Mississippi's youth are taking aim at success with the 2024 Shooting Sports program, which began in February and will run through early May. The program, open to participants starting at age 8, offers a variety of disciplines across different age groups, providing a structured environment for young shooters to hone their skills.
For the youngest participants, starting at age 8, the program offers air rifle, air pistol, and archery. Hunting is also available, except in Newton County. By age 10, children can advance to using .22 rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloading—again, with the exception of Newton County. At 14, participants are eligible to compete using .22 pistols.
The season culminates for those under 14 with a district match in May. For competitors aged 14 and above who meet the district's score requirements, the path leads to the state invitational match in July. Successful shooters at this level may qualify for the four-member nationals team, which competes in Nebraska the following June.
The national competition spans a packed week, beginning with a Sunday check-in. Monday is reserved for practice, followed by competitions from Tuesday to Thursday mornings, with practice sessions in the afternoons. Each day concludes with an awards ceremony, leading up to the final ceremony on Friday.
The .22 pistol team's competition roster includes slow fire Bullseye, consisting of 40 shots at a paper target from 25 yards, and the Metallic Hunter Silhouettes event, where participants aim at metallic animal silhouettes. The Camp Perry Round is particularly challenging, involving 40 shots at paper targets in slow, timed, and rapid-fire rounds. Notably, the national event is the only occasion where the team participates in the Metallic Hunter Silhouettes.
This intensive week not only challenges the participants but also fosters significant camaraderie among them. "They make a lot of long-term friendships during that week," said a program spokesperson, reflecting on the positive social aspects of the competition. Stories of lasting friendships formed at previous matches were echoed at a recent multi-county match, highlighting the program's impact beyond just shooting skills.
The current 2024 Mississippi Pistol team features top performers from last year, including Abram Rowell of Rankin County, Elizabeth Rees of Lauderdale County, Austin Cochran of Wayne County, and Reese Eldridge of Newton County, all of whom are set to represent their state with pride and precision.
