Beginning with a bang

Brittany Hamilton
4-H Educator
 
It was a chilly day on January 14th when Weston County 4-H Shooting Sports practices resumed at the Weston County Sportsman’s Club Indoor Range. Monday began with air pistol practices, and over 30 4-H participants filled the time slots available. The following Tuesday saw even more participation for air rifle practice with just over 40 4-H members enrolled.
Each year, shooting practices begin with a review in safety and proper handling of firearms/equipment given by certified 4-H Shooting Sports leaders. Once expectations and safety are explained, 4-H members may head to the firing line and practice with the firearms and paper targets. The 4-H leaders control the line with range commands and watchful eyes to help members improve posture and technique. No horse play or rough housing is allowed, but leaders make things fun by letting participants shoot more “challenging” targets like gummy bears, balloons, and playing cards.
Shooting Sports participants are well into the third week of the air pistol and rifle disciplines. In Weston County, practices start with air rifle and pistol followed by .22 pistol and rifle and archery. Shotgun and muzzle loader practices take place on an outdoor range once weather permits. Practices are held in both Newcastle and Upton, Wyoming. There are generally five weeks of practice in each discipline, then members participate in a County Shoot, which involves members competing against each other within different age groups. Members may then go on to compete at the State 4-H Shoot held in July in Douglas, WY. Shooting Sports is open to all 4-H members 8-19 years old. No previous experience is necessary, and members can expect to gain a knowledge of handling firearms/bows safely as well as good shooting technique. They will undoubtedly have fun too!
As always, we are very grateful to our dedicated Shooting Sports leaders who choose to give hours of their time during this season to teach and spend time with our youth. We also thank our parents and community for their continual support. You all truly make the best better in our 4-H program.