Applications due Aug. 13 for 4-H shooting sports match

Staff Reports

Nevada 4-H is accepting applications for the 2010 Nevada State 4-H Shooting Sports Match Sept. 18 in Carson City. The event starts 7 a.m. at the Capitol City Gun Club and ends with a 7 p.m. awards ceremony at the Carson City Community Center on Williams Street. Lunch will be served at the Carson Rifle Range.

Contest entry forms and application fees are due at the Nevada State 4-H office by Aug. 13.

Safety is No. 1 at the event, and all safety procedures must be practiced at all times. Participants must use all safety equipment required for their event (arm guards and finger protection for archery, safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.). All contestants also must furnish their own ammunition. 4-H will provide targets, target stands, throwers and other equipment.

Eighty-two shooting sports members competed in the 2009 event at Perdiz Shooting Range in Eureka.

State 4-H Youth Development Program and Events Coordinator Stephen Schafer said the event will be fun for all participants, but youth education and social development are the main focus of the event.

"Youth and youth development are the primary objectives for this event," Schafer said. "We are seeking to educate young people and introduce them to some activities that are enjoyable, socially acceptable, mentally and physically challenging, and useful to building character."

4-H shooting sports members will be divided into ranks based on age: seniors, ages 14 to 19 as of Jan. 1, 2010; intermediates, ages 11 to 13; and juniors, ages 9 to 10 are eligible to compete. Members of organized, collegiate or military teams are not eligible.

All competitors must have received instruction in safe shooting in order to qualify for the event. Qualifying competitors have demonstrated shooting proficiency at the county level by achieving at least a minimum qualifying score in order to participate in the Nevada State 4-H Shooting Match.

To sign up, or for more information, contact Stephen Schafer at the Nevada 4-H Program Office at (775) 784-4378.