The Evangeline Parish 4-H Program and the LSU AgCenter sponsored two educational programs for the youth to learn safe and responsible use of firearms, archery and related equipment. The 4-H Shooting Sports Program’s purpose is to assist young people in personal development, in establishing a personal environmental ethic and in exploring life-long vocational and a vocational activities through hands-on experiences and positive interactions with youth and adult role models. The Louisiana Shooting Sports Program offers educational programs in shotgun, rifle, hunting, muzzleloader and archery.

Many youth in Evangeline Parish are involved in hunting and shooting activities at an early age, making it critical that they learn the proper use of firearms and related equipment. Through the Evangeline Parish 4-H Shooting Sports Program, youth are educated in this area and through participation they are introduced to life-skills such as decision- making, self-discipline, concentration and social responsibility. Another important aspect of the program is to strengthen families through participation in lifelong recreational activities, according to Todd Fontenot, Asst. Extension Agent with the LSU AgCenter.

The Evangeline Parish 4-H Shooting Sports Matches were held on Saturday, Feb. 23rd, and Saturday, March 1st at the Chauncey Pitre Multipurpose Building. Special thanks to John McClelland, shotgun and rifle instructor, Jody Fontenot and Angie Fusilier, archery instructors for volunteering to conduct these educational programs for the youth of Evangeline Parish.

Winners at the Evangeline Parish Shooting Sports Match in the B.B. air rifle competition; Caleb Duplechin of Basile 4-H, first place, Grant Lee of Sacred Heart 4-H, second place and Kaleb Deshotel of Sacred Heart 4-H, third place.

First place in the Sr. B.B. gun competition is Brent Bertrand of the Basile 4-H Club.

Winners in the Senior Shotgun competition; Brent Bertrand of Basile 4-H, first place, Clint Manuel and Nicholas Fontenot both of Sacred Heart 4-H, tying for second place.

Winners in the Junior Shotgun competition; Lane Bertrand of Basile 4-H, first place, Sammy Buller of Sacred Heart, second place and Bryan Ardoin and Jordan Vidrine of Sacred Heart, tied for third place.

Winners in the Archery competition: Recurve Bow Junior division; John Michael Fontenot of Sacred Heart 4-H, first place, Tanner Fontenot of Sacred Heart 4-H, second place and Cain Cormier of Mamou 4-H, third place.

Compound Bow Senior Division: Allison Fusilier of Sacred Heart 4-H, first place.

The Southern Region Shotgun Match was held at the Tallow Creek Shooting Grounds in Covington on April 4th, and 5th. Placing in the Junior Shotgun competition: Lane Bertrand of Basile 4-H, first place and Sammy Buller of Sacred Heart 4-H, second place and both qualified for the state competition. Placing in the Jr. Archery (Bare-Bow): John Michael Fontenot of Sacred Heart 4-H, sixth place and qualified for state. Placing in the Sr. B.B. Gun Competition: Brent Bertrand of Basile 4-H, second place and qualified for state.

The State Shooting Sports Match for Archery was held on Friday, May 2nd, at the Tallow Creek Shooting Grounds in Covington. In archery competition, John Michael Fontenot of Sacred Heart 4-H placed ninth in the Junior Bare Bow competition.



The State Shooting Sports Match for B.B. air rifle and Shotgun was held on Saturday, May 3rd, also in Covington. In Jr. Shotgun competition, Lane Bertrand of Basile 4-H placed fourth in the state competition. Brent Bertrand of Basile 4-H placed 15th in Sr. B.B. gun competition at the state level.

The Evangeline Parish 4-H Shooting Sports Program is open to youth between the ages of nine and 19 and students can join 4-H at the beginning of the school year.

For more information on the LSU AgCenter’s 4-H Outdoor Skills Program or any 4-H Youth Development Program, you can contact Todd Fontenot or Tina Guillory at 337-363-5646.