An exciting new youth program will soon be offered to Bitterroot Valley youth, provided the financial backing can be found to fund the program.
The Bitterroot Marksmanship Club will be open to interested youth ages 10-18. According to David Naber, one of the organizers, this program will allow Bitterroot Valley youth to compete at the local, state and national levels in marksmanship. They will operate under the rules of the sport’s US governing body, the congressionally sanctioned Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). Naber’s partner in the venture is Joe Hein.
Both Naber and Hein are US Army veterans and have extensive experience in youth marksmanship programs. Naber, after a 21-year Army career, led a high school JROTC program and its marksmanship team for 16 years in New Mexico. His teams frequently traveled to both JROTC and CMP National Championships and helped place youth on collegiate NCAA rifle teams. Hein shot competitively for the US Army Marksmanship Unit after shooting for the University of Alaska. He is a multiple medalist at the Junior Olympic and World Cup level. He also is a master gunsmith who mentors current members of the US Olympic Rifle Team and services their rifles.
Youth Three-Position Air Rifle is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. There are over 250,000 youth participating in over 3000 sanctioned CMP teams and clubs. Championships at the state, regional and national levels are held annually. The competition takes place indoors on a 10 meter range in the Prone, Standing and Kneeling positions. The best junior marksmen are recruited by the 30 US colleges and universities that have NCAA shooting sports programs. The best of these athletes can be selected for the US Olympic Rifle Team.
Initially, the team will utilize Sporter Class Air Rifles, and as the team and program develops, Precision Class Air Rifles will be added, said Naber.
Both Naber and Hein have seen the positive effects of this program on youth. “The sport provides personal growth,” said Naber. “It teaches respect for firearms and gun safety; discipline; commitment; attention to detail; teamwork, and performance under pressure, all essential life skills that are critical for future life success.”
The club’s coaches will also involve the program in community service projects where youth can contribute back to the valley and enhance their understanding of the importance of giving back to the community. They emphasize that this is also a fun program for youth. Close friendships are developed, there are numerous out of state competition travel possibilities, and athletes experience high personal satisfaction as their skills improve.
Naber said that the Town of Darby and the Darby Rodeo Association have graciously offered the use of a building on the Rodeo grounds to house a 12-lane range. The Club will require $40,000 in grants and donations to purchase the necessary equipment to start practices. They have raised $6500 to date and are currently conducting community outreach to both civic organizations and individual donors as well as writing grant requests to achieve the goal. When the financial goal is met, they will induct 25 youth into the club and plan to start safety classes followed by practices by late summer/early fall 2022.
If you are interested in financially supporting this youth club or have a youth interested in participating, email info@bitterrootmarksmanship.org or call (505) 330-4845.