Powell River Yellow Jackets’ target shooting team scored a bull’s eye at the provincial small bore championship, coming away with its best result ever.
At the event held in Campbell River last month, the Yellow Jackets travelled with eight juniors and three adults. When competition was over, seven target shooters placed in the top five and in terms of medals, the team brought home four gold and one silver.
“The entire team put in an amazing showing, with at least three shooters putting up personal best scores,” said team member Darryl Craig. The top shooters included: Colin Macquarie, gold, junior boys; Paige Hodgins, gold, junior girls; Keith Carlson, gold, senior men; Darryl Craig, gold, senior men; Glen Macquarie, silver, senior men.
“This is an amazing result for our team,” Craig said. Last year, the Yellow Jackets brought home one silver and three bronze medals.
Team members shoot .22 rifles and it is a mixed group of junior and adult shooters.
“The emphasis is on the juniors’ side,” Craig said. “Most of the shooters are 12 to 15 years old.”
Powell River’s competitors shoot in the sporting rifle category.
“There’s really a technical difference in equipment,” Craig said. “The match rifles are basically unlimited. They have all of the latest technology. The sporting rifle is meant so the workaday person can afford to compete. The match rifles can run thousands of dollars.”
Craig said part of the local success may be attributable to the focus of the young shooters.
“What I’ve picked up from other clubs is that their junior programs run on a drop-in basis,” he said. “Our group has been quite dedicated and disciplined. They show up regularly and they practice. That’s why we do okay because the other programs are a little more casual.”
Craig has taken a level two coaching course and the Yellow Jackets had a level three coach spend a weekend, providing assistance and advice to the local shooters.
“We are upping the game and teaching the best techniques for body position, trigger pull and mental techniques,” Craig said. “Before a competition I talk to them about health and nutrition.”
Safety is the first and most important consideration, however.
The team was given its unique name after members decided to purchase their own jackets. Craig asked the junior members what the team colours would be. They said black and yellow. “I said, okay, we’ll be the Yellow Jackets,” Craig said.
If boys and girls are interested in participating in small bore shooting, they can contact Craig at 604.414.7164. They can also visit Powell River Rod and Gun Club’s website where there is a section on the Yellow Jackets.
Craig’s long-term goal is to take a team to the national competition. He is hoping to do so next year.
