A pair of Tallahatchie County 4-H Club members excelled in competition at the recent second annual Mississippi 4-H Western Heritage State Championship & Roundup.
The event was held Oct. 26 at the Jimmy Bryan 4-H Complex in West Point.
The 4-H Western Heritage Project combines a study of the Old West with the fastest growing shooting sports discipline in the world — western action shooting. The purpose is to provide an avenue for 4-H members and adult leaders to experience the lifestyles and cultures of the Old West from about 1860-1900 through a living history approach to learning while instilling the concepts of gun safety and personal responsibility. Members wear Old West clothing, shoot replica firearms of the frontier period and expand their knowledge of U.S. history.
4-H’ers work on public speaking, interview skills, historical facts and shooting skills. Youth shoot three period-specific firearms, rifles, pistols and shotguns, all at steel targets.
This year, both of Tallahatchie County’s participants in the championship were rated as “Top Hand” winners, meaning that they excelled in each part of the competition.
Aiyanna Forte won third place in Top Hand, second place in Persona and third place in shooting in her age division.
Wes Strider was first place Top Hand and first place in shooting in his age division with a completely clean match, meaning no misses.
Anyone who knows of a youth interested in becoming a part of the Tallahatchie County 4-H program may reach out to the Tallahatchie County Extension office at 662-647-8746.
