DECATUR — Shooting sports, in its third year in Decatur and its second year as a school-sanctioned sport, is gaining in popularity at Decatur High School.

The Decatur team competes in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program.

In the past three years, the team has almost doubled in size, according to ag teacher Lisa Barret. It now fieldsthree senior-high squads and one junior-high squad of five members each.

“It’s really grown, which is really exciting. It’s been a great program and the kids enjoy it,” Barrett said.

Last week, the Decatur team was practicing for the regional competition in Lonoke on May 11 and 12. Squads of five students stand in a row, taking turns firing with a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun at clay targets thrown from a trap machine at unknown angles.

The Arkansas Gameand Fish Commission provides teams with a basic support package that includes targets, ammunition, rule books, protective glasses and ear protection, according to its website www.agfc.com.

Safety and education are fundamental to the shooting sports program. Students are required to complete a hunter education course before they can join the team.

“We spend a lot of time on gun safety that kids wouldn’t get anywhere else,” Barrett said.

News, Pages 8 on 05/09/2012