With the holidays behind us, many of Montana’s children have recently received their first firearm. The question for parents is how to introduce them to marksmanship and firearm safety in the most productive way.
The world of shooting is expansive and the path a shooter takes isn’t identical to any other. Fortunately for parents there are many programs available to suit almost any young shooter’s need.
The Billings Gazette recently profiled the Yellowstone Rifle Club’s junior precision shooting program. Youth marksman in the program learn the basic tenets of competition style shooting with small bore rifles. Shooters are proved with a rifle and all the equipment they need. Parents simply pay a small fee for range time and ammunition.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks run many great hunter’s safety programs throughout the year and across the state. Beginners learn about the basics of firearm safety but most programs do not have live fire training.
Another option for children is programs organized through the 4H Club. Some available projects include precision shooting, pistol marksmanship, shotgun and even cowboy action shooting.
Many Montana families choose to educate their children on firearms safety at home but we are blessed in this state to have many training options for our youngest shooters.
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