A talented group of Mississippi 4H shooters are preparing to represent Mississippi on the national stage this summer in Grand Island, Nebraska. Four youth: Reese Eldridge and Elizabeth Dees of Newton County, Chance Haden of Jasper County, and Hannah Guy of Leake County, are training diligently for the National 4H Shooting Sports Championships, where they’ll compete in the air pistol discipline.
These young competitors will face three demanding events over three days of competition:
Slow Fire Bullseye (40 precision shots)
Single Shot Rapid Fire (40 timed shots)
Metallic Silhouette (40 shots at steel animal targets placed at varying distances)
Elizabeth and Reese bring prior national experience, having competed in the .22 pistol event last year. That experience is proving valuable as they return this year, helping guide teammates through the technical and mental demands of professional level shooting.
“This is a great crew,” said coach Jeff Pugh during a recent practice. “They make each other better, and they’re excited to compete.”
Training has focused heavily on the metallic silhouette event, considered the most challenging and high-stakes portion of the competition. Competitors shoot at tiny targets shaped like chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams, ranging from 10 to 18 yards away, using precision air pistols. Each shooter is paired with a “spotter,” a teammate who keeps time and helps track which targets have been hit.
Practice sessions for the Newton County team are not exactly like the competition environment. “We do the best we can,” said Dees. “We don’t always have the exact setup, so we practice in a way thats similar,... and the targets are closer but smaller.” At nationals, it will be indoors, while they practice in the Show Barn in Newton with covered and outdoor access.
The youth work in pairs, shooting while managing nerves and improving accuracy. “You have to turn your brain off,” said Dees. “If I think too much, I mess myself up.” Haden said “I think of a happy place” while he aims.
“The guns used compressed air,” said Eldridge. “It’s great to use this skill to represent Newton County and the State of Mississippi.”
The team is supported by dedicated coaches and mentors who are passionate about both safety and success. “These kids are the real deal,” said Pugh. “They work hard, and it means so much to them to be recognized.”
This June, the Newton Appeal and communities across Mississippi will be cheering on Reese, Elizabeth, Chance, and Hannah as they take their skills to the national level. For these young sharpshooters, the road to Nebraska is about more than just trophies — it’s about teamwork, discipline, and pride in representing their hometowns.
