4-H shooting program scores high marks

Gage Battaglio’s eyes were fixed like a falcon’s down range as he took aim at his target. He had already shot from the prone position; now he was taking a solid kneeling position with his instructor nearby holding a stopwatch. It’s one thing to hit a bull’s eye consistently in itself freehand. It’s another while under the pressure of a time constraint.
All of 10 years old, if Battaglio was nervous, he didn’t show it. He took aim undeterred like a seasoned military marksman. Only there were no words being shouted out like “Ready on the right, ready on the left, ready on the firing line — commence firing!” It was just he, his father Scott Battaglio and his volunteer St. Mary Parish 4-H Shooting Instructor Joel Pellerin. No pressure.
While the seconds ticked off, the rhythmic spat-spat-spat report of .22s coming from Battaglio’s rifle could be heard, truly an indication he grasped an understanding of controlled shooting. When the range was safe and clear, an examination of the youngsters target 25 yards away showed the Eley Edge rounds his father spent extra money on had found their mark in and around the bull’s eye scoring high marks.
Competition is all about consistency, not just from the marksman, but also from the bullets used. Eley Edge .22s, though costing more per box than cheaper brand ammunition, are less prone to have fliers most shooters use to plink with, according to Battaglio’s father.
The 4-H shooting sports program has been around for quite a while, says Franklin resident Matt Fore, also a volunteer instructor.
“Pretty much the majority of parishes in Louisiana have, in some form or fashion, shooting sports through 4-H,” said Fore, who works as a land surveyor for Miller Engineers & Associates when not working with kids. “In St. Mary Parish, we’ve only had it for about five years. And as far as schools go, I’m not sure how other parishes handle it, but here in St. Mary, our program is open to all kids. It doesn’t matter what school you’re from, if they can make it to practice.”
What motivates instructors like Fore to volunteer is their passion for shooting. Fore grew up shooting shotguns, but always wanted to shoot rifles like his father. It was through 4-H at Camp Grant Walker in Pollock where Fore got his first opportunity. As he got older, Fore now says he can’t get enough of it.
March and April are competition months for 4-H shooters. Students who sign up for the program typically practice twice a month during the fall and winter preparing for tournaments in two age groups; 9-13 Junior Division and 14-19 Senior Division.
Local 4-H shooters utilize and practice at the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Range on Saturday mornings. And participants can compete in various shooting disciplines such as archery, air rifle, small bore rifle and small bore pistol.
The 4-H program holds north and south regional matches for students and at the end of April holds a state match where kids from both regions participate. Winners of the state competition are able to move on to the 4-H National Competition.
Fore said, “The main goal through all of this is teaching gun safety and also hunter education. But, we also try to teach them marksmanship and get them geared up for competition and hopefully ready for the nationals.”
Students who wish to participate in the 4-H shooting program must go through the application process, says Fore. Because of the limited numbers of volunteer instructors, it’s important to ensure there aren’t too many students at the range at one time, where safety is a must at all times.
After listening to a few coaching instructions while reviewing his target, Battaglio clearly was satisfied with his shooting score. But, in the end, one could see from the youngster’s demeanor it wasn’t just marksmanship that motivates him to shoot.
“What I like about shooting is my whole family does it, and it inspires me,” Battaglio said, whose shooting isn’t just limited to the rifle range. “I like to hunt too. And usually anything I kill my whole family eats, so pretty much I’m feeding them. But, I also get to spend time with my dad and get to go to the wilderness with him. And when I’m there, I love to hear the sound of animals.”