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Local 4-H clubs have new instructors on the roster who have recently completed training to make them the highest caliber mentors for youth to learn the practice of shooting firearms.

December 1-2 found Robert Flansaas, Cliff Farrier, Lance Schoeman and Digger Powell in Kalispell at the 4-H Sports Shooting Leadership seminar. These grown-up students at the seminar are now qualified instructors for 4-H purposes of gun safety and enjoyment in the discipline of shotgun shooting. As a result of their qualification, Thompson Falls Trap Club and Noxon Rod and Gun Club are preparing to host the newly developed activity to be offered by the local 4-H clubs.

Currently there is a junior shooting program offered at the Thompson Falls Trap Club, where all junior shooters can participate. With the emergence of new instructors, both clubs are seeking junior shooters to turn out to represent their respective areas in the upcoming I-Net Big Sky Trap Shoot and the Spokesman Review annual shoot.

Unique to certain parts of Montana, 4-H is the offering of the Western Heritage project. The discipline combines a comprehensive study of the old west, with the fastest growing shooting sports hobby in the world – western shooting action.

The project offers an avenue for 4-H youth and adult leaders to experience the lifestyles and cultures of the Old West period from 1860 – 1900 through a living history approach, and concepts of gun safety and responsibility. Youth expand their knowledge of U.S. history, shoot replica firearms from the frontier period and, possibly the best part, dress in Old West clothing of the period. Through the Western Heritage project, you connect with the values and traditions of the past, while preserving an appreciation for the heritage of the Old West. The desire to learn more and dig deeper results in an investigative interest in American Frontier history, spurring personal research and increased knowledge of the old days. Youth will undoubtedly uncover the accomplishments and importance of both men and women from a variety of cultures and races that contributed to that piece of American history. Of course, when youth dress the part and are participating in living history, they’ll need to experience the feel of historically accurate firearms and accessories. As for the common 4-H shooting program, the fundamentals of firearms and safety are covered, staying true to the 4-H tradition of placing life-skill over competitive behavior. Youth find the project to be enjoyable and action oriented, which helps keep families involved in 4-H for the long term. Each year closes in a championship event where 4-H members shoot for the fastest time, take a history exam, and have their persona knowledge assessed - it’s not always the fastest shooter who wins.

This project is now active in part of Montana, Missouri, Oregon, Washington, Kansas, Colorado, California, Alabama, and Oklahoma with more states requesting training each year. Local 4-H Shooting Sports clubs are open to all youth ages 8 to 18. Each year, 4-H teaches a shooting sport to more than 300,000 youth. Volunteers are needed to coordinate county programs and to work at the local level. Individuals who are interested in shooting sports and are willing to learn about them can become involved in an existing program or club. All instructors are trained by state instructors certified to teach courses. Adult volunteers receive training in shooting sports at state and regional workshops to become qualified instructors. Shooting sports leaders act as role models and must impart the 4-H philosophy and youth development objectives to 4-H members. 4-H teen leaders may wish to assist with instruction, and can be chosen to be National 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador. These teens will represent the nation’s 4-H shooting sports youth and be introduced to donors and supporters who are CEO’s of major companies and organizations.

For more information go to 4-hshootingsports.org, or call either Robert Flansaas for the Noxon area, 827-3207; or Digger Powell for the Thompson Falls area at 847-0080.