It’s almost time for the September long weekend horseless rodeo—the Ponoka Fish and Game Rifleman’s Rodeo.
The Rifleman’s Rodeo is a hunter class shooting competition for all ages. The rodeo has men’s and women’s senior categories as well as buddies, juniors and a family event.
There are five animal targets that come up at random. “There’s a new one that I’m not telling you,” said co-chairman Brent Nabozniak, with a laugh.
The Rifleman’s Rodeo has been going on for more than 40 years. “It was originally designed as an event to prepare hunters for hunting season, “ said Nabozniak.
The rodeo runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.
On Sept. 1 at 9 a.m. a kid’s shootout will take place until about noon.
“We take time to allow the kids to shoot .22s,” said Nabozniak.
In the kids’ shoot-out there’s a sub-junior level for children under 10 years old and a junior level for children 10 to 17.
They shoot at 10 target rings and whoever has the best score out of 100 wins.
The champion of the full-fledged rodeo event, who scores the best out of 50 with the animal targets, wins a silver and gold buckle.
The rodeo will also feature a balloon shoot, a handgun shoot and a black powder shoot. The handgun and black powder shoots are 50/50 events.
“Everybody is allowed to come shoot,” said Nabozniak. “It’s a great event for the kids, they love it.”
The Rifleman’s Rodeo also promotes firearms safety and, features free camping.
Cost to shoot in the senior’s event is $5 and the buddy and junior events are $10. To come out and watch the event at the Lake Pofianga shooting range is free.
For more information about the Rifleman’s Rodeo visit www.ponokafishandgame.ca or call Brent Nabozniak at 403-803-8406 or Phyllis Walcheske at 403-783-2191.