Southeastern grad guns for $25K shooting prize
CHILLICOTHE — While flipping through channels on the TV, people from Chillicothe might see a familiar face as a local woman competes in season three of the show “American Airgunner” on The Outdoor Channel.
Jen Blake and her family have been in Ross County for generations. She is a graduate of Southeastern and currently owns Salt Creek Kayak Adventures in Richmond Dale. She has also taught concealed carry classes in the area for over 15 years. Blake enjoys introducing more women to the world of firearms and helping them feel confident in shooting, whether it be for fun or safety.
As a competition shooter Blake is a three-gun shooter. During these contests, as the name suggests, Blake uses three guns throughout an obstacle course competing with others to see who can be the quickest and most accurate.
Blake originally got interested in firearms and competitions after going to her first event and loving the way she felt after shooting. After coming home from the event she had to put a gun on layaway to continue shooting. Now she has an online following of over 82,000 on Instagram and over 1,500 on Youtube. Firearm companies now send her products to test and make posts about, something she never dreamed would happen.
“I would be paying for this stuff but companies are just sending things,”
Blake said. “I’m living the dream.”
“American Airgunner” is a realitystyle competition where eight people compete against each other in 10 shooting challenges. The challenges test the competitor’s skills and strategies. At the end of the season, the winner will receive a $25,000 prize and be crowned the 2022 Airgunner Challenge Champion.
Sponsored by Walther, a German firearm manufacturer, Blake was asked to be on the show when producers were looking for more female competitors. At that time Blake knew very little about air guns and had to quickly learn. Air guns are similar to other guns in the fact that they shoot ammo and can come in different calibers. However, these guns use compressed air to shoot the bullet and are often much lighter and quieter.
Blake competed against people from multiple states and Mexico. Her opponents include Army veterans, experienced shooters, and air gun store owners. The show also threw in many different challenges. Blake describes having to shoot while on an inversion table or shooting an item off of a lightbulb without breaking the light.
In the confessionals, Blake mentions how some of the other competitors were quick to think the women in the competition would not do as well, however, Blake was in the No. 1 spot soon after that, proving them wrong. Despite the show being a competition, Blake said the contestants got along great and would often give each other tips and tricks.
If she were to win the contests, Blake said she would use the money to help upgrade the small cabin she rents out to visitors in Richmond Dale. She said people are at the cabin almost every weekend as it is in a great location that allows people to enjoy nature.
Viewers can tune in to see Blake every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on The Outdoor Channel. The show is also available for streaming on the Frndly TV app.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at Sreeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_reeves_