The year 2004 turned out to be a great year for the Gowanda Rifle Club.

     The annual fall turkey shoot attracted a big turnout with many shooters sharing the winners’ circle. A larger-than-usual number of youths participated, with one youngster drawing big cheers from the crowd by outshooting his father in a rifle event. Plans are already being made to make next year’s shoot even bigger and better.

     Also in the works for next year is to have a firearms instruction class just for women and girls. The big emphasis will be on safety and familiarization.

     The summer rifle matches also drew a larger turnout this year with 16 people qualifying for trophies.