The Buffalo Gun Club Youth Program is coached each Tuesday by Mark Stevens, an ATA/NRA registered coach.  Coach Stevens was co-winner of the ATA's Shooting Coach of the Year award in 2008 and presented his award by then President Neil Winston in Sparta, Illinois.  Coach Stevens and all the volunteer coaching staff strive to offer every interested youth the opportunity to learn the sport of trapshooting.

 

 

March 14, 2011
 
Hello and Welcome to the Buffalo Gun Club Youth Club site.
 
Very shortly we will begin our fourth year of coaching at Buffalo Gun Club for youth shooting.   I am aware that in order to compete, I must be able to shoot 400 or more shots per day without wearing down.  Well today is the day to start.  I encourage you all to do the same. 
 
I will start out with light lifting of about 4 pounds, 50 or so lifts from each arm. By hanging my arms along side the body at the waist to straight out from the side of the body to shoulder height.  Then the other arm.  Gradually increasing the weights each week until I can easily handle about 9 pounds with either arm.
 
I will also do those same exercises from the waist to the front of the body using one arm at a time.  After a few weeks I will start to lift the gun and properly mount it 150 times an evening until there is no fatigue.  I know without doing this I cannot compete dependably in competition.
 
Another excellent way to prepare is to shoot practice rounds at Buffalo Gun Club.  The more the better.  Youths shoot at a discounted rate.  The lifting of the gun, recoil and target acquisition will make you a better shooter.  Remember, don't just shoot, shoot with a real purpose.  Plan your goals, pick them off, one by one.
 
Do not be too aggressive on your goal.  Remember challenging, yet obtainable with hard work.  Reward yourself, practice, like I will be doing, and I will see you on the 20th.
 
Remember, bring a friend or two out to shoot!  Don't forget to bring there parents too and have fun!
 
Mark Stevens