CARRABASSETT VALLEY — The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) is partnering with the Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association (CVOA) to offer regional residents an introduction to the safe, recreational use of handguns, rifles and shotguns. Through a program called First Shots, first-time shooters can attend free half-day sessions composed of classroom and range time.

The First Shots programs will be held starting at 9 a.m. on Saturdays, Aug. 6 and Sept. 10, at the CVOA range at 4068 Carrabassett Drive, about 1.7 miles north of the Sugarloaf access road on Rte. 27.

Preregistration is required by contacting Range Chairman Neal Trask at 235-2732 or at [email protected].

“First Shots is a great opportunity for the public to learn from professionals exactly what gun ownership and the shooting sports are all about. It’s a great opportunity to give shooting a try,” said Trask.

NSSF, founded in 1961, is the trade association for the firearms and recreational shooting sports industry and promotes the safe ownership and responsible use of products its members make and sell. For more information, visit www.nssf.org.

CVOA began 11 years ago and has some 600 members. It promotes and encourages the development of outdoor activities and the proper use and protection of natural resources. Its shooting range on Rte. 27 features trap, rifle and pistol ranges, and an archery range is under construction and will be in operation later this season. For more information, visit www.carrabassettvalleyoutdoorassociation.com.