FORKS RIFLE CLUB

JUNIOR MARKSMANSHIP PROGRAM

by

Steven Martin, Chief Instructor

 

In the Junior Marksmanship Program at the Forks Rifle Club, we strive to teach the kids safety and marksmanship.  We currently have three highly qualified instructors to teach the kids in the proper handling and use of BB guns, air rifles and .22 caliber rifles.  In addition we have on loan from the North Dakota Shooting Sports Association a match grade air pistol for the kids to try.  Our junior club is the largest junior program in the state and is the most active in participating in matches.

 

It is preferred that youngsters be at least ten years old to participate in the .22 caliber rifle program.  If they are younger, we prefer that they enroll in the BB gun program.  That way they can learn the fundamentals of safety and marksmanship with kids more their age, and they are not intimidated by the specialized equipment or discourage by observing the proficiency of shooters with years of  experience.

 

Once the youngsters demonstrate the basic marksmanship skills and safe gun handling skills in the BB gun program, with parental agreement, they can move up to the .22 caliber rifle program.  As soon as they are old enough, we like the youngsters to complete the North Dakota Hunter Safety Program which is offered at the Forks Rifle Club.

 

Shooting is a life long sport as evidenced by the range’s namesake, William G. Coulter, who shot into his nineties.  The shooting sports have been shown to help kids with school in the areas of concentration, responsibility, and respect.  If you are interested in more information on this subject, log on to the Texas 4-H website, where there is an extensive thesis on this subject. 

 

Shooting is a sport where you do not have to be tall, strong, fast or super-coordinated.  You just have to have the desire to do the best that you can.  It also can be a sport for the entire family.  Although, moms and dads cannot shoot on the same nights as the as the juniors, there are separate nights for adults to shoot.  However, in some shooting leagues and matches adults and more advanced juniors do compete together.

 

Parents are encouraged to help with scoring targets, posting scores, and keeping an eye on the juniors taking their breaks.  This frees up the instructors.  However, the training, coaching, and operation of the range are done by the NRA certified instructors.  That is what they are here for.  On school nights, we encourage the juniors to bring their homework with them to the range and work on it during breaks.  

 

Shooting is a sport for both boys and girls.  We currently have as many girls shooting as boys.  So if your daughter is hesitant because she feels that she would be the only girl, believe me she wouldn’t be.

 

Shooting is a sport that you can take as far as you want.  The opportunities are same for boys and girls.  There are local competitions, state championships, regional competitions, and national championships.  There are even college scholarships available.  You can even take it as far as competing in the Olympics, if you are good enough, but I have to stress that YOU HAVE TO PUT THE TIME IN.

 

Now I have to warn you, if your youngster needs a screaming crowd cheering them on, shooting is not for them.  If they need a participation ribbon every time they show up, shooting is not for them.  Every trophy, medal or plague they win is well earned, believe me.  On the club level, we keep track of the score they shoot to determine what level they achieve during the year.  Then at the annual junior picnic, we award the brassards, rockers, badges and certificates earned under the National Rifle Association junior marksmanship program which is sponsored by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.

 

Our formal winter junior indoor shooting program starts in the beginning of October and runs into April.  Tuesday and Thursday evenings are reserved for .22 rifle program, while the BB-gun program is on Friday evenings.  Our summer outdoor shooting program starts the beginning of June and runs about eight weeks.  Check the calendar on the website for the exact dates and times.

 

The cost for a junior membership is currently $15.00 per calendar year.  The Forks Rifle Club supplies all the equipment needed to start your youngster shooting.   Ammunition is provided at a nominal cost, dependent upon the amount of money raised through grants, donations, and fundraisers.  This ensures that you as parent are not overwhelmed with the expense to starting your youngster shooting.

 

If you have any questions regarding the Forks Rifle Club junior marksmanship program call me, Steve Martin, at 218-779-7497.