West Virginia Wildlife from Eyewitness News

Introducing Kids To Shooting Sports

Whether they want to hunt or not, you children may really enjoy picking up a shooting sport.

August 16, 2006
Reporter: Patrick McMurtry
Videographer: Brad Rice

EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO
C L I C K T O P L A Y

That's 12 year old Hannah "Deadeye" Moles knocking the daylights out of metal targets at the shooting range at the Putnam County Gun Club. Give her a rifle or a bow and she's a good bet to hit what she aims at.

Hannah Moles says:
"We came out here and did the governor's outdoor youth challenge and we shoot archery over at his house and we shoot guns and that's basically how we got started."

Hannah got her start by getting tips from Dave Thompson at his Putnam County home.
Dave's gotten a lot of kids started shooting.

Dave Thompson says:
"We put this in the bottom, click it in place, we have to pull this back, safety's on so you have to push this button."

One of the most important things about introducing your child to shooting is to make sure they are safe and do everything you can to make sure they are successful. Now take your time and don't put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot your target (he hits the target) good!

11 year old Quinn has only been shooting a few times, but you can see he's picking it up. Hannah gives him an idea of what he'll learn about gun safety now that he's taking up the sport.

Hannah Moles says:
"I learned that you always point the gun in a safe direction, so it doesn't accidentally fire and hit somebody."

"I learned that it was fun and you'll have a lot of fun shooting, and if you go hunting, always remember to be safe."

Those are lessons Hannah's mom helped teach to her other daughter. It's the whole, family that shoots together thing. For the Mole's, it works.

Janet Moles says:
"Her sister shoots on the Putnam County Rifle Team and I'd like to eventually take her hunting."

"Who's a better shot? We'd have to draw straws on that one."

"It's an experience kids will never forget."

That's what it's all about.