Article Image Alt Text

Cedar Co.Sharp Shooters aim for more youth involvement

HARTINGTON — 4-H is an organization that offers a variety of opportunities for youth, not only throughout the nation, but also around the world. The Cedar County 4-H program is very active. With the help of some dedicated community members, the youth of Cedar County will now have the opportunity to grow in the knowledge of handling shotguns and archery. The 4-H group will be known as the Cedar County Sharp Shooters.

At one time, Cedar County 4-H did offer archery, but has never had a person certified to teach shotgun. Being able to offer both shooting sports disciplines is a great benefit to our local youth.

“I think this will be a great opportunity for kids to safely handle shotguns and do archery,” said John Broderson, member of the Cedar County Fair Board and certified 4-H archery leader.

Cedar County now has four men who have become certified; three in shotgun and one in archery. Tim Loberg, Todd Knutson, and Jeff Jones are certified in shotgun; while John Broderson is certified
in archery. The men traveled to Hastings to complete the certification to be able to teach.

“I think it will be a rewarding experience,” said Broderson, an avid hunter who took up bow hunting within the last five years.

There will be a few requirements for each of the two shooting sports.

The shotgun program will be available to youth age 12 and older. The student will be expected to have completed the Hunter’s Safety Certification, this is a requirement for Cedar County. Participants will also be required to have an adult accompany them during practices.Students will be using either a 12 gauge or 20-gauge shotgun.

As of right now, shotgun practices will be taking place in Yankton at Jim River Trap. The men are currently working and applying for grants to have a trap house built at the Cedar County Fairground. The shotgun season will run from March until the end of May. There will be additional cost for 4-H membership, shooting sport program fee, shells, and clay disc.

While the deadline for shotgun was the end of January, youth are still able to sign up for archery.

The archery program will be available to youth age eight and up. Students have the opportunity to utilize a few of the archery supplies 4-H currently has, but may opt to bring their own supplies. The season will run from October until the middle or end of January. Additional cost of a 4-H membership fee and shooting sport program fee are associated with archery.

“We are hoping this is a positive experience for the kids to learn a life sport, and how to learn to do it responsibly,” said Broderson.

 

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition https://etypeservices.com/Northeast%20Nebraska%20News%20CompanyID379/

 

Northeast Nebraska News Company

102 W. Main
Hartington NE 68739
402-254-3997