JAY — There is nothing quite like the concentration a target shooter has while lining up their shot.

It’s a feeling that several Spruce Mountain High School students know intimately. Jared Roy and Connor Maurais are two of the Spruce Mountain students competing on the team, and took time recently to sit down with this reporter and talk about their target shooting experiences.

Connor, a freshman, said that his father was instrumental in getting him involved with the sport.

“My dad (Phil Maurais) took me up to the range. I shot a bunch of rounds,” he recalled. “From there, I got my first rifle. Ever since, I’ve really liked shooting.”

“Phil is the president of the club and approached my dad about starting a youth league,” said Jared. “My dad asked if I wanted to shoot, and I said ‘yes’.”

It has been three years since Jared and Connor took up the sport, and they have learned a great deal and improved their marksmanship immensely. Their fathers are members of the club, and the boys are free to go and use the range anytime they want to in order to practice.

Jared said that his father, Greg Roy, and Phil Maurais help teach the sport. Julien Beale helps with the more technical aspects during a summer program.

“He doesn’t shoot anymore, but he used to be a really good shooter,” said Jared. “He perfects our position. When he sees our potential, he starts teaching other techniques and positions to refine everything.”

He added, “I’ve found that if you’re not uncomfortable shooting, you’re not doing it right.”

There are four shooting positions that the youth team uses when competing. They are sitting (which is only done in one or two competitions per year), and prone, offhand, and kneeling.

The key to getting better, said Connor, is practice.

“Take the time to do it right,” he said. “Learn from your instructors, and don’t get down on yourself. If it’s a bad shot, forget it.”

There are 16 enrolled in the youth target shooting program. Anyone 10 or older who has a family membership can join. Other than those requirements, all a shooter has to do is provide their own ammunition.

Connor and Jared have had the chance to compete at the Maine Junior 4 Position Gallery Rifle Championship at Capital City Rifle Range in Augusta, and also at an Ohio meet featuring some of the best target shooters in the country in their age group. They have been able to observe and learn from other shooters, who have also been more than willing to share advice.

Through their experiences, the Wilton Fish & Game Association’s youth target shooters have learned sportsmanship and dedication to the sport. Learning to handle firearms safely is another crucial aspect of the lessons, and is the first thing that participants learn, before they’re taught to shoot.

“It also builds friendship, and people can help each other with technique,” said Connor of the benefits of being part of the team.

“My dad would prefer we go to the range with a teammate just to build that social connection,” said Jared.

They have discovered a sport that they can partake in for the rest of their lives.

“I’m definitely going to keep my gun and shoot it at a few competitions,” said Jared. “It’s a really good sport, especially because it teaches youth gun safety.”

Connor Maurais (left) and Jared Roy are two of the Spruce Mountain High School students taking part on the Wilton Fish & Game Association’s youth target shooting teams.

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