Youth Shooting

[Bird Brain]

Went over to Bismarck for a sporting clay event on Saturday. I found it interesting to see that a good portion of the field was youth. Very good shooters as well. That bunch from Devils Lake appeared to take all of the side games and did very well in the main event. It seems though they were the only kids that were at the event. Bismarck maybe had 3 youth shooters.

With all the opportunity around the state for youth it makes me wonder why is the Devils Lake program is so strong? I know they have a good bunch of volunteers and such, but they have a very large bunch of youth shooters compared to other cities that are much larger in population. Is there youth programs in other cities? Is it that it is promoted that much more in Devils Lake than other places around the state. I was talking to a few of the parents and they said there would have been more kids at the Silver Dollar shoot but some of them went to a trap shoot in Grand Forks.

I was really impressed with these kids anyway. Sounds like the coaching staff is just a bunch of kids themselves. They got a good deal going up in Devils Lake.Thumbs Up

 

[campcook]

Jeff Essler along with Todd Tescher and Mark Sandness have not only recognized this situation but have decided to do something about it. There is an event scheduled for August 6th at Capital city Sporting Clays. I am not sure what youth shooting will take place but I have been asked to cook so I can assure you the food will be an event in itself

 

[Fox Island Outfitter]

We are in the process of starting an organization geared towards youth shooting sports, called Capital City Young Guns. We will be holding our first youth day on August 6th at Capital City Sporting Clays in Bismarck to introduce the Young Guns to the public and let people know what we are about and our goals for the future. I'll have a flyer later this week, but in the meantime if anyone has any interest or questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thanks,
Todd Tescher

 

[svnmag]

The Lord loves guys like you.

 

[Bird Brain]

That is great! Have you picked the brains of the organizers from Devils Lake? They seem to be doing things right. I don't remember the guys name I am sure Mark Sandness knows the guy in fact I believe they are buddies. One parent said he quit teaching although the kids really recognize him when they see him. He was helping some of them anyway.

I wish Capital City YOUNG GUNS well! It is a treat seeing all the youth! Hopefully more in the future!

 

[00Buckshot]

The guy I believe you are referring to is Darin MacDonald. We have talked some. They know they or anyone for that matter is welcome to hear how we have done it. We are proud of our program in Devils Lake. Thanks for recognizing these shooters they are something. They do work hard at there sport.

 

[Retired Educator]

Congratulations to all of those who get involved in working with youth in any form of outdoor activities. When i was growing up most of us had family that we could learn from. Not necessarily the case any more and that's too bad for some of our youth. Have worked at the State Fair a few times in the NDGF Shooting area and I can assure you that there are a bunch of kids who just light up the first time they get to shoot a gun, even a pellet gun. The really neat thing at the fair is you will see just about as many girls wanting to shoot as boys. Have never worked the fishing section at the fair but it is usually very crowded as well.

The next time we hear about a kid we know doing something wrong, instead of blaming the kid or his parent(s) what if we ask ourselves "Maybe if I had taken the time to take that kid shooting and hunting or fishing this wouldn't have happened." It won't always work but it certainly couldn't hurt.

If any of you have the time or energy to help out a kid, think about it. It might be good for both of you.

 

[BrewCrew]

 

[deleted member]

i am not "in" the program in any way. but, i have friends with kids who do it. just sounds like one of those snowball effect things. get a couple of kids doing it. they realize how fun it is and how anyone has a chance to compete. then the word spreads. drop by drop a lake is filled.

 

[3Roosters]

I also took in this Silver Dollar sporting clay shoot. I went with a buddy and his daughter and another buddy. I hadn't shot sporting clays in a long while and it showed! I sucked. Roosters probably will have no fear of me this fall!! haha I have been badgered in the past to join the local gun club so may decide to take the plunge if I intend to regain my pride! It was amazing to see how many youth were in attendance and taking part in the shoot.
Listening as their winning scores were read made me want to crawl in a hole..hahhaa.. Nawww..just thought..wow.. these youth are really dedicated trying to improve their craft by putting in the time at this sport. Good stuff! I do know a couple of the volunteers here in DL that help get these youngsters interested in shooting sports and teaching them and they are to be commended.

 

[Fox Island Outfitter]

 

[eyexer]

there is a young man in Williston that consistently places in the top ten in youth shoots at the National level.