Meet the Staff ...


Guy J. Sagi

Guy J. Sagi, who came to work at NRA in 2002 as executive editor of Shooting Illustrated, NRA InSights and Shooting Sports USA, was named editor in chief of Shooting Illustrated in June 2007. Sagi’s experience includes stints as editor in chief of NRA Free Hunters and Mule Deer. For nearly a decade he was editor in chief of Safari Times, the newsprint monthly for members of Safari Club International.

Two of his editing positions included a gourmet magazine and a fitness monthly. “I traded militant chefs and sweaty gyms for the smell of gunpowder in the morning,” Sagi said. “You tell me if I made the right decision.”     

Born and raised in Tucson, AZ, he was a volunteer with the Southern Arizona Rescue Association for 12 years and penned a pair of guidebooks on the state’s hunting and fishing. His work has garnered a number of awards, and his byline has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including Four Wheeler, Bass Fishing, the San Francisco Chronicle, Denver Post, Arizona Republic, Cleveland Plain Dealer and Washington Post, although he still doesn’t now the difference between steak tartare and crème brulee.

Aaron Carter

Aaron Carter was appointed to the Shooting Illustrated assistant editor position in October 2004 and brings to the magazine a diversified knowledge of guns, hunting, reloading and the outdoors. He has since been promoted to associate editor.

Carter began freelance writing in 1997 with an article for NRAInSights titled “Gunning for Geese.” Since then, he has written numerous articles covering a wide range of topics, including hunting, shooting, history, conservation and politics for Shooting Illustrated, American Rifleman, American Hunter and NRA InSights.

A native Virginian and avid outdoorsman, Carter spends most of his time enjoying outdoor activities such as hunting, shooting, trapping, fishing and photography. When not in the field or on the range, Carter can be found at the bench assembling handloads or mixing lure for his trap line. Outside of hunting season he roams gun shows and flea markets looking to expand his collection of antique ammunition boxes and competes in jiu-jitsu tournaments.

Adam Heggenstaller

When he was just a teenager, Shooting Illustrated Associate Editor Adam Heggenstaller penned his first article on guns and hunting for his high school newspaper. He continued writing on his favorite subject throughout college at Penn State University, during a period with Outdoor Life, and while serving as Assistant Editor of Penn Lines, a magazine about issues related to rural Pennsylvania. In 2004 he joined the staff of NRA as Senior Communications Specialist, covering various outreach programs and shooting competitions before transferring to the Publications Division.

Born in central Pennsylvania, Heggenstaller was raised in the traditions of hunting and shooting. With nearly 20 years of firearms experience, he clings to this legacy as passionately as he carries a well-traveled Model 88 Winchester passed down from his grandfather. When he’s not in the woods or office, Heggenstaller enjoys fly-fishing, photography and perfecting wild game recipes