Whether for good or ill, advertising is something I know a bit about.
I’m also an incorrigible double gun man. So… here goes:
“General audience” messaging is something that I am afraid is not appropriate, nor cost-effective here.
The good news is that you already have two good channels of promotion: Parker Pages and this web site. Along with other double gun-oriented web sites.
If the type of general youth program under discussion here is to be promoted, then the BOD should agree on some parameters, goals – and then plan to address them both.
Just a bit of pure speculation:
If the “goal” is to promote youth interest in, and passion for, double barrel shotguns – including Parkers – then your audience is best focused to the one you already have. At least to start. Get PGCA members to encourage friends and family to have youngsters “come give it a try” at the next event.
Then let them spread the word about all the fun they have.
Obstacles should be minimized for young people to shoot, too. Competition and adult/peer pressure is an obstacle. Keep it “just for fun.” No pressure. Just shoot. Hit. Miss. Who cares! You want them to like the experience. And the old guns. Not fear looking stupid in the eyes of others. Remember how you felt when you were 18… or even 25? And times that by ten for the ladies.
Also… have some doubles on hand for the young people to borrow and shoot, along with kindly instruction if they wish. Parkers would be nice. But if there’s a good Fox available from a member, who cares? Free cartridges too (to a point).
At both Southern SxS, Vintagers, and other events, the promoters and host clubs can be asked to cooperate in this effort. In the end, it’s all to their benefit.
Then, every young person who shoots and “gives it a go” gets their name tossed into a hat for the gun drawing. That way, even if a 17-year-old girl doesn’t hit one target, she has fun and a chance to go home with a classic double. Who wouldn’t be a fan of shooting if they won??!! Or would come back next time and try it again.
Where do you get the guns? Donations. Or… some of our member/craftsmen might have a few “fixer uppers” lying about that could be brought back to life with little effort, and be a lifetime treasure to a youngster. I might also point out that it would be tax-deductible… and that they would get a lot of positive publicity by doing so.
I just sold my last Parker project gun, or I’d be happy donate it for starters. But I’ll keep an eye out for other pound puppies if I can find them.
This could go on ad infinitum. But something should be done to preserve the Parker/double gun world of the future for collectors, shooters, and your great grandchildren’s inheritance.
The PGCA is the perfect organization to do it too!
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