Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

CHESTERFIELD INLET - Jacelyn Simik, 17, has reclaimed her title as top shot among Junior Rangers in Chesterfield Inlet.

The past three winners of the Junior Rangers shooting competition in Chester have all been females, with Simik claiming the title in 2005 and 2007, and Doriana Sammurtok taking top spot in 2006.

Simik will now head to Yellowknife this coming weekend to compete in the annual Junior Rangers shooting championship.

The Chester Junior Rangers hold shooting sessions a couple of times each year, using the pellet rifles required for the shooting competition.

During the Junior Rangers actual shooting showdown, the range is set up in the Victor Sammurtok school gym with the shooters 10-metres away from their targets.

The shooters are given three opportunities to fire at the targets to sight-in their rifles and see where their pellets are striking.

After they adjust their sights, they're given a 10-shot session to fire at the targets and compile their official score.

Most of the Chester Junior Ranger Patrol competed in the event, with about 25 taking their best shot at qualifying.

The Yellowknife competition is more challenging, with different variations of shooting positions and fall-down targets being employed.

Simik said she's very excited about competing in Yellowknife this coming weekend, and, since it will be her second time at the event, she knows what to expect. She said as far as she's aware, there hasn't been any problem with Chester's male Junior Rangers over a female winning the competition three years in a row.

"Everybody cheers each other on to do well, no matter who's on the firing line," said Simik.

"When we get our scores, everyone congratulates you on good shooting if you get a high mark.

"Still though, I'm proud I'm a better shot than the boys.

"My family hunts a lot, so I want to keep improving my shot so I can become a better hunter like my dad and my grandfather."