Area 4-H’ers got to test their shooting skills during the annual Minnesota 4-H State Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational.

Mower County 4-H’ers participated in the Minnesota 4-H State Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational Sept. 11-13. This year, 838 youth from across the state participated in the annual event.

The Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Program began in the 1980s and has grown to about 4,000 4-H members and 500 adult volunteer leaders. Youth in grades third-through- one year past high school in 4H who have completed at least 15 hours of shooting with a certified instructor and eight hours of wildlife education participated in archery, muzzleloading, shotgun, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, silhouette shoot, skill-a-thon, trap, wildlife calling, and conservation/ and wildlife displays throughout the weekend. Youth had the opportunity to showcase the skills they have learned throughout the past year in their discipline of interest.

“Through the Minnesota 4-H State Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational, youth build communications skills, and gain deeper learning and interest in firearm safety, wildlife management and conservation,” Kia Harries, extension 4-H educator, said in a press release. “These experiences contribute to their success in school, future areas of study in college, and potential careers.”

On Sept. 11, the Mower County Shooting Sports Trap Team traveled to Alexandria Minnesota for the annual state tournament. The team, who had only been in existence for three months, left Alexandria with a state championship in two categories.

The six-person team consisted of Morgan Beckman, Jonah Smith, Carter Conradt, and Sondra German competing in the senior division. Team member Asa Smith was competing as an individual intermediate and as a senior team member. Member Mason Silbaugh was competing in the individual intermediate division. The senior team took the state senior championship by breaking 456 targets out of 500. Carter Conradt broke 97 out of 100 targets to become the senior individual state champion and Asa Smith took fifth place in the individual intermediate division with a score of 47 out of 50. All of the athletes will be recognized at the upcoming 4H awards banquet.

To learn more about Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Project, contact Mower County 4-H Program Coordinator Kristin Krell at 507-437-9552 and visit the website, www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/events/shooting-sports-invitational/.