Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Youngest member Neecie Swart loads her rifle from the prone position during the rifle competition on Saturday.
On Saturday, October 1, 11 members of the 4-H Shooting Sports Club arrived at the Eddy County Rifle Range ready to compete in the annual shoot-off.
The event came after four months of weekly practice at the range, and gave members an opportunity to earn some pretty sweet prizes, thanks to some generous community support and donations.
Bessette Motors donated a Winchester pump 12 gauge shotgun for a general raffle drawing. G&R Grain donated a Savage Bolt-Action .22 rifle to be awarded to "the most improved shooter from last year." The Aggie Foundation donated $1,000 toward the purchase of a Ruger American .300 Winchester rifle to be awarded to the top shooter of the event.
Event participants included Tillie and Neecie Swart, Oakley and Jackson Brazil, Charlie and Billy Jorgenson, Harold and Jerome Gibson, Layton Jacobson, Vinnie Ruppell, and Chaztin Wobbema.
The event included two main competitions for rifle and trap. A third, unexpected, skeet event took everyone by surprise and served as a reminder to stay alert. Charlie Jorgenson prevailed as the top shooter in this competition and gladly accepted the "Rubber Chicken Award."
At the end of the day, the top shooter in both trap and rifle was Jackson Brazil, who took home the Ruger American 300 Win rifle. Layton Jacobson came in second, and first year member Vinnie took third.
The Savage Bolt-Action .22 rifle was awarded to Tillie Swart who was the "most improved shooter" since last year.
The raffle for the Winchester pump 12 gauge shotgun went to Layton Jacobson.
All participants took home new gear including a Teton backpack stuffed with outdoor supplies like headlamps, compasses, water bottles, and firestarters.
Volunteer Instructor Michael Brazil says members have come a long way in terms of technique and skill. "We do more than focus on the target," he says. "We help them become acquainted with the firearm, comfortable with shooting from various stances, and able to relax under pressure. Members who had never been around firearms now display both confidence and competence in their sport."
The purpose of the club extends far beyond shooting, and strives to offer members outdoor experiences. This summer, the club had a campout at Warsing Dam, complete with canoes, kayaks, fishing and burgers. This winter, plans are taking shape for a weekend excursion at Lake Metigoshe State Park where members will experience snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and other winter activities.
Those interested in joining the 4-H Shooting Sports & Outdoors Club should contact Tiffany Munson at the Eddy County Extension Office at (701) 947-2454 for more information. Please note, those wishing to participate in shooting sports must complete a hunter safety course through the North Dakota Game & Fish.
