Tama County 4-H Young Gun Club members Eric Keller, Gladbrook, Rachel Silhanek, Tama and Hunter Caraccio, Clutier will be competing in national competition in Grand Island, Neb. during June 23-28. -Photo provided

Each year Iowa 4-H Shooting Sports holds a state competition at the Brownell’s range near Montezuma. The highest scoring youth age 14 and over, in each discipline are able to qualify for the National Competition held the following year in Grand Island, Neb.

Last August three members from the Tama County Young Guns 4-H Club qualified to attend the week-long competition. The competition will be held at the Heartland Public Shooting Park and Fonner Park on June 23-28. Each day the kids will shoot different contests within their discipline.

The Tama County Young Guns are proud to be sending Hunter Caraccio, Rachel Silhanek and Eric Keller.

Hunter Caraccio, Clutier, will participate in the air rifle discipline, each day shooting a different contest including CMP 3-position, 40 shot standing, and NRA silhouette

Rachel Silhanek, Tama, will participate in the Hunting Skills discipline, known in Iowa 4-H as Wildlife Skills. Each day will include a written test covering wildlife ID, game management, hunting skills & hunter decision making and one shooting event, such as shot gun sporting clays, 3-D archery, or .22 silhouettes.

Eric Keller, Gladbrook, will participate in the smallbore discipline which includes 100 yard silhouettes, CMP 200 & 600 yard & NRA 3-position.

The week starts off with check-in of equipment on Sunday night, followed by practices and an Olympic-style opening ceremony on Monday. Tuesday is the first day of competitions followed by a teen social night. Wednesday and Thursday are competitions each day followed by an awards ceremony for the previous days’ accomplishments.

All guests get to attend the water park fun night on Thursday night after a long, hot week of competitions. Friday morning are the overall awards and closing ceremonies.

With all of this comes the expense of traveling to and staying in Grand Island for the week. The Tama County Young Guns national qualifiers are raising money to help with their extra expenses by hosting several fundraisers. They just concluded their first fundraiser selling Fun Pasta. The second fundraiser will be a Pirouski Meal on May 4th at the Tama Eagles from 5:30-7:30. The cost for the meal will be $8 which includes a pirouski, baked beans, chips and a drink. The club members will be present and accepting extra donations as well. The final fundraiser of a grilled pork burger meal is still being planned.

Follow the Young Guns Facebook page “Tama County Young Guns 4H Club” for updates!