Bill Poole wrote:Can anyone give me info and contact names on local programs in the North Dallas area.
Check out the Dallas Pistol Club on Beltline. Ed Wong is the coach for the air gun range, and can probably point you in the right direction for some of the other disciplines. Ed use to work at the Olympic Training Center as a pistol coach.
Also contact the
Texas State Rifle Association -- the finest state association in America. They are nearly rabid about getting more juniors involved, and can certainly point you in the right direction. You might want to also send a message directly to Pat Muckelroy (TSRA Junior Committee).
You didn't mention rifle or pistol. I assume anything with a trigger will be of interest. There is a state bullseye pistol championship coming up at the Dallas Pistol Club on June 5-6. Texas bullseye pistol shooters are VERY, VERY supportive and welcoming to juniors. Contact Don Lowry (TSRA Pistol Director) for information about pistol in general.
TSRA keeps the official schedule for all NRA competition events on their web site. You might also try the schedule on our club web site (
http://www.shootingsportsetc.com) since it lists many of the Texas events not listed on the TSRA/NRA schedule. Call one of the contact numbers listed on those sites or just show up at an event, and ask questions. If you get there early enough, he'll probably get to shoot -- often times for free. Of course, please feel free to use the contact number on our club site to contact me directly.
At the risk of sounding like I'm coming down on 4-H, BSA, Jaycees, Royal Rangers, etc. -- they have good programs, but they are youth organizations that shoot, not shooting organizations for youth. I know of a few exceptions, but from my experience, their "projects" don't meet often enough for anyone serious about wanting to shoot competitively.
Unfortunately, we are in San Antonio, but have traveled this same road before you. Don't get discouraged. Bird dog this thing. Follow up on it, and get him involved. It's too bad you live in another state. He could use a coach like you!