The Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program began in the 1980s and has grown to 4,000 4-H members and 500 adult leaders. 4-H members may become involved in the 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program in the following disciplines: Air Rifle & Air Pistol, Archery, .22 Rifle, Muzzleloading, Shotgun, and Wildlife. Adults can become certified discipline instructors by attending a weekend workshop and instructing youth in their county. To learn more about the Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program, go to www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/projects/shooting-sports/shooting-sports/index.html.
Meeker County 4-H?Äôers did an outstanding job at this year?Äôs Shooting Sports & Wildlife Invitational! Results included:
?Ä¢ George Lemke (Valley Victors), Trap (Intermediate), 86th Place
Wildlife Calling (Intermediate), second place
Standard Air (Intermediate), 25th place
3 Position Air (Intermediate), 52nd place
Silhouette Shoot (Interme-diate), 30th place
These 4-H?Äôers were coached by 4-H shooting sports certified project leaders: Brad Anderson (Wildlife), Catherine Baumann (Wildlife, Coordinator), Todd Baumann (Shotgun, Air Rifle/Pistol, Muzzleloading, Archery), John Gohmann (Shotgun), Sheri Gohmann (Air Rifle/Pistol), Tom Housman (Air Rifle/Pistol, Shotgun), Todd Lemke (Air Rifle/Pistol, Muzzleloading, Coordinator), and Dave Schwartz (Shotgun), Bill Smith (Shotgun), Tom Tait (Air Rifle/Pistol), Shawn Theis (Archery), Tracy Theis (Wildlife).
The 4-H Shooting Sports is a project for 4-H youth that allows them to learn about wildlife conservation and firearm safety while building self-esteem and confidence.
About Minnesota 4-H: Minnesota 4-H is a youth development program provided through the University of Minnesota Extension. The 4-H mission is to engage Minnesota youth in quality learning opportunities that enable them to shape and reach their full potential as active citizens in a global community. Last year, more than 113,000 kids throughout Minnesota participated in 4-H and learned invaluable life skills while meeting developmental needs of independence, belonging, generosity and mastery. 4-H youth have fun while they learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
For more information on how to become involved in the Shooting Sports Project or 4-H, please call the Meeker County Extension Office at (320) 693-5275, (toll-free 1-877-993-5275), e-mail dacole@umn.edu, or visit our website at www3.extension.umn.edu/county/meeker.