Youths have an opportunity to learn correct gun use as well as accurate shooting skills during upcoming sessions of the Teen Shooting Academy.

NRA certified instructors teach boys and girls in all classes. “The Teen Shooting Academy is the only school in New York State that teaches young people the art of shooting of a rifle, shotgun, and handgun. This is not a shooting gallery,” Bob Church, academy coordinator, stressed when describing class conduct.

The award-winning program begins its sixth year with a shotgun class February 15 at West Falls Conservation Society for ages 12-20. A $50 registration fee includes shells, targets, class textbooks, eye and ear protection, firearm use, and gun-cleaning gear. Eight classes are held 6:30-9 p. m. on the first and third Monday each month.

The TSA rifle and handgun classes will be held at Mohawk Rifle and Pistol Club, 857 Sheridan Drive in Tonawanda. The rifle class starts Feb. 15, with eight sessions held 6:30-9 p. m. on the first and third Monday each month. A $30 registration fee includes shells, targets, and books. Students successfully completing this class can earn a Boy Scouts and/or an NRA Merit Badge.

The handgun class begins Feb. 22 for students aged 14 to 20. A $30 fee includes cartridges, targets, books and use of all shooting equipment. Eight classes will be in session at 6:30-9 p. m. on the second and fourth Monday each month.

Begun in 2005, the Teen Shooting Academy received an Association of Great Lakes Outdoors Writers Distinguished Organization Award during its 2007 AGLOW conference at Niagara Falls.

Among the academy’s distinguished graduates, Abbey Wharton of Colden completed all classes and obtained TSA Sharpshooter qualifications before entering the U. S. Marine Corps in public relations. Among other duties, Abbey received range instruction and during a December 2009 competition she won an Expert award.

Steve Aldstadt, TSA class coordinator, cited current student Nicole Despenza of East Aurora for her exceptional learning and shooting skills. Nicole attained a Sharpshooter status in her first instructional session. “Students don’t usually qualify as an NRA Sharpshooter during the very first class,” Aldstadt said. Most youths complete a Marksman qualification during their first rifle instruction.

Deadline for all TSA classes is Feb. 8. For a registration application, write: Teen Shooting Academy, Box 294, Springville, NY 14141 or call Bob Church (592-7211) or Steve Aldstadt (846-5448).