graduation, I was fortunate enough to secure a full-time job at Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays in Griffin, Georgia. Along the way, I have successfully earned my Level 2 NSCA (National Sporting Clays Association) Instructor Certification.
How did you discover the shooting sports?
Living close to Cherokee Rose, I was able to learn so much from my dad. From the first time I picked up a shotgun to firing my first shot, I knew it was the start of something that turned into such a huge passion of mine. My dad competed for many years, and I have always loved being able to do it with him. He is my biggest inspiration. Shooting sports is all I’ve ever known because of him. He taught my brother and me not only to appreciate the outdoors through shooting sports, but also to compete for the pure love of the game.
When women ask you why you shoot a Syren, what do you say?
As a female in this industry, it has been tricky to find a shotgun built, formed and designed with a woman in mind, but Syren has done exactly this. From the weight of the gun to the perfect length of pull, all the way down to the smaller grip radius … Syren has formulated a shotgun that checks all of the boxes. With the goal to get women involved and outdoors, I admire the heart and mission behind Syren.
You recently graduated from college. Tell us what you are up to and how it’s going.
I graduated from Emmanuel University with a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design and a minor in Business. I am working full-time at Cherokee Rose Sporting Clays as their assistant clubhouse manager and director of marketing. While I am a resident instructor there, I am additionally an associate instructor for Matson Shooting Academy, under the direction of Cody Matson. Cherokee Rose is the home of Matson Shooting Academy. While working at Cherokee Rose and continuing to give instruction, I am able to pour back into the sport that has shaped me into the person that I am today. Although my collegiate chapter has come to a close, I am filled with so much gratitude for being able to still be involved in the shooting sports world.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I love spending it with my family and friends. I enjoy traveling to new places and crossing things off my bucket list. My favorite thing to do outside of work is to continue my design career by being a freelance designer. I love being creative, crafty and trying new hobbies.
To learn more about the other members of Syren’s pro-staff and ambassadors, visit the Team Syren page here.
Enjoying this post? Read more just like it on our Syren Savvy Blog HERE.
*This article was originally posted in our column on WomensOutdoorNews.com written by Michelle Cerino and edited by WON Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird.
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