IRONWOOD - The Gogebic County 4-H will be hosting a training program aimed at safety for youngsters looking to gain some experience shooting rifles.
Students of the program will learn how to aim and shoot with .22-caliber rifles, as well as BB and pellet guns.
Gary Kusz, the instructor of the training program and president of the Superior Range Shooting Club, said the program has been going on for about seven or eight years now.
"We emphasize safety and marksman training with the rifle, and do a little shotgun training at the end of the year," he said.
The training event has drawn a handful of kids out to shoot each year. A good number of them have been involved with ROTC programs, Kusz said, so they---ve had some experience already.
Kusz said the weapons that will be available at the training aren't typically suited for any child under the age of 10 or 11 years old.
"I know a lot of people who teach their kids at that young age, but it's a little hard for me to do that," Kusz said.
A parent or guardian must accompany minors to the training and fill out some paperwork. Participants can sign up when they arrive at the event.
"Giving back to the community is my motivation," Kusz said, who spent 30 years working with the Ironwood Public Safety Department.
The Gogebic County 4-H will also host an event coming up later in the month for families. Kusz encouraged men, women and children to attend.
The training program will be held 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Superior Range Shooters Club on Black River Road. The range is located on 32 acres of land just south of Copper Peak.
Kusz warns that the mosquitoes have been pretty bad at the range, and participants are asked to wear shoes and socks, a long sleeve shirt and long pants.
The program is open to all Gogebic County juveniles. Participants don't have to be a 4-H member to attend. There is no charge for the program and all equipment and ammo is provided.
For more information, contact Gary Kusz at 906-932-3565, or 906-285-0475.