Kansas NRA YOUTH HUNTER EDUCATION CHALLENGE MAY 5

National Rifle Association (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Four shooting and four responsibility areas of competition offered to participants

WELLINGTON — On May 5, the National Rifle Association (NRA) will conduct its Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) at the Davis Pond, 5 miles north of Mayfield in Sumner County. (From Highway 160, go north 3 miles on Anson Road, west 1 mile on 40th, and north 1.5 miles on Mayfield Road.) This competition will include two groups: a Youth Division, ages 10-14, and a Senior Division, ages 15-18. Competitors may be 19 if they are enrolled in high school and turn 19 during the school year. Hunter education certification is required except for 10- and 11-year-old participants.

This a comprehensive program created to promote outdoor skills and safety training in young hunters. Youth who have received their state hunter education certificate are eligible to compete for awards and prizes in eight different skill areas. Competition consists of four responsibility events and four shooting events, including rifle, archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, ethics, wildlife identification, orienteering, and safety on the trail. All skill levels are welcome to participate.

Registration forms may be found online at kansasyhec.org/forms.html. Entry form, $20 early entry fee, copy of birth certificate, and copy of hunter safety education certificate must be post marked no later than April 20. Forms will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of participant slots will be available. Mail registration forms to SC KS YHEC, c/o Jarrod Davis, 747 N. Anson Rd., Wellington, KS 67152. On-site registrants will be on standby should participant slots become full. On-site registration fee is $30. More information may be found online at http://kansasyhec.org. Parents are encouraged to stay and enjoy the event. For more information, email KansasYHEC@gmail.com.

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North Dakota: Flooding Affects Shooting Ranges, Moffit to Hold Public Sight-in Days

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High water and the after-effects of flooding along the Missouri River will likely keep some public shooting ranges closed throughout the fall.

MacLean Bottoms range south of Bismarck, Wilton Mine range near Wilton, and Lewis and Clark range south of Williston are all closed until further notice.

Schmidt Bottoms range south of Mandan and Riverdale Wildlife Management Area range near Riverdale remain open.

To alleviate congestion in the Bismarck-Mandan area, the Bismarck-Mandan Rifle and Pistol Association, in cooperation with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, will host several public sight-in days over the next two months at their club shooting range near Moffit.

Jon Hanson, Game and Fish Department hunter education and range grant coordinator, said area residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity, especially with MacLean Bottoms and Wilton ranges closed due to flooding.

“The only public range available in the area is at Schmidt Bottoms south of Mandan,” Hanson said. “It is relatively small, and will most likely be crowded as hunting season approaches.”

To help minimize traffic at Schmidt Bottoms, Hanson said BMRPA has agreed to provide opportunities for the general public. In addition to a public sight-in weekend already scheduled for Oct. 1-2 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.), public shooters are invited to BMRPA Sept. 9, 4-7 p.m.; Sept. 23, 4-7 p.m.; Sept. 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Oct. 14, 4-7 p.m.; Oct. 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Oct. 29, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Shooters must abide by club rules, Hanson said, which are listed on the BMRPA website,bmrpa.org. “All participants are asked to respect the property, in addition to other shooters,” Hanson said.

The BMRPA club range is located near Moffit at 13839 262 St. SE. GPS coordinates are N 46°39′5.4″ W -100°22′30.7″. A printable map with directions is available on the BMRPA website.

Shooters sighting in firearms should always wear hearing and eye protection, keep their gun pointed in a safe direction, keep fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot, keep guns unloaded until ready to use, and identify the target and know what is beyond.

Michigan Lady Hunters: DNR Offers Shooting, Archery and Hunting Workshops for Women in August

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July 26, 2011
The Department of Natural Resources is offering a variety of opportunities for women to learn more about shooting, archery and hunting this August, through its Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program. These hands-on workshops, designed primarily for those 18 and older, teach women the skills needed to take part in outdoor recreational activities.
"This August, women can learn how to shoot a shotgun, a rifle, a bow or how to hunt for deer," said BOW program coordinator Sue Tabor. "Even if you've never held a gun or a bow before, here's a great chance to get your feet wet in a fun and friendly atmosphere."
August BOW programs are taking place in the metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Saginaw areas.
For registration forms and more information on the following BOW programs, visit www.michigan.gov/bow, call 517-241-2225 or email dnr-outdoors-woman@michigan.gov.
Introduction to Rifle Shooting
Saturday, Aug. 6, 3 to 6 p.m.
Hosted by Detroit Sportsmen's Congress
49800 Dequindre Rd., Utica
This class will consist of the National Rifle Association's FIRST Steps rifle course, presenting firearm safety with video and computer graphics in the classroom. Instructors will discuss firearms actions and component parts, ammunition basics, basic shooting positions and firearms for recreational and sporting uses. A hands-on firearms display will be set up for students to handle and become comfortable with the unloaded firearms, with certified instructors available to answer questions. Live fire will take place at an indoor range, using .22 rimfire firearms and supervised by certified instructors at all times. Ammunition, eye and ear protection will be provided. Participants are asked to not bring their own firearms to this class. Youngsters 10 and older are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Cost per person is $30 (adults and youth) to cover ammunition and class materials. This class is first-come, first-served and is limited to 24 participants.
Introduction to Shotgun Shooting
Thursday, Aug, 11, 6 to 9 p.m.
Hosted by Saginaw Field and Stream Club
1296 N. Gleaner Rd., Saginaw
For beginners as well as those who would like to sharpen their shotgun skills, this shooting clinic provides one-on-one instruction. With an emphasis on firearm safety, participants will learn and practice shotgun shooting technique, how to determine their dominant eye, proper stance and firearm fit. Attendees may bring their own shotgun to this class or one will be provided for their use. Only 20-gauge ammunition will be provided; those bringing their own 12-gauge shotgun will need to provide their own ammunition. Eye and ear protection will be available. Cost per person is $30. The class is first-come, first-served, and class size is limited.
Introduction to Archery
Saturday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m. to noon
Hosted by Detroit Sportsmen's Congress
49800 Dequindre Rd., Utica
No skill level is required for this workshop, which will cover safety, dominant eye, proper shooting form/technique, various archery equipment, maintenance and selection. The course will also provide hands-on practice shooting a bow with assistance by instructors. All equipment will be provided. Girls 10 and older are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Cost for both adults and youngsters is $20 each. This class is first-come, first-served and is limited to 24 participants.
Introduction to Shotgun Shooting
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 5 to 9 p.m.
Hosted by Caledonia Sportsman's Club
10721 Coldwater Road SE, Alto
The Great Lakes Outdoors Foundation will provide one-on-one instruction in this class for beginners as well as those who would like to sharpen their shotgun skills. With an emphasis on firearm safety, participants will learn and practice shotgun shooting technique, how to determine their dominant eye, proper stance and firearm fit. Attendees may bring their own shotgun to this class or one will be provided for their use. Eye and ear protection also will be available. Cost is $30 per person, including ammunition.
Deer Hunting Workshop
Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hosted by Detroit Archers Club
5795 Drake Rd., West Bloomfield
Learn the basics necessary to successfully take part in one of Michigan's favorite hunting traditions in this workshop that will cover both archery and firearms deer seasons. Participants will learn about deer hunting regulations, rules, and deer health; deer hunting equipment and scent control; scouting and habitat - where to find deer and places to hunt; safety and hunting etiquette in the field; and caring for and processing game after the harvest. The $20-per-person cost includes lunch and all materials.
Introduction to Archery
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 5 to 9 p.m.
Hosted by Caledonia Sportsman's Club
10721 Coldwater Road SE, Alto
No skill level is required for this workshop, which will cover safety, dominant eye, proper shooting form/technique, various archery equipment, maintenance and selection. The course will also provide hands-on practice at an indoor range, shooting a bow with assistance by instructors. All equipment will be provided. Cost is $15 per person. This class is first-come, first-served and is limited to 10 participants.
Women's Hunter Education Safety Course
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28
Hosted by Tuscola County Conservation Club
1060 Gun Club Rd., Caro
This is the perfect class for anyone who has been interested in learning how to hunt, or to use a firearm, but has been nervous to get started. Women and girls age 12 and up are welcome to take part. Participants must attend both days to take the hunter education safety standard test and take home their certificate. Beverages and morning snacks will be provided; attendees are asked to bring their own sack lunch both days. Early registration is encouraged, as the class is limited to 25 participants and is first-come, first-served. Cost is $10 per person.
BOW is a noncompetitive program for women, in which each individual is encouraged to learn at her own pace. The emphasis is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities, and sharing in the success of one another.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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Opportunity for Indiana Youth to Learn Hunting and Outdoor Skills

This year's Youth Day at the Range at J. Edward Roush Fish & Wildlife Area is June 19, 9 a.m. to noon.

The day includes basic gun safety, shotguns and clay targets, rifle shooting, an archery demonstration, instruction in the use of deer, turkey, duck and goose calls, door prizes, and a free lunch.

Reserve a spot by calling (260) 468-2165 before June 12.

Sponsors include Roush FWA, Lime City Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited, Flint Springs Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Huntington County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

The shooting range is located east of Highway 5 on Division Road in Huntington County.

The range's regular hours are Tuesdays through Sundays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hearing and eye protection are required and may be purchased from the Range Master's Headquarters at the range along with targets and ammunition. The normal fees for the shooting range are $4, $80 for an adult annual pass, $2 for age 16 and younger, and $40 for a youth annual pass.

For more information, visit http://in.gov/dnr/fishwild/6358.htm.