Although named after brightly coloured stinging wasps, Powell River Yellow Jackets are aiming to make friends and increase their membership.
Run from Powell River Rod and Gun Club, the competitive target-shooting team has followed a successful trajectory since its inception four years ago, winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the last three provincial championships.
“People often associate guns with hunting and violence,” said team coach Darryl Craig, “but shooting is very much a mental discipline.”
With team members participating in prone, seated, standing and kneeling categories, Yellow Jackets support individuals entering the sport at any age and ability, said Craig.
“It’s a lifestyle sport; you can join at any point in your life.” said Craig. “We’ve taught kids as young as eight and have had older members as well.”
New members can practice using .22-calibre rifles supplied by the gun club at practices on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm.
As team coach, Craig said he promotes gun safety in addition to teaching team members how to improve shooting and targeting techniques.
“It is really about honing your technique,” said Craig. “When you pick up the gun and sight the target, it should feel natural.”
Craig said team membership tends to fluctuate, but there is a core group of about five members, including 11-year-old Declan Gillen.
Gillen has been on the team for about three years and has graduated from shooting from the sitting to the prone position, which means he is able to sight and shoot targets while laying on the ground.
A participant in 2015 provincial games in Kamloops, BC, Gillen said, “I like it because it’s a fun activity to do after school.”
For more information about Yellow Jackets, readers can email [email protected].
