Successful Youth Shotgun Trap Shoot

New trap shooters are mentored by members of local 4-H Shotgun Shooting Sports members and the watchful eyes of Abner Redeker (far left), Lyon County 4-H Shotgun Shooting Sports coach. Photo by Chris Franklin.

Forty area youth took part in the National Wild Turkey Federation Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter's free youth trap shoot at the Madison Gun Club on Saturday, June 29th. With over an estimated 60 parents, grandparents, guardians, and friends attending to cheer on the youth, aged 17 and younger, the Madison Gun Club was a very busy place from 9 am. to 1 pm. All supplies for the trap shoot were provided free of charge including clay targets, shells, hearing protection, and eye protection. The youth could bring their own gun or use one provided. Youth shooters also received a 1 year NWTF JAKES membership which includes a 1 year subscription to JAKES Country magazine, JAKES membership card, JAKES decal, and a chance to win a hunt of a lifetime.

            4-H Shotgun Shooting Sports members from Greenwood and Lyon counties were present and demonstrated their shooting skills and also assisted new shooters one-on-one. Lyon County 4-H Shotgun Shooting Sports coach Abner Redeker also instructed shooters and gave shooting tips as well as encouragement to all youth shooters. Madison Gun Club representative Kane Haas was very pleased with the turnout and is looking forward to the next scheduled free youth trap shoot at the Madison Gun Club.

NWTF Flint Hills Gobblers JAKES Coordinator Gib Rhodes was also pleased with the turnout. Rhodes said, "We put a lot of smiles on kid’s faces! For several youth, this was the first time they had shot trap or shot a shotgun at a fast moving target. With the assistance of a team of experienced trap shooting instructors and youth 4-H Shotgun Shooting Sports mentors, the kids were able to see improved trap shooting skills in a short period of time."

            Local sponsors for the event included the Madison Telephone Company, the Schankie family, Wagner's Automotive General Service, and the NWTF Flint Hills Gobblers Chapter.

            The next free youth trap shoot at the Madison Gun Club will be Saturday, July 20th from 9 am. to 1 pm. To participate and reserve a spot, contact event organizer Gib Rhodes at 620-437-2012.