Keeping the kids busy with fun outdoor activities over the holiday.

If you're anything like me, you'll have children at home or at least visiting for the holidays. Just prior to Christmas the family is still making preparations, and in the evenings going to holiday parties or community events. Sometimes the children are invited, sometimes not, but either way the kids have a lot of spare time on their hands. I remember the line from the Christmas carol, It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas that goes, "Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again!"

Well instead of having kids just sit around the house getting into trouble or being bored; why not break out the camping gear? It may be tough the more north you go, but central Florida this holiday season will be in the low 60's to mid-70's which is perfect camping weather, especially for a backyard adventure. Most of the mosquitoes are gone now so the outdoor environment won't be so objectionable.

As a kid I loved camping in the backyard. It gave me a sense of independence and when you're inside a tent. It’s easy to imagine that you’re not just in the backyard but anywhere in the world. Plus when you're 10, neighborhood noises can be just as scary as those in the wilderness! As a Dad of kids who wanted to sleep in the backyard, I knew that not only were they safe, but come springtime which is a real camping season for a lot of families, I knew that the kids would be pros at setting up the tent having had some practice. Consider this a dry-run for the real thing. If you really want to help in the family camping preparations, instead of having breakfast in the house break out the camp stove that only gets used once a year and show the kids how to use it. These type of activities will create fond family memories for a lifetime, reinforce useful skills and help give the children a sense of independence and accomplishment.

Sometimes you want to be out in the woods, but just can't! Some other outdoorish activities I plan to do with my kids and grand kids this season include indoor archery at a local proshop, fishing, going to the gun range, tying decorative knots in the evening and helping the kids with an online hunter or boating safety course.

Getting Started Into Traditional Muzzle Loading Rifles

This article is being written in response to a request by volunteer youth leaders of the Florida 4-H program who would like to get a youth shooting program started in their community.  It is also applicable to the individual who is wondering exactly what they need to get started shooting black powder, and how to buy everything at once within a fixed budget.  For the group leaders, in many cases sponsoring organizations such as the National Rifle Association or local chapters (called posts) of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will provide start up funding to start a shooting sports club, but the leader needs to come to them with a laundry list of items to purchase, with a near exact dollar figure.  Another fine organization, with local chapters to assist you is the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association.

A common practice in black powder instruction is to work in groups of two - as in two kids utilizing one gun. In 4-H Shooting Sports, we call it the Coach-Pupil method.  This way allows one shooter to actively prepare, load and shoot the gun, while the other assists, watches over and advises the partner.  After one person has shot, they trade places.  The reason this is so successful is that both are actively engaged, having fun and learning.  This also helps the instructor by providing an extra set of eyes on the procedure for safety's sake.  A third person may be added, but in my honest opinion that person has a high likelihood of getting bored.

A good size group for muzzle loading instruction is 4 to 6 shooters per 1 instructor.  Less can be awkward, more can start to compromise the instructor's ability to adequately supervise.  The list below is for one Coach-Pupil set, and should be multiplied to accommodate the group size.  This list is also "just the ticket" for the single adult shooter or parent/child combo.

The Rifle
I recommend rifles such as these 50 caliber, percussion cap-locks: the Great Plains Rifle and the Lyman Trade Rifle by Lyman Products and the Deer Hunter by Traditions Firearms.  If you want to consider a modern inline gun, the QuicShooter Magnum, 50 caliber by MDM Ltd. is a good choice.  Please note! There are many fine guns out there, but in the $400 or less price range, the ones listed have a proven track record of reliability, safety and customer satisfaction.  I personally shoot a Thompson Center New Englander and a Connecticut Valley Arms Mountain Rifle.  Remington and Knight Rifles have some nice inline guns.  The companies listed above usually have special programs with educational or nonprofit organization pricing if you inquire.

Please also note that there has been no compensation by any of the companies listed in the article to myself or my sponsoring organizations for mentioning them here.

The Accoutrements
One of the things I love about muzzle loading is all the gadgets. All of these supplies need to be put into a durable box made of either water resistant wood (home made) or a plastic box.  I prefer the black or bright orange totes that have the ability to lock.  The shooting veterans out there are going to get bothered because I failed to mention a Possibles Bag, as in a leather or cloth pouch one carries on their shoulder with everything they possibly need.  A Possibles Bag is perfect for the single, experienced shooter going to the gun range or out to the field.  I use one, but this list is for a brand new shooter or instructor with students on the range.

Supply Box

Ball Starter

Powder Flask

Powder Measure

Straight Capping Tool

Nipple Wrench

Patch Worm

Powder cap/funnel

Cleaning Kit w/ Brass or Stainless Steel Range Rod

Over time and with experience, these items can be made by hand and even picked up at garage sales or flea markets.  Are there more things you can use?  Of course!  But this list will get you started in taking your first shots or starting that new youth program.

Extra Items

These items are highly recommended, but not necessarily mandatory for a muzzle loading rifle program.

• Every rifle needs a hard case to protect it while traveling.
• A ball will get stuck at some point in the rifle.  The safest way to remove it is with a CO2 Ball Extractor (shown right).
• Also at some point a rod will get stuck in the gun.  Rod Pullers or some safe way to pull it out, needs to be in every coaches tool kit.

My estimate for everything listed above was $502.00, less shipping and taxes.  Best of luck in your purchasing, grant application, and future enjoyment with muzzle loading rifles.  Keeping the tradition alive is so important in our society today.

Keep yer powder dry!

Mr. Gus

For their contributions to this article, I want to acknowledge and give special thanks to Brenda Heberling of Florida 4-H Shooting Sports, and Kenyon Simpson of the National 4-H Shooting Sports and the NMLRA.

Hunting Safer Than Golf, Report Says

In a recent article by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry, they released the results of their compiled safety data for 2010. Their data shows that hunting ranks third in safety when compared to 28 other recreational pursuits, including golf and many others ranging from baseball to wrestling.

"Many people have the misconception that hunting is unsafe, but the data tells a different story," said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF's director of industry research and analysis. "Comprehensive hunter education classes that emphasize the basic rules of firearm safety and a culture of hunters helping fellow hunters practice safe firearms handling in the field are responsible for this good record."

To put hunting's safety standing into perspective, compared to hunting a person is . . .
- 11 times more likely to be injured playing volleyball
- 19 times more likely to be injured snowboarding
-  25 times more likely to be injured cheerleading or bicycle riding
-  34 times more likely to be injured playing soccer or skateboarding
-  105 more times likely to be injured playing tackle football.

For the entire article, click here.

Another very interesting and related report is by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and their WISQARSTM (Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System), which is an interactive database system that provides customized reports of injury-related data.  This graphic by the CDC list unintentional firearms accidents a 0.5% of unintentional fatalities compared to all other major categories of accidents.

Brevard County Extension Partners With FWC for Advanced Archery Instruction

Seventeen states in the US now require a certification in bow hunting in order to participate in their archery hunts. Florida and others are considering the same requirement. This certification is in addition to the conventional Hunter Safety course now offered. What that means is that when Florida bow hunters go to anyone of the participating states such as Alaska, Vermont or Maine, they will not be able to hunt without showing certification in advanced archery. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) now offers this certification, and several University of Florida Extension Offices offer (or will) this in partnership with FWC, including Brevard.

The reason this training is so important, even though not at this point required in Florida, is that it reinforces basic safety guidelines specific to archery that will help prevent accidents, reinforce ethical decision making, fundamental skills, techniques and tackle. According to the National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) almost 90% of bowhunters hunt from elevated stands. Of those 10-37% report having accidents, with 25% of those being seriously injured. Using the teaching materials developed by the NBEF, students learn in hands-on approach topics including tree stand safety as well as equipment preparation and survival techniques.

Initially this class in Brevard will be offered to young archers through the 4-H Youth Development Shooting Sports Program, but will open up to the general public in the spring of 2012. For more information, contact Gus Koerner at 633-1702, ext. 229 or email gkoerner@ufl.edu.

4-H Shooting Sports Philosophy, Having Fun, Protecting All

To adult leaders and parents - even though this was written for a local Florida program, it is near identical to the situation in your state.  Please consult with your local County Extension Office on how these policies may differ in your location.

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. The National, Florida and Brevard 4-H Shooting Sports Program, stand out as an example. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics.

In Brevard County, Florida we have 5 shooting sports clubs that meet 10 months of the year in four disciplines. Archery, Rifle (air and small bore), Shotgun and Traditional Black Powder Muzzle Loading. In addition to the community clubs, we also have partnered with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to teach a monthly Hunter Safety Class and beginning in 2012 an Advanced Archery Class. In the summer we host one day camp and two residential summer camps, which all include the shooting sports. Geographically our community clubs are accessible to most Brevard residents with two clubs in Mims, one in Cocoa and two meeting in Palm Bay.

One of the many challenges the Brevard 4-H program pays close attention to is “age appropriate” activities, and managing some of the challenges kids face while shooting. We confront the age appropriate issue on two levels. At the most basic level, we don’t allow 8 year olds for example, to shoot a 12 gauge shotgun. At the deeper level, we make sure that same 8 year old has equipment that fits them and that the challenges we put in front of them they can find success. For example, that same child will start with an air rifle they can pump themselves and hit bulls-eyes at 5 meters distance. When that becomes too easy for the child, we increase the challenge to keep them interested and excited about the sport. Likewise with older teens. If the challenges are too easy they will get bored and leave the program. In shooting sports we challenge the older youth with holding them to higher standards of shooting competence, higher-end firearms, longer distances and leadership responsibilities. In matches, every Junior (age 8-10) wins something, but as they get older the awards become harder to achieve and are more meaningful.

In 4-H Shooting Sports safety is our number one priority. Our coaches are all screened through the county as volunteers that are safe to be around children as per Jessica’s Law. If they have been screened by a government organization, we don’t screen them again. For shooting competence, each club has a Certified Instructor which goes through a mandatory 20 hour course that was developed and is sanctioned by the US Department Of Agriculture (the 4-H lead sponsor) in partnership with the National Rifle Association. This training is delivered to the instructors by the University of Florida, State Shooting Sports Committee who have been trained at the national level. In addition to this 4-H certification, we also strongly encourage the leaders to receive the NRA Basic Rifle training (identical curriculum) and training by other organizations such as CMP to help them be some of the finest coaches available.

Insurance – every approved 4-H activity is covered by at least two blanket insurance policies, one by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners and by the University of Florida. I have Certificates of Coverage from both organizations. Also during 4-H activities, each registered 4-H adult volunteers is acting for and is covered similarly to any University of Florida faculty member. For that hour or two during 4-H, the volunteers are agents of the university, and as long as they lead within the shooting and child protection guidelines established with caution and prudence, they have the full backing and support of the University of Florida system.

FL FWC Seeking Help to Locate Florida's Eastern Fox Squirrel

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is conducting a survey to collect all sightings of the Eastern Fox Squirrel, a species of special concern. If spotted, please report your sighting at the Fox Squirrel Registry.

The fox squirrel, named for its fox-like tail, is a charismatic mammal approximately twice the size of the common gray squirrel. The coloration of the fox squirrel is highly variable, ranging from a creamy tan to all black. In Florida, the fox squirrel can be found in almost every county, but the distribution is patchy and not well understood.