LaSalle Parish 4-H Shooting Sports Program
The onset of COVID-19, lockdowns, civil unrest, unprecedented first-time gun buyers, supply chain issues, and ammo hoarding led to shortages and record prices of firearm ammunition. The Louisiana State University AgCenter implemented the LaSalle Parish 4-H Shooting Sports program to teach and inform youths and their parents about firearm and archery equipment safety. Program participants gained mastery, independence and life skills through participation in these youth development activities. The program helped youths demonstrate greater self-discipline, improve grades, become more intrinsically motivated and increase self-esteem, which are traits correlated with improving upstanding citizens in the future. Youths who are exposed to the 4-H Shooting Sports program are more likely to develop a safe working knowledge and an appreciation for firearms and the Second Amendment compared to youths who receive no training except through media outlets. While the program is focused on youth development, it educates about firearms in a positive light.
LaSalle Parish 4-H Shooting Sports instructors have provided the opportunity for many 4-H youths to receive education, increase firearm and archery safety, marksmanship and sportsmanship by sponsoring practice sessions. In addition to local parish shooting sports activities, coaches travel to the regional and state shooting sports events, sometimes overnight, to ensure youth have a positive experience while at the competitions. Time value for volunteer instructors to the program based on the number of practices, registration and safety meetings, and regional shooting sports events contributed a significant financial impact on firearm education to the community.
Link to full statement on website: http://landgrantimpacts.tamu.edu/impacts/show/6138