Summers with Shooting Sports

This summer, Thursdays can be used for learning shooting sports with the Weber County 4-H workshops. With groups meeting for archery and rifle shooting, youth can register to learn, no matter their preference or skill level.

Jake Toone leads the Archery Club, which began meeting on April 11 and will end on June 13.

Toone has done archery since he was eight and participated in several youth classes like the one he teaches now. His journey continued with special coaching, and he worked at two separate bow shops in high school. He then shot professionally for four years. He said he’s always been an outdoorsman who loves fishing and archery hunting as well.

Toone said he loves that archery is a sport he can do anywhere, but even more, he loves what it taught him.

“Archery is a very mental sport,” Toone said. “You have to be persistent. It teaches discipline.”

Toone said that a club meeting generally starts with basics and safety, but he tries to personalize his teaching to the individuals.

“Most of it is letting the kids shoot and going off how they’re shooting,” Toone said.

For those not interested in shooting arrows, rifles are another option. The Gunners Club started meeting on March 7, and their last day will be July 25. They alternate every other week between beginner and advanced clubs.

Brandon Wilson is a rifle shooting leader who has been handling firearms since a pretty young age.

“I grew up hunting,” Wilson said. “I’ve always been into shooting in one way or another.”

Wilson was originally in the horse branch of 4-H, and he’s still active there. However, when he heard of the need for shooting sports leaders, he offered his services. He said he wanted to give recognition to Michael Bailey, his co-leader, and the rangemaster Zeke Swander for starting the club.

Wilson went through the necessary trainings and became a ranger safety officer. He said when it comes to rifles, safety is key. He attended several safety and rifle training courses, and he continues participating to keep himself sharp.

“I go to these and try to think, ‘What can I use that’s applicable for the youth?’” Wilson said.

Wilson also ran through what a rifle club meeting looks like.

“The typical meeting starts as a 4-H meeting with the 4-H pledge,” Wilson said. “Then we go through the agenda for the day.”

Wilson then runs through safety, covering the many things youth must keep in mind when working with firearms. He said the best way to teach is by engaging the group.

“Don’t be a drone,” Wilson said. “Empower the youth.”

After he ensures they can deploy proper safety protocols, Wilson lets the kids begin practice, keeping an eye out and stepping in to teach when necessary.

Wilson shared that he loved the dedication it takes to become a true marksman. He said anyone can shoot a gun, but it takes effort to learn how to master hitting the target in one shot.

All the shooting leaders shared they want to help kids safely learn to do shooting sports.

“Just come,” Toone said. “I’ll take any skill level. I just want to get kids out shooting. It’s a ton of fun.”

For those interested in learning more, visit https://extension.usu.edu/weber/4h/shooting-sports/.