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 University of Georgia S.A.F.E. Shotgun Program FAYETTE COUNTY 4-HShooting Awareness, Fundamentals, and Education Program (S.A.F.E. Program)The Fayette County 4-H S.A.F.E. Shotgun Program is administered by the Fayette County Cooperative Extension Service, located in Suite 209, Stonewall Village, Fayetteville, Georgia. The State 4-H S.A.F.E. Shotgun program is a clay target program includes modified trap, American skeet, American trap (16-yard), and 5-Stand Sporting Clays. It is open to boys and girls from the 6th through 12th grades. The program is statewide with many counties participating. The sport occurs throughout the school year depending on interest and the availability of adult volunteers and typically concludes with the various state matches held in May. Practices are normally twice during the week and on Saturday mornings. Practices have normally been on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to dark or 7:00 p.m. and Saturday mornings, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Practices prior to qualification matches and State Matches are offered normally Monday through Thursday and on Saturday. Shotguns are available for use from the 4-H. These firearms include several 12 and 20 gauges. Each shooter must provide their ammunition. Historically, ammunition has been available for purchase at a discount price through a major supplier. Reloaded ammunition is permitted for practices only. Reloaded ammunition must only be used by the family that performed the reloading. Competition may include invitational, district, and state matches. Trophies and/or plaques are often furnished to the top individuals and teams. Winners are selected in modified trap from the best of 25 targets thrown. Tied high scores result in a shoot-off, shooting at doubles (two targets thrown simultaneously). The district match is a State Qualifying Match where Juniors (7th and 8th graders) must hit 15 of 25 targets to qualify for the State Match. Sixth graders are not allowed to participate in the State Match. Senior shooters (9th through 12th grades) must hit 18 of 25 targets to qualify. All 4-Hers can participate in trap, skeet, and 5-Stand sporting clays state matches. Teams are also established for team recognition. Teams are divided by age division and selected by the coaches and are based on factors including skill, dedication, and effort. Modified trap teams consist of 5 to 7 shooters and the best 5 scores during a match are added together. Team winners are selected by the top team scores. American trap and skeet and 5-Stand teams typically have 5 members. Adult coaches lead the program. Coaches are required to attend a 2-3 day State 4-H training certification workshop. Several Fayette County coaches are also National Rifle Association (NRA) certified shotgun instructors. At least one trained coach and another adult must be present for all practices. Costs for the clay target program pay only for the targets, team gun maintenance, and anticipated awards received from competition. The program is dependent on donations from businesses and individuals. The cost per individual in the 2003 program was $50. Registration fees can be reduced when adequate resources from fund-raisers and donations are received. The Georgia Hunter Education Class must be successfully completed to participate in the 4-H shotgun program. Forms for registration, health and a liability waiver, and range compliance must also be completed. The Georgia Hunter Education Program in Fayette County is offered by gohuntgeorgia.com. Inappropriate behavior such as lack of respect for others or blatant or repeated unsafe actions may result in immediate ejection from the program with forfeiture of all fees. Appeals to return to the program must be approved by the Shotgun Safety Committee. Parental involvement is necessary for the program to function. Typical parental tasks may include serving as a trap operator, scoring, judging, range maintenance, and assisting in concessions. Shooters are expected to help clean up the ranges after use, help clean team guns, and participate in group fund-raising projects. The Fayette County shotgun program also offers other shooting opportunities throughout the year. This shooting may include the Georgia State Games, Fayette County 4-H sponsored shoots, and participation at Amateur Trap Association (ATA) events. For additional information contact:
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