South Dakota >> After constructing a new youth center with indoor shooting facilities, members of the Sunshine Chapter invited area families to come enjoy it.

More than 100 kids took part in a Shooting Sports Open House at the Sunshine Chapter in September. The event was designed to introduce youth and their parents to shooting sports — including archery, BB gun, and trap shooting — available at the chapter. The kids had the opportunity to see the available equipment and facilities and to get hands-on shooting instruction from qualified experts.

“It was wonderful to see so many kids show their interest in the shooting sports and to introduce shooting sports to them in a safe, structured environment,” said John Henderson, president of the Sunshine Chapter. South Dakota Division president Jerry Schlekeway said the event was designed to introduce youth to activities in which they can participate for the rest of their lives. “What the kids learned at this event can develop into a life-long passion,” said Schlekeway, “and we’re thrilled to be able to introduce these activities to a new generation.”

The Sunshine Chapter organized the open house with assistance from the Howkota Archers, 4-H Shooters, and Pierre Junior Shooters. Additional support came from other sponsors, including the High Plains Wildlife Association and the Pierre Chapters of Delta Waterfowl, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Pheasants Forever. The event ran three hours, and the Ikes provided a brat supper to everyone who attended. The Sunshine Chapter promoted the event through live interviews on local radio stations.

With the tremendous response from the community, the Sunshine Chapter plans to make the open house an annual event.