Bowie County 4-H Shooting Sports Projects Firing up For 2017

The Bowie County 4-H Shooting Sports projects are getting underway.  Youth ages 9 – 19 years of age interested in archery, pistol, rifle or shotgun are invited to join our 4-H certified coaches for an opportunity to learn about your firearm, safety and improve your shot. Bowie County 4-H has equipment (firearms, hearing & eye protection) for beginners to use.  If you have your own equipment, you will need to bring it to the first practice for the coach(es) to approve.

Current 4-H members need to email Cherrie to sign up for your desired discipline.  If youth are not a current member of Bowie County 4-H, there is a $25 participation fee to join.  Go to www.tx.4honline.com to enroll.  For liability purposes all forms and fees must be completed By Friday, February 17.

The 4-H rifle project is coached by Mr. Lee Sands, Jr.  The rifle project utilizes single shot .22 caliber rifles and shoot three positions, prone, standing and kneeling from a distance of 50 feet.  Practice will begin February 20 at 4:30 p.m. at the Texarkana Gun Club.  Practice will be held Monday’s and Thursday’s through April 27 – weather permitting.  Youth must be enrolled and complete all liability forms prior to this time.

The 4-H shotgun project coached by Mr. Galo Morlet, Mr. Eddy Anders and Dr. Gary Old will be meeting at the Maud Gun Club.  Shotgun shooters will meet February 23 at 4:00 p.m. for their first practice.  Practice will be Thursday’s through April 27 weather permitting.    The Coaches recommend a 12- or 20-gauge shotgun.  At the first practice, the youth will review safety and range rules before shooting.  If you have a shotgun you would like to use, bring it to the first practice.  Mr. Anders will make sure their shotguns are well suited to the youth.  Shotguns will be available for your use during practice and competition.

The 4-H archery project will be coached by Ms. Teri Boswell, Ms. Robyn Fincher and Miss Austin Boswell.  Youth are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have a bow they are comfortable with.  We have Genesis bows, a beginner bow and arrows available for their use during practice, according to Cherrie Curtis, Bowie County 4-H Agent.  Youth will have the opportunity to compete at area competitions.  There are many categories by bow type in which to shoot.

Mr. Jimmy Curtis, Mr. Michael Boswell and Miss Shelby Boswell will be coaching the 4-H pistol project.  Youth will be shooting a .22 semi-automatic handgun.  Handguns will be available for their use on the range.  Participants will be shooting paper targets as well steel targets and work up to shooting the steel challenge.

Archery and Pistol will begin practice the week of March 13.  Bowie County 4-H members are asked to sign up by Friday, February 17.  Non-4-H members are asked to enroll by Friday, February 17.  Families will be emailed start date and times as soon as the schedule is completed.

We look forward to you and your family joining our 4-H family for hands on learning.

For more information on how to get involved in the 4-H Shooting Sports projects or other 4-H projects, contact the Extension office at 903-628-6702 (please leave a message) or email Cherrie at cc-curtis@tamu.edu.

4-H and Texas AgriLife Extension Service programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.  Persons wishing to participate in Extension programs who have special needs are asked to contact the Bowie County Extension office at least 5 working days in advance so that necessary accommodations can be made.