Jessica Small of Wayne listens Sunday to Bryan Younk, range safety officer, at the Androscoggin County Fish and Game Association firing range in Auburn. Small is one of 138 women who registered for the association’s Ladies’ Day at the Range, one of two days each year when volunteers teach women about shooting firearms and safety. Linda Small of Turner says she came to the event because an intruder recently entered her house and her family encouraged her to learn how to handle a firearm. “I never thought I would have to resort to that (owning a firearm),” Linda Small says, “but reality is reality.” Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Abrina Pilot of Lewiston looks up after firing a rifle Sunday at the Androscoggin County Fish and Game Association firing range in Auburn. Pilot and her mother, Tina Pilot, were two of 138 women who registered for the association’s Ladies’ Day at the range, one of two days each year when volunteers teach women about shooting firearms and safety. Association President Tonya Fons says this is the 10th year for the clinic. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal