Il Ling New is a well-rounded Gunsite Academy instructor, professional guide and National Sporting Clays Association instructor.
1. We want to know more about you. Please give us a glimpse into your journey with firearms.
Like many, I was fortunate to be introduced to shooting and hunting at a very young age while still in my single digits. I was never pressured, nor was I ever told I could NOT do something; shooting was simply another skill to learn, and firearms were tools. I enjoyed shooting enough to qualify for my college shooting team and liked hunting enough to work as a guide in my dad’s outfitting service. I really lucked out when, during my senior year, he sent me to his hero’s newly opened firearms training school: Gunsite. Twenty years later, I returned to take more classes, and afterward, they invited me to go through the instructor process. I made it onto Gunsite’s staff and have taught there for 23 years. From hunting, competing, defending and teaching, I have learned so much about myself, humanity, the animals we share the planet with, and what is important in life.
2. What two pieces of advice would you give someone interested in learning how to shoot or purchase their first firearm?
In both training to shoot and gun selection and fitting, make sure you work with vetted professionals trained to teach and know how to fit (physically and otherwise) firearms to shooters. Consider this: just because your cousin’s best friend loves to play golf doesn’t mean she can (or should) teach someone to play or help select someone’s clubs. And just because your neighbor loves to cook does not mean he should teach a cooking class or choose your kitchenware for you.
Plan for multiples: one class (no matter how many hours or days) will teach you only some of what you want. Likewise, one firearm won’t cover all your needs and goals! Give yourself permission for more!
3. What is your favorite piece of firearm-related equipment that you own? Why do you like it?
My ear protection: hearing damage is permanent and irreversible, AND we now know it is strongly linked to dementia. Plus, loud noises make humans flinch and shoot poorly. On top of that, the noisiest hunting clients I ever had were the ones who couldn’t hear how loud they were because they never wore hearing protection. Protecting my hearing now means I won’t be the person people hate to (try to) talk/YELL to in my later years, and I also won’t be the noisiest hunter in the field because I can’t hear how loud I am!
4. What was something someone told you (or that you read) that significantly influenced your life?
You, and only you, are responsible for the projectiles you fire. (Corollary: Do not let others’ pressure affect your judgment.)
5. What do you wish you knew about getting involved with firearms right from the beginning of your journey?
Shooting and hunting have been a part of my life since I was a little kid; I do not think of a “beginning.” So, my answer is more about my almost 20+ years as a “full-time” instructor. Carrying a firearm is a lifestyle, not an avocation.