Northern junior rangers to compete in national marksmanship contest

Junior Canadian Rangers from three northern communities will compete with other marksmen from across the country at the National Marksmanship Championship in Edmonton next week.

Rangers aged 12 to 18 from Ulukhaktok, N.W.T., Carcross, Yukon, and Taloyoak, Nunavut, will represent the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group at the three-day event starting Tuesday.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for these young Canadians to enhance their exceptional skills, build self-discipline and confidence while promoting traditional cultures and lifestyles,"Brig.-Gen. Kelly Woiden, who is in command of the National Cadet and Junior Rangers Support Group, said in a release Friday.

The rangers taking part in the competition qualified after competing in local marksmanship challenges.

According to the Department of National Defence, "All Junior Canadian Rangers receive training in the safe handling and firing of the Daisy 853C Air Rifle.

"The importance of safety (including the wearing of safety glasses) is stressed at all times and Junior Canadian Rangers are not permitted to use the air rifles until they have demonstrated sufficient awareness of the safety procedures."