Harper County 4-H shooting sports, has many opportunities for youngsters to learn gun safety, sportsmanship, teamwork and marksmanship. One of which is trapshooting. The Harper County 4-H trap range is located on the north side of Highway 64 just eight miles west of Buffalo. There is currently one trap range, with plans underway to add a skeet range as well.

Thanks to the generosity of our county, local individuals & business owners, along with grants from the NRA, the Harper County 4-H has had a very successful shotgun class of shooting sports. Typically there are 15 or more participants in the trapshooting events which are sponsored by the state 4-H sponsors bi-annually. There is usually a spring season beginning in March lasting through mid May and a fall season beginning in August lasting through mid October. Students wishing to participate must be enrolled in 4-H, must have successfully passed a hunter safety course, and must be at least 10 years of age.

Typically there is a practice during each season at 1:30 PM on Sunday afternoons. This not only serves as a practice but as a family day also. Family members and friends are encouraged to come and participate, the only stipulation being that they bring their own shells.

Most competition events take place on Saturday mornings. Students are required to have 8 hours of range training before allowed to enter competition. Several safety rules are in place which everyone on the range must adhere to. Harper County 4-H Shooting Sports strongly promotes safety while sponsoring a family oriented activity for our members.

Something for Everyone
The Shooting Sports curriculum uses the resources of the land-grant university and the time, talent, and dedication of Cooperative Extension agents and certified 4-H leaders, instructors, and trainers who instruct 4-H members in firearms safety and marksmanship. The shooting disciplines include archery, muzzle loading, pistol, rifle, shotgun and hunting. Each discipline is taught by a National or State Certified Instructor.

Healthy Competition
4-H members have opportunities to test their shooting, hunting, and sportsmanship skills in county, regional, state, and national competitions. In fact, they could ultimately set Olympic competition as their goal. There are seventeen Olympic shooting sports events, which continue to draw the third-greatest number of countries.

Building Life Skills
Specific objectives for the program are to:

• Teach decision making, teamwork, self-dicipline, confidence, and problem solving
• Promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior.
• Encourage an appreciation and understanding of natural resources.
• Develop leadership abilities
• Build character and willingness to assume citizenship responsiblity.
• Furnish enjoyable, positive relationships with peers and adult instructors.
• Strengthen families through participation in lifelong recreational activities.
• Build awareness of related career opportunities.