By By Lance Bruce / 4-H livestock agent
September 15, 2004
Do you like to hunt or fish? Do you like the outdoors? Do you want to learn more about wildlife?If you answered yes to any of these questions then 4-H has a program for you.
The Field and Stream Program will offer opportunities in all of these areas.
The Mississippi 4-H Field and Stream Program is a joint venture between the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, MSU Extension Service and 4-H. The Field and Stream Program is for young people between age 8 and 18. The main portion of this program is delivered via volunteers who are trained to carry out this program.
The main goal of the Field and Stream Program is to enhance development of self-esteem, character, and personal growth through safe and educational involvement in shooting and wildlife related activities. The program also promotes the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
Another great thing about this program is the amount of family involvement it has. The Field and Stream Program is a great opportunity for parents and adults to become a 4-H volunteer. Due to the amount of safety that the program places on the clubs, the more volunteers we have the better. This program will also give parents a chance to participate in something that their children will love.
There are several different areas of the program, but the most popular area is shooting sports. In the shooting sports activity youth receive hours of instruction from certified instructors on the safety and basics of shooting. And there is an opportunity to participate in a multitude of different disciplines. Some of the disciplines include: air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle and pistol, archery, shotgun, and muzzle loading. Hunting is also considered a discipline. Hunting combines elements of all the shooting areas. Age is the only determining factor on what a young person can participate in.
If the Field and Stream Program sounds like something you would be interested in then attend the first meeting of the Lauderdale Field and Stream Club at 5:30 p.m., on Sept. 21, at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center. This first meeting will be to organize the club, elect officers, select meeting dates, and topics that the club would like to cover. For more information contact the Lauderdale County Extension Office at 482-9764.