[Image: shooting sports]If you are interested in joining the 2009-2010 Acadia Parish 4-H Shooting Sports Club, you must come to the sign-up meeting held in September. For date and time, please consult your September Newsletter. This meeting is mandatory if you would like to compete in 4-H Shooting Sports this year. At the sign-up meeting each member will go through safety training, and a representative from the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will be giving a talk about gun safety.
In 4-H Shooting Sports, youth learn marksmanship, safe and responsible use of firearms, principles of hunting and archery and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth and conservation ethics. The disciplines available to sign up for include Shotgun, Archery, Rifle and B.B. Gun.
About the Program
The Acadia Parish 4-H Outdoor Skills program encompasses the initiative goals of volunteer leadership, capacity building for youth and families, and the environmental stewardship with commitments from the Louisiana State University AgCenter. The 4-H Outdoor Skills Program is an active program that is attractive to both youth and adults. The program uses positive learning and interaction with youth and adult role models. The disciplines are modeled after the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program and are administered by nationally certified-state leaders consisting of extension personnel and volunteers.
The 4-H Outdoor Skills Program is an activity for everyone – girls, boys, young, old, urban and rural. Participation in the program is not limited by skill or physical abilities. The 4-H Outdoor Skills program is open to any youth ages 9-19 regardless of where they attend school. It is a fun, action-oriented program.
Mission Statement: The mission of the Acadia Parish 4-H Outdoor Skills Program is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes so that they may become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.
The program is designed to:
- Assist youth to learn safe and responsible use of shooting equipment;
- Promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior;
- Enhance self-confidence, self-concept, decision making, character, personal development, responsibility, and sportsmanship;
- Develop leadership and citizenship within 4-H parameters for youth and adults;
- Expand 4-H membership and involve more volunteer adult leaders;
- To strengthen families through participation in life-long recreational activities;
- Create an appreciation and understanding of natural resources;
- To encourage participation in natural resources and related natural science programs by exposing participants to the content through hunting/fishing and related activities.
- To develop an understanding of the principles of wildlife management;
- To complement and enhance the impact of existing safety, shooting and hunter educational programs (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries).
The program relies on state 4-H certified/ trained instructors to conduct classes in the various disciplines (archery, air rifle, .22 rifle, shotgun, muzzle loading and hunting/outdoor skills). The program requires 4-H certified instructors to adhere to the safety rules and regulations as dictated by the program to decrease the probability of accidents and injuries as well as enhance the educational experience.
Philosophy
- All instructors in the program will be certified by the state committee to teach specific course(s). Instructors shall participate in an update when new material or new instructions methods are developed.
- The shooting sports program is not an individual 4-H project. It shall be taught as a group project activity, or in sessions such as camp or special interest clubs.
- The enrollment in the program has the potential of reaching new youth audiences as well as new volunteer leaders.
- The program is open to all 4-H members (ages 9 – 19)
- A 4-H Shooting Sports instructor of a discipline has the right to refuse any participant from the shooting sports activity in the interest of safety for the participant and others in the class.
- A sponsor or schedule 4-H shooting sport activity shall be conducted by a 4-H Shooting trained/certified instructor.
Discipline Opportunities
Parents and youth are asked to review each discipline as to the participant’s responsibility for appropriate supplies and expenses before registering. Classes are taught by volunteers.
Youth may participate in more than one discipline as listed in the discipline opportunities. It is up to the participant to attend practice and pay for any additional expenses that may occur.
Shotgun – Modified Trap
Sign Up fee - $20
Shells will be provided
Ear & Eye Protection will be provided
May utilize personal weapons (approved by instructor)
Firearms available for use if needed
Transportation to and from events
Archery / BB Gun
Sign Up fee - $20
Equipment and Targets available for use
May utilize personal equipment (approved by instructor)
Transportation to and from event
Event Opportunities
Upon successful completion of a discipline program, youth may elect to compete at the Parish, Regional and State Level.
Regional and State Competition eligibility will consist of:
- Completion of Hunter Safety Course (Youth 10 years old or older)
- Attendance of no less than half of the scheduled training sessions per discipline on the Parish level.
- Have learned the basic skills for advancement per Coaches requirements.
Southern Louisiana Regional Match will be scheduled in April 2010 with locations to be announced. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation and accommodations. Participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Participants that place and/or score in the top 15 in the Southern Louisiana Regional Match will be eligible to compete at the State Level of Competition to be held in May 2010. Additional information will be provided for participants at the time of advancement to the State Level of competition. The State 4-H Shooting Sports Web site contains additional information and handbooks.
For dates and times of upcoming practices, please check the Acadia Parish Calendar.
Acadia Parish Contacts
Parish 4-H Agents:
Lou Ann Mckeivier (Parish Coordinator)
Sheena Grote(Associate County Agent)
337-788-8821
157 Cherokee Drive
Crowley, LA 70526
Coach / Discipline Coordinators
Terry “Hi Pockets” Fontenot, Jr. Shotgun, 337-580-1113
Roger Klumpp, Jr. Shotgun, 337-658-9703
Chad LeJeune, Jr. Shotgun, 337-432-6740
Rocky Mckeivier, Shotgun, 337-384-9526
Kirk Cart, Sr. Shotgun, 337-224-5534
Scotty Hebert, BB Gun, 337-581-1029
Dennis Herpin, BB Gun/Rifle, 337-873-3861
Dale Anne Dupre, Archery, 337-305-2093
Additional Coaches
Shotgun: Mary Reed, 337-458-2905
Natacha Istre, 337-581-4268
Tammie Hustal, 337-788-0669