The Cascade County 4-H Shooting Sports Program has received funding in the amount of $257.88, which is allocated for the acquisition of .22 pistol targets and LED target lights. The program has been awarded 2 Crosman Challenger air rifles, electronic earmuffs, shooting glasses, spotting scopes with tripod bases, a digital timer, safety vests, and targets designated for .22 rifle, air rifle, and air pistol disciplines.
The Cascade County 4-H Shooting Sports Program extends its sincere gratitude to the National Rifle Association (NRA) for their generous grant, which supports the development of confidence and essential skills among the youth participants.
These resources will be utilized throughout the year for the rifle and pistol disciplines. Some equipment will specifically be employed during the Cascade County Shooting Sports Invitational, scheduled for February.
Participation in all shooting sports disciplines is open to youth aged 9 to 19; however, the BB gun discipline is available to members who are 8 years old and will turn 9 during the 4-H program year. The 4-H program year spans from October 1 to September 30. The organization offers over 200 distinct projects for young participants, encouraging both youth and parents to engage in the program.
For the 2024-2025 program year, a total of 112 members are involved across nine different disciplines available in Cascade County. This program is supported by 13 instructors and 1 junior instructor.
The schedule for the various disciplines is as follows:
- BB Gun: Nine-week course from October to December, held on Tuesday evenings.
- Air Rifle: Nine-week course from October to December, held on Tuesday evenings.
- Air Pistol: Nine-week course from October to December, held on Thursday evenings.
- .22 Rifle: Nine-week course from January to March, held on Tuesday evenings; prior completion of air rifle training is required.
- .22 Pistol: Nine-week course from January to March, held on Thursday evenings; prior completion of air pistol training is required.
- Archery: Fourteen-week course from December to February, held on Monday evenings.
- Shotgun: Six to eight-week course from April to May, held on Thursday evenings.
- Western Heritage: Program runs from October to April on Wednesdays during the winter and on Sunday afternoons from April to June.
- Hunting/Wildlife: Meets bi-monthly from October to June with a couple of scheduled hikes.
The 4-H Shooting Sports Program plays a crucial role in the community by imparting fundamental skills in firearm safety. Participants learn to responsibly handle firearms, acquiring knowledge not only from experienced 4-H instructors but also from peer interactions, which fosters leadership qualities and accountability. The program instills a sense of environmental stewardship and emphasizes cooperative learning across various disciplines. Additionally, participants have the option to attend practice sessions or compete in numerous 4-H tournaments held statewide, thereby facilitating connection with fellow community members who share similar interests.
For more information on the Cascade County 4-H Shooting Sports program, please contact Samaria Kirby at (406) 390- 2880 or the MSU Extension Office at (406) 454-6980.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
