KDPW offers free instruction to youth
PRATT -- A basic wingshooting clinic can be a great youth program for any sportsmen’s group, organization, or local gun club. It’s also an effective way to recruit people into the shooting sports and hunting. For those groups interested, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ (KDWP) “Pass It On” program provides a certified instructor, youth shotguns, targets, and shotgun shells free of charge.

Promoting outdoor skills is part of “ Pass It On ,” a program designed to recruit new hunters. Outdoor skills training is just one of the many ways KDWP introduces youngsters to Kansas outdoor recreation. Because upland bird hunting is such a treasured heritage in Kansas, shotgun wingshooting is a particularly valuable skill. Learning to shoot flying targets with a shotgun can help young and novice hunters enjoy their hunting experiences more and make them more successful in the field.

Improving wingshooting skills also promotes ethical hunting. An ethical hunter strives to be as proficient as possible. Also, wingshooting can be enjoyed as a competitive sport through trap, skeet, and sporting clays.

Wingshooting classes are designed for groups of up to 20 young and novice shooters, boys and girls. One-day or half-day clinics can be conducted. Instructors are National Rifle Association and National Sporting Clays Association certified. Although there is no age requirement, youngsters 10 or older usually have the strength and coordination necessary to handle a shotgun. Completion of a certified hunter education course is also recommended although not required.

Learning basic shooting and safe gun handling skills helps get potential hunters started right. Groups and organizations interested in hosting a beginning wingshooting clinic for youth or novice shooters should contact Mike Miller at 620-672-5911. Planning and scheduling requires at least two weeks notice.
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