Caddo Sheriff’s Office Holding Youth Gun Safety Course

Maybe your child's biggest wish for Christmas this year is for Santa Claus to bring them their first hunting rifle or BB gun?

If that's the case, you'll certainly want to know that child has been properly educated on the proper usage and safety needed for gun ownership. And the Caddo Sheriff's Office is once again more than happy to help you with that education.

Registration is currently underway for the Caddo Sheriff’s Office “First Gun Class for Kids.” The course is designed to teach gun safety to children ages 8-16. It provides basic instruction for those who may never have fired a gun but want to be able to use one safely and is highly recommended for kids who will receive a new BB gun, shotgun, or hunting rifle for Christmas.

Participants can choose to attend on either December 19 or January 9. Both sessions are from 8:00 am until 12:00 pm and will be held at the Sheriff's Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, on Highway One South.

“Children who will receive a gun for Christmas can try it for the first time in a safe environment with the help of a trained Caddo sheriff’s deputy,” Sheriff Steve Prator said. “Parents are wise to want their children to know basic firearms safety before a gun is given as a gift, and I would strongly urge them to register their child for this program,” Prator said. “It’s the responsible thing to do.”

Children are welcome to attend the course with BB guns, pellet guns, .22 rifles, and small caliber shotguns. No high-powered rifles will be allowed. Only BB's and .22 ammunition will be supplied by the training academy. Through generous donations by local citizens and local wholesalers, those children without a gun can use one supplied at the academy. Participants will shoot skeet and fixed targets supplied by the National Rifle Association Foundation.

There's no cost for the course, but pre-registration is required. Space is limited, and COVID protocols will be followed. An adult must remain with the child throughout the course. To register, call 681-0735.