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NW District 4-H Invitational Shooting Sports Competition
The Noble County Fairgrounds was the location for the January 31, 2009 Northwest District 4-H Invitational Shooting Sports Competition. The Semi-Annual (Spring and Winter) Air Pistol, Air Rifle, and Archery Shoot contest representing nine counties - Blaine, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Harper, Major, Noble, Woods and Woodward - had 30 individuals competing in Air Rifle, 9 individuals in Air Pistol, 20 individuals in Archery Recurve Bow and 51 individuals competing in Archery Compound Bow. Emily Judd and Sam Meek from Waynoka and Tanner Burton, Tyler Burton and Terrell Burton from Alva competed in the Northwest District Shoot.
“This district shooting sports event is hosted by the Northwest District 4-H Program, a part of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Services. The 4-H Shooting Sports project teaches young people gun safety and shows them a sport they can enjoy whether they are hunters or not,” said Kevin Hackett, Northwest District 4-H Program Specialist. There is growing participation for both boys and girls. It is an excellent opportunity for dads and granddads to work together in an area of common interest with their children.
Awards were also given away to the top individuals that competed in the 2008-2009 NW District Winter Series Competitions. Emily Judd received an award for placing 3rd in the Air Rifle Senior Division. Tanner Burton also received an award for placing 3rd in the Recurve Bow Intermediate Division. Other 4-H’ers participating in 2008-2009 NW District Winter Series Competitions were Colton Budy, Sam Meek and Bailey Rankin from Waynoka and Tyler Burton, Terrell Burton, Tevin Long and Hank Luddington from Alva.
“Safety is one of the primary lessons 4-H’ers learn,” Hackett added. “For example, before a 4-H’er can even register to shoot, all members and coaches must be trained.” Besides shooting skills and sporting arm safety, youth learn to work with a coach, and they get the experience of team sports and individual competition.
The 4-H Shooting Sports Program also strengthens families as a high percentage of parents are in attendance at events and are often involved right along with their child. All interested youth are encouraged to check out this area of 4-H program expansion whether or not they have previously been 4-H club members.
Programs are currently being organized in archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, shotgun, living history, hunting and black powder in various counties across the state as a result of state-wide 4-H instructor trainings that are held annually. A Northwest District 4-H Invitational Trap Shoot is also held each fall and spring.
This program, like many 4-H programs are led and expanded through the use of volunteers. If you or someone you know, would be interested in becoming involved as a volunteer or youth participant please contact your county OSU Extension Center. All 4-H program activities, membership, and volunteer opportunities are offered to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, natural origin, religion, gender, age or disability.
