Watching Our Bennett County 4-H Youth Practice Their Marksmanship

This afternoon, I bookended my week with a stop at the Bennett County Fairgrounds during my sunset walk. While there, I checked in on our 4-H youth as they worked to qualify for the South Dakota Spring State Shoot, which will be held in Pierre and Fort Pierre on April 24–26, 2026.

The junior and senior shooting sports participants compete in archery, BB gun rifle, and handgun events. The focus and discipline of these young participants were evident as they aimed for the bullseye. It was especially enjoyable to watch both boys and girls take their shots and see just how close they came to the center of the target.

Volunteer coordinator and instructor Gary Rayhill, who also serves as Mayor of Martin, was busy repairing an archery bow when I caught up with him. In our conversation, he shared that 12 local youth have already qualified for the state shoot. Programs like 4-H shooting sports depend heavily on dedicated volunteers who generously give their time to teach gun safety and proper shooting techniques.

I also listened as an instructor reviewed key gun safety principles and proper etiquette for handling BB guns. The youth were given ten minutes to practice, and it was encouraging to see strong parental involvement. Many parents stood close by, offering support and guidance as their children aimed at targets set 20 feet away—some even using binoculars to track their progress.

The 4-H shooting sports program helps develop self-discipline, confidence, self-esteem, and hand-eye coordination. It provides a space for youth to relax mentally while sharpening their focus and skills. Just as importantly, it fosters social interaction in a competitive yet supportive environment.

This program is a testament to the fact that, with proper instruction, firearms can be handled safely and responsibly from a young age.

If elected as your next state senator, I will support and promote programs like 4-H shooting sports because of their lasting impact on our youth. I will also stand firm in protecting your Second Amendment rights under the U.S. Constitution to defend your family and property.

In rural districts like ours—where law enforcement resources are limited and spread thinly across an area the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined—additional restrictions on law-abiding citizens risk empowering those who intend to break the law.

Have a great weekend.