4-H Receives Grant from NRA Foundation
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
4-H Receives Grant from NRA Foundation
Allison Kosto
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
Earlier this year, Broadwater County 4-H received a grant consisting of safety equipment and supplies from the NRA Foundation to support the county 4-H shooting sports program, specifically the shotgun and small bore .22 rifle programs. The grant award was valued at $2,300.
The mission of Montana 4-H is to prepare youth for living in a global, ever-changing world, as competent contributing adults. Through the 4-H shooting sports program, youth learn life skills, the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment and develop an appreciation for lifelong outdoor recreational activities.
Youth participating in the Broadwater County 4-H Shooting Sports Program can choose between four disciples: archery, shotgun, .22 rifle, and hunting. The program is led by state-certified 4-H leaders who instruct members in safety and marksmanship. The program strives to help youth become competent contributing adults of society who promote high standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior in all shooting disciplines and exhibit lifelong leadership skills. It aims to complement existing hunter-education programs. During the past year, 43 youth participated in the county 4-H shooting sports program.
The primary focus of the grant was to enhance the shotgun discipline. In 2021, new 4-H leaders took over the shotgun program and have improved the quality of the program while recruiting new members. In a single year, the shotgun program more than doubled, growing from just 4 members to 10 members. The NRA grant allowed the program to purchase necessary safety equipment, shooting vests, shell pouches and slings. As this program has evolved over the last several years, so has the success of the members. For the first time, several more experienced members were ready to move up. The grant also allowed for the purchase of a 12-gauge shotgun for more advanced members to use if they are unable to purchase their own.
The secondary focus of the grant is to support the small-bore .22 rifle discipline. This program has also grown in leaps and bounds. It more than doubled this 4-H year from 7 members to 17 members. Through the grant, the program was able to purchase safety equipment and ammunition. The high cost of ammunition can be a barrier for some youth to participate. The grant helps lower the program cost and make it accessible to more youth.
The new 4-H year starts on October 1st and enrollment opens again. 4-H shooting sports is open to youth who are 9-18 years old and actively involved in an organized 4-H Club. There are seven 4-H Clubs in Broadwater County. The 4-H archery program typically begins in November or December and runs weekly through March. Current certified archery instructors are Jason Noyes, Andrew Christensen, Eric Crusch, Barry McDonald and Travis Volkman. The small bore .22 rifle program runs most of the year with certified instructors, John Pavao and Todd Kitto. The shotgun program begins in May and continues over the summer with certified instructors, Todd Beatty and Daniel Truesdell. Hunting is the newest discipline and is led by Brandon Henke.
A big thank you also goes to the Broadwater Rod & Gun Club. They waive the range fee to allow 4-H youth to use their facility for 4-H shooting practice. They also contribute a few shells and storage space for 4-H equipment.
Thank you again to the NRA Foundation and the Rod & Gun Club! Together we can provide a high-quality experience for youth to learn the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment. The 4-H program is also in need of more adults who are willing to volunteer their time as instructors. To inquire about the 4-H program as a youth member or a volunteer, contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or broadwater@montana.edu.
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PhotoCredit: Photo Credits: Allison Kosto
Image 1 Caption: Youth participating in the Broadwater County 4-H Shooting Sports Program
Photo Credits: Allison Kosto
