Arkansas Agriculture Edition 23 : Page 6
primarily a “bull’s-eye” type of competition. The shooting events promote marksmanship and, more importantly, safety. 4-H’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge, sponsored in part by the National Rifle Association, differs considerably. At first glance, it resembles a regular shooting competition, but participants also learn leadership, ethics and safety in an environment that fosters interest in the outdoors, shooting and hunting. Some have described it as “Advanced Hunter Education.” Events such as the Hunter Safety Trail and Hunter Responsibility Exam inspire the participants to learn more about ethics, conservation and being good sportsmen. Other events, such as the Hunter Orienteering Challenge and Hunting Wildlife Identification Challenge, allow participants to gain knowledge and real outdoor skills. The shooting events (.22 light hunting rifle, 12-and 20-gauge sporting clays, 3-D archery and muzzleloader) promote marksmanship and safety in simulated hunting situations. All youth participants in Arkansas 4-H Shooting Sports practice in their respective county clubs under the guidance of 4-H Shooting Sports instructors trained using the National 4-H Shooting Sports Curriculum. Furthermore, all youths must also have successfully completed an approved Hunter Education Course and meet certain minimum proficiency standards in firearms knowledge and use established by the Arkansas 4-H continued on page 8 Shooting Sports get boost from Arkansas Farm Bureau Arkansas Farm Bureau is a big supporter of youth shooting-sports programs in the state. The organization recently assisted with construction of a new shooting facility at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center near Ferndale. At the 4-H Shooting Sports Range Events State Competition held last July, hundreds of young shooting enthusiasts tested their .22-pistol shooting skills at the newly opened range. At the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission’s August meeting, Farm Bureau President Randy Veach (right) presented a $10,000 check to support the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports t Program. Program coordinator Chuck P Woodson accepted the donation on W behalf of AG&FC. A new shooting b facility at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H f -Center near Ferndale was constructed C with financial assistance from the w Arkansas Farm Bureau. A 6 Arkansas Agriculture
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