The N.C. Wildlife hosts a hunter’s safety education tournament each year at the Polk County Gun Club. Schools and 4-H teams are invited to compete in marksmanship, gun safety, land responsibility, survival skills, wildlife protection and much more.
This years event was held Saturday, March 17. Sixteen high school teams and seven middle school teams participated. All schools were examples of the goal set by the State of N.C. Wildlife showing knowledge, responsibility, safety and involvement. Polk County high’s team “A” took first place honors in the overall competition, second place in shotgun and their very own Matthew Walker, taking first place in the Orinteering event.
The “A” team has earned the honor to compete in the State championship. They will be traveling to Ellerbee, N.C. for the April 28 event to meet against the top teams from districts across the state. Polk will represent the ninth district which consists of the majority of Western N.C.
In attempt to raise money for the trip, the Polk County teams will hold a car wash on March 31 at Advanced Auto Parts in Columbus from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The money raised will help to buy equipment needed to prepare for the state competition.