HRC holds shooting clinic
Hillsboro Recreation Commission and Kansas Wildlife and Parks held a youth shooting clinic Tuesday in conjunction with the Pass-It-On Program.
The class was taught by Mark Murrel, information and education specialist with Kansas Wildlife and Parks, and Marvin Peterson, conservation officer with Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Boys and girls 11 through 13 were eligible to attend the free clinic and 17 area youth participated.
Shotguns, blue rock, and ammo were provided and participants were instructed on the safe and proper fashion of handling a shotgun. Then participants were allowed to test their skills on the range.
This was the first year for the shooting clinic in Hillsboro.
"We hope to educate young people about hunting and fishing and the outdoors in general," said recreation director Matt Dalke. "This is a good program and we've had a good response."
According to Dalke, the recreation commission hopes to give young people alternative opportunities to become involved in activities.
"The shooting clinic gives kids another option rather than what people might consider to be typical sports," Dalke said. "Hunter education is a stepping stone."
McDonalds and Lions Club donated drinks for the clinic. Other volunteers helped set up and worked at the clinic.
"We really need to thank Loren Hiebert and all the others who helped out with this event," said Dalke.
The shoot was held on 190th and Eagle, property of Dr. Layne Reusser of Wichita. Reusser's uncle, Loren Hiebert of rural Hillsboro, helped organize the event.
"We had a Hillsboro Rod and Gun Club in the late '60s which disbanded about 10 years ago," Hiebert said. "We're trying to get it going again."
The rod and gun club held shoots once a month. Usually 20-25 members competed, sometimes for turkey or ham shoots.
"If we get enough interest with young people," said Hiebert, "the past members of the gun club and the American Legion will see to it that a new rod and gun club gets started."
Anyone interested in Hillsboro Rod and Gun Club can contact Hiebert or Bruce Schroeder.
