Club opens season for young hunters

Young hunters and gun enthusiasts are invited to learn gun safety and accuracy by joining the 4-H's Clay Pigeon Target Sporting Program.

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An information session concerning enrollment in the shooting club will be held 6-7 p.m. Thursday at Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

The club is open to students in grades seven through 12 from any county, said Shirley Williamson, a county extension agent.

"The main thing is to show up at Savannah Rapids on the 10th at 6 p.m. for a short, little orientation meeting so they can meet the coach and find out if this is something they are interested in," Williamson said.

Williamson said the club is home to an average of 50 members who compete in district and state competitions. Last year's team earned a district win and was a state finalist.

All club members must have their hunter's safety card, Williamson said.

"Safety is first," Williamson said. "All kids and all adults that work with the program have to go through a safety program."

Once qualified, club members meet for weekly practices with volunteer coach Keith Howard at the former Columbia County landfill site.

Club members from last year and volunteer instructors will be at the information meeting to answer questions. Williamson said teens can participate in the program.

"The more years you are in, the better your skills are going to be over the course of years until you graduate," Williamson said.

Annual membership fees for the club are $125, which covers the cost of shells, clays, competition fees and trophies.

Participants should provide their own 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotgun.

The enrollment deadline is Jan. 31.

For more information about the club or information session, call Williamson at (706) 868-3413, or visit the cooperative extension Web site at www.ugaextension.com/columbia/4H.