As we look forward to the New Year, there are many opportunities to be involved in shooting programs including personal safety discussions with family and friends, legislative activities, and training programs for larger groups of new and experienced shooters.

Although we have limited details on both, two recent shooting events emphasize the importance of training and individual rights and responsibilities. In Shelbyville, a landowner was allegedly shooting to scare a coyote, but his bullet struck and killed a young man visiting from Michigan. One of the ten rules of gun safety is to know where you are shooting including everywhere that your bullet will travel until it comes to rest. Even the lowly .22 caliber bullet can travel over a mile. In the hunter education and 4-H shooting programs in which I participate, it is apparent that many fail to appreciate the distance that a bullet can travel. Whether hunting, target practicing or just plinking, please be certain that you know the entire path that your bullets will travel and remind your shooting companions to do the same.

In a second instance, in Indianapolis, a grocery store employee shot an individual who had threatened two female employees in an apparent attempt to rob the store. While many businesses prohibit employees from carrying firearms, this case illustrates the importance of allowing qualified employees, whether they be alone in all night gas stations or in large busy stores, perhaps even banks, to be armed. Prohibitions on concealed carry on college campuses in Indiana create safe zones for criminals and opportunities for discussions with legislators on the possibility of relaxing these prohibitions.

Bill Dowden and others will be keeping a close eye on the Indiana State Legislature, but please watch our website for opportunities for you to help with legislative activities that need extra help. We also welcome anyone who would like to work with Bill to take an active role in working with our legislators.

East-central Indiana residents will soon have another warm place to train and practice. Mark and Shane Highsmith have gained approval to place a 6-lane firing range in downtown Greenfield. Mark started a gunsmithing business in his garage in 1984 and recently expanded to a storefront in Greenfield and he was joined by son, Shane. They already offer firearms training for security officers and have assured me that they will set aside time for 4-H and other junior and beginner adult shooter training programs. We wish the Highsmith's great success in their new endeavor.

We are frequently asked where to obtain safety training. If you are a trainer or know someone who is willing to share contact information, please get that information to us so that we can build a database of information to share.

One of the best new opportunities for introduction to shooting sports is outlined in an article in this issue of the magazine by Amanda Wuestefeld. Please be certain that her information is shared and discussed with your local clubs. The Indiana State Rifle and Pistol Association will be providing some seed money to help start this program. Please let us help you to promote gun safety programs and bring new shooters to share in the challenges and rewards of shooting sports. On a similar note, the Indiana Youth Shooting Sports foundation, an ISRPA affiliate, provided over $11,000 to promote youth shooting sports activities in 2011. This was in addition to over $36,000 in matching funds that was matched multiple times over by the Midway Foundation to produce endowments totaling more than a quarter million dollars to support future shooting sports programs at high schools and universities in Indiana. Please continue to share ways in which we can help you to start and expand programs in your area.

The ISRPA board of directors meets two times per year to manage the business of the association. All members are encouraged to attend and participate. In a break with tradition, the spring meeting will be held May 5, at the Fall Creek Valley Conservation Club www.fcvcc.org south of Anderson, starting at 11:00 a.m. We are still working out details, but hope to provide shooting competition opportunities for the directors prior to the meeting and a home-style lunch near the beginning of the meeting. Please let me know if you plan to attend so that we can provide you with the final details and get an accurate head count for lunch. Also, please provide discussion items and remember to watch the website for ISRPA college scholarship details since scholarships will be selected at the spring meeting.

Thanks to Al Conrad for holding the Junior Olympic Rifle (and Pistol) Competition at Concordia Lutheran High School in January and to all of the many match directors, clubs, and supporters providing shooting marksmanship and training programs in Indiana.

Safe shooting,

Bill Jordan, President, ISRPA