UPDATE: LANSING - Antlers on the wall, NRA flag on display and men in flannel. Do you know where I spent my afternoon?

I crossed something off my bucket list at the Capital Area Sportsman's League in Lansing, I picked up a gun almost as big as myself and attempted to shoot skeet under the very, very patient tutelage of Pat Rademacher, a volunteer at the club.

Before I set foot near a gun, any gun, we went over safety rules and precautions, from ear plugs and goggles, to the proper way to carry your gun from station to station.

With the safety instructions planted in my head, I planted my feet, shoulder width apart, leaned forward, looked down the barrel and pulled the trigger. And I missed. And missed again. And again. And again after that. Sharp shooter, I am not.

However, another member of the club, Bob, was there to show me a thing or two. This man was unbelievable. He hit every single clay pigeon coming a from all different angles. After the first two pigeons shattered, he turned around and told me "Just like that." Yup, if only I could.

The men were so wonderfully patient as they coached me through the rounds and really showed me the kindness this club emits. They reassured me that the gun I was using was way too big for me and that that could have been the reason for my lackluster score. Personally, I am sure it is due to other components like, wind speeds, sun glare, general chilliness. It has nothing to do with my complete lack of skill, I'm sure.

ORIGINAL STORY: LANSING - My afternoon started with a bang, and much needed adult supervision!