Spotlight On: Handguns

January, 2005

Spotlight On: Handguns

By Sheila Calhoun

The WITO Annual Event is fast approaching! Last years event was a huge success and one of the most popular classes was Handguns. The course was taught by Frank Bose and Bruce Wells, and these gentlemen have graciously agreed to return this year.

Anyone who doesn’t know Frank Bose soon will. Frank joined the New York City Police Department in January 1982, at the age of 33. He quickly moved up the ranks in narcotics enforcement operations. After designing, engineering, and constructing the first high-tech prototype surveillance vehicle used by the NYPD, he was transferred to the elite DEA New York Drug Enforcement Task Force. Frank’s work put him in the middle of the largest U.S. cash seizures in history. He has worked with the CIA on various projects, and has been awarded 44 police department and community commendations for valor and significant achievements. After retiring in 1991 as a result of 18 line of duty injuries, Frank was recalled by the DEA to conduct briefings on technical narcotic counter insurgency operations. Frank is co-author of the book “Rock Solid”, which is currently being developed into a major motion picture. Franks work in Hollywood is keeping him extremely busy, and we are honored that he has agreed to be a part of our event again this year!

Bruce Wells is an instructor at Gateway Gun Club in Jacksonville, FL. He has been involved with firearms of all sorts for most of his life. To illustrate the part that shooting sports play in his life, Bruce shared this story with us:

My First Gun

by Bruce Wells

Dad was a hard working carpenter. He held a regular job and worked side jobs as well to support his family of five children. On one of these side jobs, Dad took me along to clean up the scraps and debris.

In the garage, above the back door, hung an old rifle. As I was admiring this old gun, the owner of the house came through the door. He must have noticed the desire in my eyes. I asked him what type of rifle it was, and he said he could not remember. Taking it off the wall, he read the make and model off the barrel. Then he did the most unusual and best thing for me. He said, “Son, if your Dad says it is OK you can have this old gun.” Dad gave his permission and that started a life-long hobby. I was twelve at that time and forty years later that old gun is still in my gun safe.

Dad did not have enough money just to go out and buy guns, but he did manage to buy a couple throughout my teenage years. The wisest thing he did

concerning the guns was to find the most knowledgeable person he knew to teach his son how to care for his guns in a safe manner. To Dad safety meant everything.

Today I am involved in a handgun sport called IPSC. For four years I have thoroughly enjoyed this sport. The rules for this sport place safety as the number one priority. A safety infraction while competing in this sport will cost you a disqualification from a match.

Got something to share? Send it in!

Got an interesting outdoors-themed story? A great game recipe? How about a picture of a “Woman in the Outdoors”? Send them in and let us share it!

If we use it, you’ll get a special gift at our Women in the Outdoors Social inApril 2005. Email all submissions to Sheila Calhoun at

The care, cleaning, and maintenance of a firearm are equally important. I recall at a previous Ladies Field Day, a lady brought her handgun to use at this event and it had not been properly cared for. The gun jammed and I took it to clear it in a safe direction. As the slide went forward the gun fired on its own.

Today there are many reputable gun shops and gunsmiths who are waiting for you to ask them for helpwith the safe care of your firearms. Take the time to learn to care for your firearms safely. The life you may save will be worth the effort.

Dad has since passed on, but what he left with his oldest son is invaluable. I now have the pleasure of passing it on to my son as he is now competing in the shooting sports.

Join us in April for this exciting class. You will not regret the experience as Frank and Bruce introduce you to the shooting sports!

Questions? Comments? Contact us at

2004 NWTF Scholarship Award

Congratulations to the NWTF’s 2004 Scholarship Award Winner. Michael Greg Williams, pictured here with his parents, graduated from BradfordCountyHigh School in 2004. He was the proud recipient of a $1,500 scholarship from the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Trail Ridge Longbeards Chapter. Congratulations, Michael!

Spotlight On: Basic Auto Mechanics

By Sheila Calhoun

The WITO annual event is shaping up to be the best yet. This year, we are excited to feature some new courses which we hope will be both informative and entertaining. One of these is Basic Auto Maintenance.

Our instructor, Ted Miller, is the owner of Miller’s Auto Repair in Orange Park, FL. We had the opportunity to speak with Ted, and this is what he had to say.

How long have you been a mechanic?

I have been a mechanic for 20 years and I am ASE and Saturn certified. I have owned Miller’s Auto repair since 2000.

Of all of the problems you see with vehicles, what is the primary cause?

Lack of basic auto maintenance.

What basics are most important to prevent problems, and if not attended to, what types of problems can they cause?

Oil Changes and Transmission service. Both of these maintenance activities are essential to prevent the failure of the engine and transmission.

Coolant. Also another vital part of keeping the engine running

Gas level. Running the gas too low in the tank can cause the injectors to clog and the fuel pump to get too hot

Tire pressure and rotation. Lack of service to tires can cause tires to wear out too early or unevenly. This can be very dangerous.

Be sure to enroll for this fun an informative class that is sure to keep you on the road safely for a long, long time!

Questions? Comments? Contact us at

W
e want to advertise

your business!

Do you have a business that may appeal to women? If so, we want to advertise your business in the Women in the Outdoors newsletter. It is a great opportunity for you to reach women in the North Florida/South Georgia area

January’s Recipe

Cheesy Potatoes and Chops

4 tenderloin pork chops 1 ½ tsp dried Italian herb seasoning

½ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper2 tbs vegetable oil

½ cup water1 medium onion, thinly sliced

4 medium potatoes (about 1 ¼ lb)

1 can (11 oz.) condensed Cheddar Cheese soup

1 can (10 ¾ oz) condensed Cream of Mushroom soup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Trim excess fat from chops. In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle half of the herb mixture onto chops and rub in.

In a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat, brown chops in hot oil about 5 minutes on each side. Arrange in a single layer in a shallow 2-quart baking dish; set aside.

Pour off excess drippings from skillet. Add soups and water. Stir over low heat to loosen browned bits on bottom of skillet; set aside.

Peel potatoes. Slice into a large bowl. Add onion and remaining herb mixture, tossing to coat well. Spread on top of chops. Evenly pour soup mixture over potatoes.

Cover tightly and bake 1 ½ hrs or until chops and potatoes are tender.

Questions? Comments? Contact us at

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January, 2005

The Women in the Outdoors (WITO) is an outreach program of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).

The WITO is dedicated to providing interactive educational outdoor opportunities for women, the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition. The WITO hosts outdoor learning events, which feature exciting hands on activities ranging from hunting to hiking throughout the United States and Canada. please send an email to or visit our website at You may also contact our Events Coordinator, Patty Molinaro, at (904) 215-1084.

WITO Newsletter ‘Reader’s Raffle’

Tired of entering drawings and raffles, and never winning anything? Now is your chance to put that losing streak behind you! Enter the WITO Newsletter ‘Readership Raffle’ and you are ALWAYS a winner! Just clip out the ‘Raffle Ticket’ in each month’s

newsletter. Bring your ticket(s) to the WITO annual event in April. Everyone who brings in at least one ticket will get a gift!