By Cara Greger

Through its outreach efforts, the North Dakota Wildlife Federation (NDWF) is constantly working to unite hunters, anglers and conservationists under a common banner.  As a result of the organization’s recent work, it welcomed into its ranks its newest affiliate: the Beach Firearms and Trap Club in Beach, ND.  This club is newly formed after being combined with the local Pheasants Forever Chapter.  The club decided it wanted to focus on supporting the Beach High School Trap Team and other projects that advance the hunting and fishing skills of young people in the area.  The new club members were approached about opportunities with NDWF for grants that would help them accomplish these goals. 

The Beach Firearms and Trap Club applied for and was awarded a $2,500 grant through NDWF to help meet the costs of supporting the Beach High Trap Team.  This grant will support the 20-plus shooters on the team, helping to cover the costs of ammunition, making the trek to the State Tournament in Horace, ND, and providing other equipment needed for the sport.  The team was established seven years ago and holds weekly practices during the spring North Dakota State High School Clay Target League season.  The weekly events consist of participants shooting two 25-target rounds for a total of 50 targets from the 16-yard line.  

Competitive shooting activities are the fastest growing sports in the United States and provide a direct path for organizations like the Beach Firearms and Trap Club in creating more successful young hunters. 

NDWF encourages its affiliate clubs and those looking to join its ranks to support shooting sports through 4-H programs, high school teams, and local events.  That is why there are several opportunities for NDWF-provided funds to do this work which can be found at: northdakotawildlife.org/grants. In addition, new clubs can connect with established organizations under the NDWF banner for ideas on youth programs, events, fundraising and member acquisition and retention.

North Dakota has a rich history with rod and gun clubs, sportsmen’s clubs, wildlife federations and other organizations that all have the same mission or shared visions focused on preserving and nurturing an appreciation for the outdoors.  Organizations like the Beach Firearms and Trap Club are working to nurture the next generation of skilled and responsible hunters.  NDWF works with those clubs to make sure this is possible. 

Cara Greger is a Dakota Edge Outdoors contributing writer and the Western North Dakota Conservation Coordinator for the North Dakota Wildlife Federation.

For more information on the Beach Firearms and Trap Club or the Beach High School Trap Team contact Ryan Thompson ryant@midstate.net or call 701-260-0611.

For more information on the North Dakota Wildlife Federation contact Cara Greger at cgreger.ndwf@gmail.com or call 320-808-4897.

Featured Photo: Members and coaches of the Beach Trap Team made the trip in 2023 to the Shooting Park in Horace, ND for the annual North Dakota State High School Clay Target League State Tournament. DEO Photo courtesy NDWF.