Local youths learn firearm essentials

Saturday, August 7, 2010
Cedar Woodworth takes aim during the Putnam County 4-H Shooting Sports event recently.

CLOVERDALE -- It was another great year for the 4-H Shooting Sports firearms group. With the new addition of pistol speed shooting on steel plates for time and accuracy, safe and enjoyable sport shooting sessions were had by local youth.

This year's program consisted of three nights a week for five weeks at the Cloverdale Conservation Club. Each youth was afforded the opportunity to participate in shotgun clay bird games, .22-caliber rimfire bench rest rifle competition, and the new speed pistol shooting.

The youths' skills were then put to a test in a Round Robin of competition, firing each of the three disciples. There were champions in each category and an overall "Top Gun" who placed well in each category and had the best combined score.

During the Putnam County 4-H Shooting Sports session recently, Declan Taylor earned the title of 'Top Gun.' Alex Hughes was named second-place 'Top Gun.'

The West Central Chapter of Quail Unlimited served lunch for each shooter and their family. The Putnam County Fraternal Order of Police donated supplies, prizes and awards. The full year's program was made possible by donations from Indianapolis Power and Light, Dr. Daryl Hodges and the Captain Jim Baugh Memorial Fund. Anyone interested in supporting the program through volunteering or making a donation should contact project coordinator Jerrod Baugh through the Putnam County 4-H Extension Office.

Recently, three young men were honored during the 2010 Putnam County 4-H Shooting Sports session. Tanner Dean (left) was named the rifle champion, Cody Oliver (center) was named pistol champion and Shea Arnold was named the shotgun champion.