4-H youth win in shooting contests
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
RONAN — Mission Valley youth took aim at ribbons in several air rifle, archery and shotgun contests during the Lake County Fair shooting sports competition Saturday.
The air was quiet at the fairgrounds in Ronan as young sharpshooters sighted in their rifles and bows, and it wasn’t long before targets in the air rifle and archery competitions were dotted with holes. Following the morning session at the fairgrounds, contestants in the shotgun division headed to Van Voast Farms/Big Sky Sporting Clays in Polson for some louder action in trap shooting.
“I think (the kids) did pretty well,” Montana State University Extension Agent Nori Pearce said, noting that the level of competition among the Lake County group has continued to improve each year. About 25 local kids with four instructors are involved in shooting sports, but nationwide, shooting sports is one of the most popular 4-H programs, Pearce noted.
“We’ve got a good basic program,” Pearce said. “We just need more kids and leaders.”
Pearce said she’s seen the program improve kids’ self-discipline, leading them to do better in school and be more confident in their abilities. While some parents cite concerns that guns are too dangerous for youngsters to handle, Pearce explained that adult leaders certified in firearm instruction work carefully with 4-Hers to ensure safety and proper gun-handling etiquette.
“Firearms are a tool, and we teach (kids) how to use it and use it well,” she explained.
Anyone interested in getting involved with 4-H shooting sports as a participant or an adult leader can contact Pearce at the Montana State University Extension Office in Ronan.
“Or they can find me at the (Lake County) Fair,” she added.
Shooting Sports Competition Results
Pellet Rifle, Senior, Grand: Victoria Jensen
Pellet Rifle, Senior, Reserve: Chance Frame
Pellet Rifle, Junior, Grand: Jarrett Richey
Pellet Rifle, Junior, Reserve: Micah McClure
Archery, Senior, Grand: Chance Frame
Archery, Senior, Reserve: Colby Chisholm
Archery, Junior, Grand: Jarrett Richey
Archery, Junior, Reserve: Ashley Mock
Shotgun — Trap, Senior, Grand: Levi Frame
Shotgun — Trap, Senior, Reserve: Chance Frame
Shotgun — Trap, Junior, Grand: Tel Motichka
Shotgun — Trap, Junior, Reserve: Jarrett Richey
Ribbon placing — air rifle/archery
Purple
Chance Frame
Colby Chisholm
Michelle Little
Ashley Mock
Tel Motichka
Jarrett Richey
Micah McClure
Blue
Victoria Jensen
Logan Mock
Quinn Motichka
Bailey Weible
Madison Savage
Red
Levi Frame
Josey Motichka
Philip Vaughan
