CC youths take home 4-H shooting prizes

Photo provided by Anne Kretschmann Six Copper Country children finished within the top 50 in the annual 4-H Regional Shoot held in Sagola Township on June 10.

CHANNING – Six Copper Country youths were among 50 of the best shooters in the Upper Peninsula at the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club on June 10, to compete in the annual 4-H Regional Shoot, according to Anne Kretschmann, Michigan State University Extension 4-H coordinator for Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Houghton-based Copper Tips 4-H Archery Club sent a six-person team down to compete.
Each youth could enter into two of four disciplines: BB gun, air rifle, .22 small-bore rifle, Archery Unsighted, and Archery Open. Divisions were made by age: Beginners (9-11 years old), Juniors (12-14 years old), and Seniors (15-19 years old).
Houghton-Keweenaw youth were able to participate in BB gun, air rifle, and .22 small bore rifle events, thanks to the generosity of other counties and instructors who shared their expertise and equipment to allow the youth to safely shoot, Kretschmann stated.
In the Unsighted Archery Division, competitors could not use a release or any form of sights. In the Unsighted Senior Division, all three top shooters were from Houghton County. Isaac Balyo earned third place behind Noah Bach in second. Winning for the second year in a row was Alaina Bach as Unsighted Senior Champion.
For the Team Archery event, Caleb Bach, Noah Bach, and Alaina Bach, all of Houghton County, along with Max White of Dickinson County and Trinity Busick of Delta County, competed against a sighted team, and fell short by three points.
In the BB Gun Beginner Division, a Delta County-based team with Levi Bach from Houghton County, took second place.
In Air Rifle, Junior Division, new shooter, Grant Fredrickson, of Houghton County, took third place. A combined team of Houghton and Delta counties took third place. Members were Caleb Bach, Alaina Bach, Grant Fredrickson of Houghton County, and Lily Karl of Delta County.
In the .22 Small Bore Rifle, a mixed-County team with Fredrickson, took third.
Through the support of the Keweenaw Community Foundation, the Copper Tips 4-H Archery Club obtained a canopy which proved essential for participants in the Regional Shoot. The day was 94 degrees, Kretschmann stated.
Many of the shooters in attendance will be representing their home counties at the State of Michigan 4-H shoot at the end of July. For more information about 4-H Shooting Sports opportunities in the area please contact the Michigan State University Extension office at (906) 482-5830.