Guest column: Grand County 4-H Shooting Sports celebrates a successful year
Grand County CSU Extension

Holly Martinson/Courtesy photo
The Grand County 4-H Shooting Sports program wrapped the 2024 season by sending 17 members to state in August in the disciplines of archery, shotgun, .22 pistol and .22 rifle.
At state, shotgun member Cooper Martinson initially tied for first place after shooting a perfect 50 and finished third overall after a shoot-off. Archery member Haley Miller qualified for the national archery competition to take place this year.
During the 2024 season, Western heritage was added to the county program as a new shooting sports discipline after an instructor volunteered to become certified. Western heritage represents an appreciation of the Western lifestyle by combining American history with historically accurate firearms, clothing and accessories representative of 1806 to 1900. Two 4-H members participated in the discipline in its first year.

Another addition in 2024 was the formation of the Grand County 4-H Shooting Sports Council, which serves as a governing body for the Shooting Sports program. In an effort to strengthen the program, the council has been fundraising and organizing. The council consists of 4-H Shooting Sports members and leaders, who represent the nearly 40 members enrolled in the program.
A very special thanks to the program’s volunteers and leaders who generously donated their time and knowledge throughout the season. Thanks also to Blue Valley Sportsman’s Club, Crooked Creek Trap Club, Byers Canyon Range and Bruchez & Sons for allowing 4-H use of your facilities for both practice and competition.
The 4-H Shooting Sports program aims to teach youths life skills such as decision making, teamwork, self-discipline, responsibility, confidence, problem solving, safe handling of firearms and archery equipment, and marksmanship.

Open enrollment for all 4-H programs ends Jan. 31. Children ages 5-7 can join the Cloverbuds program, and youths ages 8-18 are eligible to join as members in the Middle Park 4-H program.
To learn more about Grand County 4-H Shooting Sports, email coopext.grand@mail.colostate.edu, call 970-724-3436 or visit the Grand County 4-H Shooting Sports Facebook page.
Taedra Hickam is an administrative assistant for the Grand County CSU Extension. You can reach her at thickam@co.grand.co.us.

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