Pictured back row from left, Jayson McGaugh and AJ Russell. Middle row, from left Emily Dunn and Jenna Frederick. Front row, Mary Dunn.
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By Tammy Moore Teague
Over 400 adults and young people were in attendance at the 2018 Arkansas 4-H Shooting Sports Range Events held in Ferndale, near Little Rock. Sebastian County delegates Jayson McGaugh, AJ Russell, Emily Dunn, Jenna Frederick and Mary Dunn all participated in various events. Those include disciplines such as a written hunting skills test, shotgun- shooting clay targets, air pistols, air rifle, muzzle loader, archery, .22 rifle, and .22 pistols. During the opening ceremony of competition, Jesse Bocksnick, 4-H Outdoor Skills Coordinator, noted that “this was the largest gathering in the state of 4-H kids.”
The contest was open to teams of 3-4 members, as well as individuals. In the statewide competition, Frederick placed third individually in air pistol and McGaugh took second individually in .22 pistol.
Sebastian County 4-H Shooting Sports Club Leader, Martha Traylor, attended the event and served as a volunteer. Additional volunteers included Ann Russell, the Dayton 4H Club leader and shotgun Range Officer, Doug Russell. Parents, Julie Dunn and Beth Frederick also attended and served as junior and senior coaches.
The program is designed to “enhance self-confidence, personal development, discipline, responsibility, and sponsorship.” Also to “create an appreciation and understanding of natural resources, provide volunteer instructors safe and proper instructional techniques and methods to teach youth, give youth thorough, safe instruction and training in the use of firearms and teach conservation principles.” Lastly, to “be fun and safe for all participants.”
Bocksnick concluded “I Always enjoy seeing them show off all of their hard work, make new friends, and catch up with old ones. I get the opportunity to work with the best volunteers and Co-workers a person could ask for.“
