The National Rifle Association Foundation (NRAF) recently awarded a grant of $1,972 to the Long Lake Conservation Foundation (LLCF) to aid in purchasing left-handed firearms for use in the firearms safety training, which is the primary objective of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association's Forkhorn Camp Program. Approximately 100 youth attended Forkhorn Camps at LLCC this past summer; an anticipated 120 will attend next summer. Approximately 8-10 percent of these youth are left handed.
One of the problems encountered in the first year of LLCC's Forkhorn Camp program in 2006 was the frustration by left-handed youth in using firearms designed for right-handed individuals. Seeing a need to obtain these firearms, LLCC staff contacted Joe Lorsung, NRA field representative, to inquire as to whether the NRA could help in this matter or not. As a result of this conversation, LLCF submitted a grant proposal to the "Friends of NRA Minnesota." It was approved at the Minnesota level and was then forwarded to the NRAF where the grant was given final approval. Youth programs in firearm safety are a strong part of the NRA Foundation's supported activities. The firearms were acquired by LLCC in plenty of time to be used during the Forkhorn camps scheduled in July and August of 2007.
Youth attending the camps were delighted to have the left-handed firearms. A firearm designed for left-handed individuals increases the effectiveness of the safety features and is easier for them to use. Comments from left-handed youth during the camp's range day activities at Moose-Willow Sportsman's Club were that these firearms were "a whole lot easier" to use.
More information on the NRAF can be found online at www.nrafoundation.org . Information on Long Lake's Forkhorn Camp programs can be found online at www.llcc.org/summer.html or by calling LLCC at (800) 450-5522.
