H-T and WAJ School Districts Launch Pilot Trap Shooting Club

By Max Oppen

TANNERSVILLE — To promote outdoor sportsmanship and safety education among its students, the Hunter-Tannersville Central School District has announced the launch of a Pilot Trap Shooting Club. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Stony Clove Rod & Gun Club and Catskill Mountain Fish and Game Club, aims to provide students aged 14 and older, from grades 9 to 12, with a unique opportunity to engage in trap shooting activities under expert guidance.

Participation is open to students from both the Windham-Ashland-Jewett and Hunter-Tannersville school districts.

To ensure the highest standards of safety and proficiency, all interested students must first complete the New York State Hunter Education Course. The course is available for free and requires registration, which can be done online at www.register-ed.com/events/view/211124.

Both students and their parents/guardians must also attend an informational session before the pilot program commences, although the exact start date has yet to be determined.

The New York State Hunter Education Course is a comprehensive program that instills responsible hunting practices and firearm safety. A one-day education course will be conducted, emphasizing the importance of firearm safety, outdoor ethics, and conservation. Participants mustn't bring any firearms or ammunition to the course.

During the one-day education course, participants must dress appropriately for outdoor conditions, avoiding open-toed footwear. The course will be conducted outdoors and cover various field and woodland scenarios. Attendees are encouraged to bring at least two pencils or pens, snacks, and drinks.

Students must submit the required homework before the one-day course. Links to this are online. Anyone with questions about the NYS Hunter Education Course can call Bob at 518-488-0240. The course is on April 13 from 8 to 4:30 at Catskill Mountain Fish And Game Club, 167 Hylan Road in Hunter.

Additionally, participants are expected to abide by strict attendance rules, as leaving the premises once the course begins is not permitted.

The launch of the Trap Shooting Club marks a significant step towards fostering a culture of outdoor sportsmanship and safety within the Hunter-Tannersville Central School District. By partnering with local clubs and emphasizing the importance of proper education and training, the district aims to provide students with a safe and enriching environment to explore their interests in trap shooting.