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N.D. 4-H Air Rifle Program Recruiting for 2019 Season

The program offers youth instruction on how to shoot safely and develops basic life skills such as self-discipline, planning, organization, problem solving and sportsmanship.

Youth interested in shooting sports have another choice during the winter season in North Dakota: the 4-H air rifle program.

North Dakota State University Extension’s Center for 4-H Youth Development offers air rifle programming through the 4-H shooting sports program.

“The 4-H air rifle program is challenging and exciting,” says Adrian Biewer, the 4-H youth development specialist in the Center for 4-H Youth Development who oversees the shooting sports program. “It offers youth high-quality instruction on how to shoot safely and develops basic life skills such as self-discipline, planning, organizing, dedication, problem solving and sportsmanship.

“Our program requires certified instructors who coach youth to learn safe and accurate shooting techniques,” he adds. “In addition, instructors are role models who mentor youth in training routine, self-evaluation, community service and self-improvement.”

The air rifle program uses sporter class air rifles and match pellets. Participants shoot at paper National Rifle Association or Civilian Marksmanship Program AR 5/10 targets from a distance of 10 meters. Most competitions involve 60-shot, three-position or 40-shot standing events.

The 2019 air rifle season offers two district matches and a state championship. The dates and locations for those events are:

  • Feb. 16, Devils Lake, 60-shot standing event
  • March 10, West Fargo, combination match, with a three-position, 60-shot competition and 40-shot silhouette event organized as a fun activity that gives shooters experience with silhouettes for national competition
  • April 6, Devils Lake, State 4-H Air Rifle Championship, a three-position competition

“Our air rifle program is strong, with Ramsey County 4-H producing a 2017 individual national champion and team championship,” Biewer says. “Other shooters have gone on to precision air rifle to compete and do well in the USA Shooting Junior National Championships and Junior Olympic Shooting Championships.”

He notes that development of the 2019 4-H air rifle season is underway, and program leaders are looking for volunteers who are interested in working with youth who want to participate in air rifle or air pistol activities.

Those interested in volunteering should contact the NDSU Extension office in their county. Once county staff approve them as volunteers, they must become certified by attending a state training workshop.

Visit the North Dakota 4-H website at https://www.ndsu.edu/4h/ or contact Biewer at 701-231-6184 or adrian.biewer@ndsu.edu for more information about the shooting sports program or training opportunities for volunteers.

Scheels is a sponsor of 4-H North Dakota Shooting Sports through the North Dakota 4-H Foundation.


NDSU Agriculture Communication - Nov. 15, 2018

Source:Adrian Biewer, 701-231-6184, adrian.biewer@ndsu.edu
Editor:Ellen Crawford, 701-231-5391, ellen.crawford@ndsu.edu
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