Published: June 05, 2009 08:37 am      

Right on Target

Gun safety is a first priority with the instructors at Hillside Plinkers

Click here to see the June 6, 2009 Neighbors section in its entirety


By Erica Bowlin For the Times-Tribune

Butch Housman of Brown’s Creek was five years old when he shot a gun for the first time.

“My dad Roscoe sat me up on his knee and showed me the safe way to handle and shoot a gun,” said Housman.

Ever since then, Butch has loved the sport. He took his first gun safety class at the YMCA at the age of 12.

“It turns out, I knew more than the instructor. And after that I pretty much took over the class. I became an Apprentice Marksmanship Instructor,” Housman said.

Housman began shooting competitively in the 1960’s and served in the United States Marines.

Over the years, Housman’s interest in marksmanship grew, and he became Kentucky’s state high power rifle champion.

During the 1980’s Housman decided to start teaching gun safety to young people.

“I wanted to bring the joy of the sport to new shooters, I wanted to teach them appreciation and respect for the firearms. Of course, our main concern is always safety.

“I figured it is only natural for kids to be interested in guns, so why not do it in a safe and fun environment.

“I always figured that we better educate kids on proper handling and gun safety before they go out and learn about guns on their own, that’s how accidents happen,” said Housman.

Earlier this year, Housman started a gun club for adults and children alike. The club is called the Hillside Plinkers.

The headquarters is located in Williamsburg at Butch Housman’s home.

Family memberships cost $20 and the club provides ear protection and ammunition.

Butch Housman is a member of the National Rifle Association and follows all official guidelines when teaching young shooters. But he also makes an effort to make learning a fun experience for the students as well.

“It is possible to teach gun safety and at the same time have a great time,” said Housman.

The club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Jenna Hensley, 12, of Williamsburg joined the club to learn and have fun.

“My dad has always collected guns, and I have always been interested in them,” said Jenna. “I shot a gun for the first time when I was nine.

“It’s great to get the chance to do something fun this summer,” she added.

Jenna believes other kids should learn gun safety as well.

“It’s good for kids because it gives them the opportunity to learn a great sport, and spend time with their friends and family,” Jenna said.

Chris McKee, 11, of Williamsburg, enjoys being a member of Hillside Plinkers.

“It’s awesome because I get to shoot my gun, and I learn how to use it safely. It will also make me a better hunter,” said Chris.

Lisa and Benny Bargo of Corbin are members of the club as well, along with their two sons. Lisa knows gun safety is critical for her children.

“My kids are going to see guns in movies and in shows on television and we’ve always had plastic guns so they are naturally curious about guns,” said Lisa.

“My son Siler is seven and Spencer is nine, so it occurred to me that we need to teach them gun responsibility, and we need to do it right,” she said. They are going to learn about guns sooner or later, so we figured Hillside Plinkers would be a great place to do it. Mr. Housman really takes time to give each student one-on-one attention. The kids love it too.”

Lisa also signed up for the class as a way to spend time with her family.

“We really enjoy being a part of the club, it is a family thing. We get to spend time together while we are all learning as well.”

According to Housman, the National Rifle Association is a great resource for shooters of all ages.

The NRA offers several youth programs, such as the Marksman Qualification Program in which parents or other adults can supervise children as they become better shooters and achieve higher rankings. The highest ranking is ‘Distinguished Expert.’ When a shooter becomes a Distinguished Expert, he or she will possess the knowledge of skills similar to a competitive sharpshooter.

The NRA also works with youth clubs like the Hillside Plinkers by providing standards and safety rules to ensure safety is always the top priority.

For more information on the National Rifle Association’s youth programs, visit their website at www.nra.org.

For more information or questions about the Hillside Plinkers, contact Butch Housman at 606-549-2181.



Erica Bowlin is a former Miss Whitley County and is currently a mother of four living in Lily. You can contact her at ericalynnbowlin@yahoo.com