4-H Shotgun Orientation Meeting Set Today, Feb. 6

The Jasper County 4-H shotgun program is gearing up for the 2020 competition season, Practices will begin on Sunday, Feb. 16 and will be held weekly on Sundays starting at 2 p.m. Students in seventh through 12th grades are eligible.

There will be an orientation meeting for potential new team members held today, Feb. 6, at Jasper County High School media center at 6:30 p.m. for 4-H’ers and parents to learn more about the shotgun team and pick up the registration forms. (Returning team members do not have to attend.)

For those who can’t make the meeting, these forms can be picked up at the 4-H office, or have them sent to you by e-mailing 4-H Agent Kasey Hall at kcreid@uga.edu or calling the office at 706-468-6479.

The local 4-H shotgun team participates in modified trap competitions where orange clays are thrown from an oscillating wobble thrower at different heights and directions. There is an area qualification match in April in Griffin, and those who advance will participate in the state match in May near Rock Eagle 4-H Center.

Team members need to have a 12 or 20-gauge shotgun, protective eyewear, and ear protection such as ear plugs or an ear muff. They will also need to have two boxes of shells at each practice. All 4-H’ers must have successfully completed the Georgia Hunter Education Program to participate. Those who haven’t been certified will have the opportunity to get trained before the first match.

The registration fee is $150 which includes the clays for the weekly practices, the entry fees and shells for the area qualification and state matches, and maintenance and upkeep of practice equipment.

If you or your business would be interested in helping to support our local program, we would like to hear from you! Donations and sponsorships of any amount are gladly appreciated and can be used to help offset the team’s expenses or used toward future equipment purchases, such as a new wobble clay thrower.

The Jasper County 4-H shotgun program is under the leadership of head coach Jim Strength, team coaches Robert Davis and Melissa Slocumb, and 4-H Agent Kasey Hall.

For more information, contact Kasey at the Jasper County 4-H office at 706-468-6479 or email kcreid@uga.edu or contact one of the team coaches directly.