We hope that the University of Massachusetts Amherst and 4-H leaders find common ground needed to establish a program for youngsters to learn how to safely handle firearms. Massachusetts and Rhode Island are the only two states where a national 4-H youth shooting sports instructional program is not offered.
Firearms instructor Mandy Deveno of Bellingham laid the groundwork for a program in Massachusetts after her 10-year-old son expressed interest. There is flexibility in how each state uses the 4-H framework for instruction, but at its core is learning firearms safety, proper techniques and competitive shooting. As with other 4-H programs, the shooting clubs also teach youngsters skills such as citizenship and leadership.
Deveno secured a commitment from the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to pay $60,000 for three years to support a coordinator for the program as well as materials and training. She also enlisted the Gun Owners Action League of Massachusetts to coordinate the use of more than 50 shooting ranges and other outdoor locations in the state.
However, UMass put the brakes on the proposal, saying it wanted to develop a broader program than that used by 4-H elsewhere in the country. UMass houses 4-H Youth Development in Massachusetts as part of its Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment in the College of Natural Sciences.
UMass spokesman Ed Blaguszewski explained, “Rather than focus limited resources on shooting sports only, the university is actively exploring development of a more broadly based program, which would include the basics of gun safety as well as the shooting sports.”
When UMass did not accept the proposal put forward by Deveno, GOAL executive director Jim Wallace issued a statement claiming, “The only reason to avoid implementing this program is because UMass has a social bias against gun-owning families and their children.” That rhetoric, which is not supported by any evidence, is not helpful.
However, we believe that elements used by 4-H programs in other states should appeal to UMass in achieving the worthwhile goal of offering the broadest possible instruction. UMass might consider adding a component about fishing, which also teaches youngsters about responsible use of the land and taking of wildlife.
The 4-H Shooting Sports sponsored by the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension offers a good model.
According to the UNH program description, “The curriculum is designed to assist young people in personal development, establish a personal environmental ethic and explore lifelong vocational and leisure activities … Participation in this project provides a framework of knowledge and skills for lifetime participation in recreation, hobbies and careers related to shooting sports and natural resources.”
Shooting sports “has strong links to natural resources, wildlife, outdoor recreation and safety. The content is drawn from sports medicine, psychology, education, biological and physical sciences, engineering, mathematics, technology, as well as American traditions, folklore and history.”
UNH Cooperative Extension recommends that multiple instructors be used in the program, drawing from experts in a variety of disciplines, including archery, hunting, wildlife, muzzle-loading, pistol, rifle and shotgun.
4-H, which was established in the early 20th century, helps youngsters grow by providing them with learning experiences in safe environments and giving them opportunities for positive risk-taking.
We hope that leaders of 4-H and UMass take another look at what Deveno has proposed and work together to come up with a club for youngsters that emphasizes gun safety and respect for firearms, while exposing them to the recreational opportunities offered by hunting and shooting sports.