Baby's first gun: Louisiana sheriff offers firearm training for young kids

As the saying goes, you can never be too young to learn, and that just may include how to handle a gun.



A sheriff's department in Louisiana is offering free firearm training for local children.



New BB gun, shotgun or hunting rifle owners, or those who just want to learn, were encouraged to attend the 'Kids First Gun Program' in Caddo Parish this weekend, so long as they were between the ages of 8 and 12.

Into good hands: A young boy carries a BB rifle on his first hunt, a perfect participant for a local Louisiana sheriff's gun safety program held this weekend for children (file photo)

Held annually, the program is 'conducted immediately after Christmas for those children who received their first gun as a gift,' according to the sheriff's website.

'Children who will receive a gun for Christmas can try it for the first time in front of certified law enforcement academy firearms instructors,' Sheriff Steve Prator told the Shreveport Times of the program.

'Parents are wise to want their children to know basic firearms,' he added.



The free four-hour course held on Saturday is sponsored by donations from local citizens, Walmart, and local wholesalers.



Children without a gun will be provided one, according to CNS News.

Real life: A Red Ryder airgun is seen under a Christmas tree in the classic movie A Christmas Story with the Louisiana sheriff's department hosting the program after many children's similar gifts

All participants must be accompanied by an adult.



Among public reaction to the event reported in local papers, a Facebook user reaching out to the sheriff's department on their site commended the officers.

