4-H takes aim

The 4-H shooting sports club will be starting a new season of shooting sports instruction for Valley youth at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 18 at the Saratoga Library.

The shooting club is open to youths who are 4-H members in Saratoga and Encampment and between the ages of 8-years-old and 18. The shooting club instructs children on the safe use of air rifles, air pistols, .22 rifles and pistols, as well as archery. The club also has trap shooting events.

The first meeting on Jan. 18 is an informational meeting, Louis Braun, one of the instructors for the club said. At the first meeting, youths will watch a safety video, go over the rules of the club and safe shooting. Youths who are not a member of 4-H will be given information how to join, Braun said.

There is no additional charge for the shooting sports club, Braun said, adding that 4-H dues cover the club. Even though youths are expected to be responsible for their own firearms, Braun said over the years the club has amassed enough of a collection to allow students to start out with the club’s equipment.

“They don’t need to buy air rifles, air pistols, .22 rifles and pistols,” Braun said. “Some parents would probably panic over (the cost of) that.”

Though the first meeting is at the Saratoga Library, subsequent meetings will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Platte Valley Community Center in Saratoga. Club members will be able to shoot air rifles and use bow and arrows indoors at PVCC, Braun said. The Club’s activities will move outdoors to the Saratoga Gun Club where the participants will be able to shoot the .22 rifle and pistol, and do some trap shooting when the weather improves.

There are three instructors for the club including Braun, as well as some parents who volunteer to help when they are available. Any youth who wishes to join will be accommodated Braun said, adding that the archery segment of the class tends to be especially popular.

“We usually have a really good turnout,” Braun said.

Safety is paramount, of course, and students will begin safety training on the first night before shooting begins.

“Correcting another bunch of eight-year-olds every year,” Braun said with a chuckle.

Anyone wanting information about the club is urged to attend the first meeting, Braun said. Otherwise, those seeking more information can call the Rawlins Extension office at 328-2642, he said.