4-H Shooting Sports Kicks Off New Season
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
COFFEEVILLE — One of Yalobusha County’s strongest and fastest-growing 4-H youth programs is gearing up for another season, with sign-ups and safety training scheduled Saturday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building in Coffeeville. The meeting is required for all participants, including both new and returning members.
County Extension Agent Missy Burney said January marks the official start of the shooting sports season, as competitions begin later in the spring.
“We usually start in January because our competitions begin in April locally, then our district competition is in May in Charleston,” Burney said. “This meeting gets everything going for the year.”
Over the years, the program has expanded to include multiple shooting disciplines. Participants may compete in archery — which includes three divisions — as well as air rifle, .22 rifle, shotgun, and possibly air pistol and .22 pistol.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Burney said. “The kids absolutely love it.”
That enthusiasm has translated into results. Since 2010, Yalobusha County’s 4-H shooting sports program has qualified 18 competitors for national competition, a notable accomplishment for a rural county.
“That’s huge for such a small county,” Burney said.
Burney credited the program’s success to its volunteers, who serve as coaches and mentors across the different shooting disciplines.
“We couldn’t do it without our volunteers,” she said. “They are certified, they’ve been through training, they’ve passed background checks, and they are very good at what they do. They have a lot of patience and a lot of love for these kids.”
Participation continues to grow. Last year, approximately 40 youth participated across the various disciplines, the largest number to date.
“That was our biggest year ever,” Burney said. “It’s a huge program for us.”
The shooting sports program is open to youth ages 8 to 18, with eligibility determined by a child’s age on Jan. 1. Club dues are $50 per participant.
Burney said the program attracts male and female participants.
“It’s probably about half and half,” she said. “Girls are very active in shooting sports.”
Weekly practices typically begin once weather conditions allow, often in late January or February, and are generally held on Sunday afternoons. Participants are required to complete at least eight hours of training, including two hours of classroom safety instruction and six hours of supervised range time, before competing in the district contest.
The program practices at the shooting range in Coffeeville, which is owned by the Coffeeville Police Department. Burney said the county’s 4-H program has an agreement allowing use of the facility and has invested significant effort into improving it.
“We’ve put in sheds, poured concrete, and made improvements so the kids have a safe place to practice,” she said. “We’re very thankful for that partnership.”
Burney encouraged families with interested children to attend the Jan. 10 meeting to learn more about expectations, safety requirements, and time commitments.
“This is a great program,” she said. “It teaches responsibility, discipline, safety, and confidence — and the kids have a great time doing it.”
