The Bowie County 4-H Rifle and Shotgun Projects are getting under way.

Youths in 3rd grade through 12th grade interested in shooting rifles or shotguns are encouraged to attend an Orientation & Safety meeting Jan. 19, 2016 at 6PM in the Bowie County Courthouse. Those in attendance will complete enrollment forms, liability forms, pay fees and meet the coaches. The coaches will review range procedures and safety requirements.

The 4-H rifle and shotgun disciplines are offered in the spring. This year, they will be adding skeet to their shotgun practice for those interested in both trap and skeet. Youths will have to be active 4-H members to participate in the shooting sports projects. There is a $25 shooting sports fee for each discipline to help offset the cost of ammunition, equipment replacement and repair.

Youths participating in the shotgun project will also have a $3 target fee, per practice, payable at each practice. If youths are not a current member of Bowie County 4-H, there is a $25 participation fee to join. For liability purposes all forms and fees must be completed before attending a practice. Youths are not required to have their own equipment. 4-H has rifles, shotguns and safety equipment for use.

If you want to use your own firearms, they need to be brought to the first practice to have them approved by the coaches. All youths will be required to use 4-H ammunition when using the organization's firearms. The rifle project utilizes single shot .22 caliber rifles.

The 4-H rifle project is coached by Lee Sands Jr. Sands has been coaching the 4-H Rifle Team for 24 years. He has taken numerous teams to state competition. The rifle team will practice at the Texarkana Gun Club. The 4-H shotgun project will be coached by Eddy Anders, Dr. Gary Old and Galo Morlet.

Call 903-628-6702 for more information.

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