MEEKER I For the past three years, the Meeker Sportsman’s Club has hosted an instructional event at the Meeker shooting range during the Range Call Celebration. It is for all ages and skill levels. This year the shoot has a new name.
District Wildlife Manager Jon Wangnild of Meeker died in a horseback riding accident in June 2013. During his 14 years of service to the state, he taught children of all ages about wildlife, conservation and having respect for the traditions and ethics of hunting
The Meeker Sportsman’s Club voted in August to change the name of the annual shooting event to the Jon Wangnild Memorial Shoot.
“Jon was about educating people and, specifically the youth, about shooting sports, and that is exactly what this event is doing,” said Troy Osborn, president of the club.
The event is not a competition, Osborn explained. Instead, it’s an opportunity for new or seasoned shooters (firearms and archery) to come to the range and practice with different styles of firearms and bows. “People should expect to have competent and professional coaches available to help them learn something new. All ammo will be provided and all firearms will be already on site,” he said.
Anyone can participate, and there will be guns to fit “nearly any size of person.” Those under 18 years of age must have a parent sign a waiver.
The shoot begins Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Meeker Shooting Range, located on Highway 13, 2.2 miles south of the intersection of highways 13 and 64.
