Burnet County 4-H onto National Shooting Competition

For the second year in a row, the Burnet County 4-H Youth Precision Rifle Team continued its tradition of advancing to elite national events. Bethany Butler, Elijah Butler, Carson Moore, and Elizabeth Lilly qualified for the Civilian Marksmanship Program National 3-Par Championship, which is July 17-21, 2021 at Camp Perry near Port Clinton, Ohio.  The team qualified last year, but the match was cancelled due to COVID-19. This year, restrictions and protocols will be in place to allow matches to continue.

“2021 has been a difficult year for the Olympic shooting sport,” said shooting coach Guy Taylor. “Many matches were cancelled, and those that were held were restricted in attendance and distancing.  Many ranges were also closed. Still, the kids did a great job of improvising, and practiced alone using electronic targeting systems at home.”

The Burnet County 4-H Youth Precision Rifle Team is a very special team in Texas. While other teams who qualified for championship are “select all-star teams,” these teammates started in the program when they were in the 3^rd grade and developed within the 4-H program. Other teams recruit top shooters around the state, where as Burnet County kids started in the program and grew together to enjoy not only a true team, but also the many benefits of the state 4-H Programs.

One benefit of this 4-H team is their ability to apply and receive grants from The NRA Foundation. The Burnet County 4-H has received multiple grants from The NRA Foundation which has helped them in previous years, as well as this this year, continue their program. Since 2015, the program has received five grants totaling over $29,000.

To help give back to the community who helps raise the money used for NRA Foundation grants, the 4-H team volunteers at their local Burnet County Friends of NRA event. Liz Foley, North and East Texas Field Representative, welcomes their help with great appreciation.

Each year, the 4-H coach and youth provide live auction support running receipts and keeping the auction flowing. They set up a refreshments table, and at this past year’s event, they made and donated all the desserts. The cupcakes, in multiple flavors, were a huge hit. Especially since they were topped with fondant firearms, making the perfect dessert for a Friends of NRA event.

“In addition to being amazing shooters, the Burnet County 4-H group has been long-time supporters of the Burnet County Friends of NRA event, taking time to give back and supporting the program that helps support them. I believe it speaks volumes to the understanding of community, and helps the youth learn about volunteering early on,” said Liz. “Kudos to their coaches and parents for engaging with their kids to teach them a love for the Second Amendment, and what it means to donate their time and talent.”

For more information on NRA Foundation grants, or to find a local Friends of NRA event near you, please visit friendsofnra.org.