The Kansas 4-H Shooting Sports program will hold its archery state contest on Sept. 26 in Lindsborg. (Photo courtesy of Kansas 4-H) | Download this photo.
4-H Shooting Sports charges ahead to fall season
Youth have begun qualifying for state contests
August 18, 2020
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The state coordinator for Kansas 4-H shooting sports says the program is on target to host state contests in several disciplines this fall.
Shannon Rogge, a Kansas 4-H Youth Development coordinator, said qualifying events began in early August and will continue through the end of the month.
“The state matches are going to look a little different this year,” Rogge said. “How different depends on the location and the discipline and how many kids that we normally expect in a year. With COVID-19 restrictions, we are changing how all of that will look a little bit.”
Listen to an interview by Jeff Wichman with Shannon Rogge, as heard Aug. 17 on Agriculture Today
Right now, she said, the schedule of state matches this fall includes:
- Sept. 26 – archery (Lindsborg).
- Oct. 3 – hunting skills, muzzle loading and small bore (Topeka).
- Oct. 10-11 – shotgun (Wichita).
- Oct. 17-18 – Western heritage (location TBD).
“A lot of things haven’t gone as planned (since the pandemic began) but we are doing our best to have those state matches this year,” Rogge said. “We are still in the process of finalizing those plans and will get that information out soon to counties and local coordinators.”
Information on the events is available on the Kansas 4-H website, from local Kansas extension agents, or on the Kansas 4-H Natural Resources Facebook page.
“Our program is very structured because of the need for increased safety with the youth,” Rogge said. “They learn how to appropriately handle the firearm and archery equipment, but in that process, they also learn a lot about self-discipline and goal-setting. The actual shooting or using a bow is the fun part, but our instructors are very good about teaching everything that leads up to that point.”
Each qualifying and state contest has certified instructors, Rogge said. “When kids are not safe, they can’t learn,” she said. “Safety first, then we can do the learning and the fun stuff.”
Persons interested in becoming certified to teach shooting sports in Kansas are encouraged to contact their local extension office. A statewide training for instructors is scheduled Nov. 7-8 in Cimmaron, Rogge said.
“Instructor training is important for the future of our shooting sports program,” she said. “And we need to renew our volunteer base every year.”
