RJ Wolcott

Lansing State Journal

EAST LANSING - Local marksmen are invited to Michigan State University's Demmer Center to show off their skills for a shot at appearing on a new reality television show.

The center is a qualifying range for American Marksman, a forthcoming competitive shooting show produced by the Outdoor Channel. Top amateurs will be pitted against one another for a $50,000 grand prize later this year.

Registration for the amateur shooting competition costs $20 for either pistol or rifle or $35 for both and can be done on the American Marksman website. Shooters can visit 4830 E. Jolly Road until May 31 for a chance to qualify for the show.

It took about a year to get the Demmer Center accepted as a qualifying site, said Michael Galella, the center's director.

Shooters are tested on .22 caliber pistols or rifles on paper targets from 20 or 30 feet, respectively.

The competition has four categories: men, women, youth ages 12 to 16, and military or law enforcement personnel.

Approximately 100 people have attempted to qualify since the competition began in March, Galella said.

Total score is calculated based on shot location and the amount of time it takes a contestant to complete the course.

Those interested can visit the center Tuesdays through Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. Renting a lane to practice costs $15, while participating in qualification is free, Galella said.

Camera crews from the Outdoor Network will be dropping by Demmer later this year for filming, Galella said, though an exact date isn't set.

Contact RJ Wolcott at (517) 377-1026 or rwolcott@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @wolcottr.

Register for American Marksman

To take your shot at qualifying for American Marksman, visit AmMarksman.com