Annapolis, MD 15 Feb 2025

[Agent711]

A sold out event hosting one of our local Trail Life troops. The participants, aged 11-15, exceeded their groups badge requirements and left the event excited to share their experiences or brag about their new skills.

Safety first and always. Following orientation and a safety brief, rifles were brought to the line where instructors provided each participant personalized instruction to safely operate their rifles.  At the same time, our staff conducted equipment checks and identified the need to supply loaner rifles to increase participant's learning and enjoyment during the event. We identified and fixed a loose scope attached to a student's rifle, potentially saving lots of time and frustration. 

The rest of the morning concentrated on drilling proper steady holds while applying the fundamentals of shooting including how to aim using correct sight alignment and sight picture, breath control, trigger control, focus and follow through.

Participants were able to enjoy their lunch while we shared the events leading up to the American Revolution and Colonel Smith's interrupted expedition to Concord where British royal forces were confronted by local militiamen in Lexington.

The rain began falling and the temperature was not much over freezing, so we were grateful to have a covered line. Time was spent applying the same fundamentals of shooting in the seated, kneeling and standing positions. Soon it was time to put everything learned to the test. Participants significantly improved their scores on the last redcoat target with everyone demonstrating they now poses the skills to engage a target to at least 100 yards; four effective up to 200 and two over 300 yards. Plus four shooters were able to get a round in the shingle showing they have what it takes to join Daniel Morgan's corp of Riflemen.

We retired to the AAF&G clubhouse to hear the rest of the inspiring events surrounding the first shots of our American Revolutionary War. A fun and educational day was had by all and we look forward to observing each  participant's improvement at another event soon.

Many thanks to our host range, Anne Arundel Fish and Game, and our volunteers. This event would not have been successful without your support and outstanding coaching. Our Maryland crew embodies the dedication of the "Immortal 400".  Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!