Shooting Sports Bring Strength

Published: 2019
By Kimberly D Richardson

For years Deer Lodge County 4-H tried to foster an active shooting sports program with no avail. Every year, leaders would undergo training and inevitably for one reason or another, shooting sports did not materialize. In 2017, Deer Lodge County received an NRA (National Rifle Association) grant for new shooting sports equipment, however the new equipment sat unopened and unused. In 2018, the new MSU Extension agent heard about the lack of a shooting sports program and was ready to help 4-H youth realize their project aspirations. With support from the local American Legion and the Deer Lodge County 4-H Council, two new leaders were trained in archery and rifle disciplines. Archery enrolled seven 4-H members and Rifle enrolled eight members. One awesome detail showing inclusion across 4-H project areas was more female participants than male participants in the shooting sports program. Archery began their shooting practice in the basement of the American Legion and then took their practice outdoors to a local shooting range. Shooting sports participants learned a lot and provided the commitment necessary to maintain a newly established shooting sports program.