Introducing Youth to Shooting
Let’s be realistic; youth who are not exposed to shooting sports become adults who do not hunt. Firearms education reduces firearm accidents and brings this ancient sport to today’s youth. To keep this ancient and time-honored tradition alive, young people must be educated and involved in safe and regulated hunting and shooting. In Mississippi, we’ve been blessed with a host of these activities.
hunter education
Under Mississippi state law, anyone over the age of 12 who wishes to hunt in the Magnolia State and was born in 1972 or later must complete a hunter education course before heading into the woods. This free 10-hour course is taught by MDWFP and trained volunteer instructors throughout the state. In addition to having a mandatory live fire session, the course is also a wealth of information on first aid, field preparation, conservation, and other topics. To find the next one near you, call 1-800-354-5033 or your regional office. You can usually find them throughout the year in your community.
You don’t just take this class because you’re supposed to; you take it because it is literally what is called: hunter education.
Apprentice Program
Since 2011, MDWFP has offered 3-day learner licenses for Mississippi residents. The license fee is $7.00 and includes all hunting and sport fishing privileges, fall and spring turkey hunting, and archery/primitive weapons (as long as it is in season at the time). As long as the apprentice hunter is over the age of 15 and a resident of the state, they can purchase this unique temporary license even without a hunter education card.
This is a great way to take a friend, especially a youngster such as a nephew, daughter, or younger cousin, out hunting who don’t know if they’ll like the sport yet.
other groups
There are more than 30 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) programs established in high schools across the state. Paid for and run jointly by local school districts and the military, nearly all of these units conduct basic firearms and safety training at least once a week. In addition to discipline and leadership, many youngsters develop a love of shooting sports through this program.
Within the state there is a very healthy branch of national 4-H shooting sports clubs. These are open to children between the ages of 8 and 18 and offer supervised training and competition. These clubs meet at community shooting ranges and private facilities from Gulfport to Horn Lake.
Scouting has long had a very extensive shooting program. If your sons are involved in a local troop, talk to the scoutmaster about shooting merit badges. These programs can be accomplished in Air Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, and Rifle classes. Several local scout camps and councils have dedicated ranges in the state, such as Camp Binachi in eastern Mississippi.
No matter what you do, grab that young man in your life, get him out from behind the video games and talk to him about shooting and hunting. The traditions you keep are yours and it is up to you to pass them on.