Oh … the great outdoors!

I know that many of you are getting out your guns, cleaning them, and getting them sighted in for the upcoming hunting seasons if you have not already done so. But did you know there are plenty of opportunities to keep your eye on the target through the entire year?

I am talking about shooting sports. There are several gun clubs throughout the state and many competitions held year round. One in particular I want to tell you about is the 4-H Shooting Sports Program.

Along with the multitude of 4-H programs, one of the fastest growing is the shooting sports. I was just in North Mississippi, where I had the opportunity to get hands-on training and certified as a 4-H shotgun instructor. There were several other volunteers getting trained in rifle, pistol, muzzleloader and archery.

During this training we learned about the particular discipline in regards to the parts of the firearm, how the competitions are set up, how to instruct youth and, most importantly, safety. Along with building character, self-discipline and self-worth, the 4-H shooting sports program also teaches youth how to handle firearms in the safest manner.

Those of you who are thinking “You have got to be kidding me,” I would like to tell you that the shooting sports program is one of the safest activities for youth with the proper supervision of responsible adult leaders.

There are several different levels of the shooting sports program depending on the age of the youth. Beginning at the ages of 8 and 9, youth are allowed to shoot an air rifle or air pistol at 5 and 10 meters. As the youth become older, they are allowed to learn different disciplines such as the .22 rifle and pistol to muzzleloading, shotgun and archery. Competitions are held on the county, district and state levels. Those who compete at state are 14-18 years of age and if the score is high enough, there is also a chance to compete at nationals.



Other news …



Okay, so maybe shooting sports is not the direction you would like to go.

If you are interested in animals, maybe you would prefer to be showing cows or pigs. The 4-H Livestock Show season is upon us and there is still time to get involved.

The deadline to own your animal is Dec. 1. So you still have time to get you a pig if you think you are up to the challenge. There is a chance to compete at the county level, then again at the district show and then on to Dixie National Jr. Round-Up. Maybe you do not want to own an animal but still want to be involved, that is all right, because there are plenty of other ways to participant in the livestock program, including judging or quiz bowls. There is also an array of other projects to be involved in.

If you would like to know more about these 4-H projects or others give and would like to get involved, give me a call at (601) 482-9764.