Stephen Reynolds hasn't shot a gun in about 25 years. Hasn't skied in about 15.

Those streaks ended this year when an opportunity presented itself.

Reynolds was one of six adults out Wednesday night at the Grey Mountain Biathlon Range taking his best shot. Or shots.

"I've always been curious about biathlon, I think it's an amazing sport, just the combination of the intensity of cross-country skiing and the focus of shooting,” he said. "I've watched it in the Olympics and on TV whenever it's on, but never really had a chance even to try it.”

Reynolds first came out for a Biathlon Yukon open house in the fall, and most recently attended the adult biathlon open house on Nov. 27, when he was one of 12 getting the low-down on the sport.

Now, adult biathletes can meet at the range each Wednesday from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. to try their hand at the sport. Cost: $100 if you do not own a rifle (which is supplied); $70 if you do own a rifle.

Last Wednesday the session was cancelled because it was bitterly cold.

Last night, however, Reynolds was acquainting himself with the .22 caliber biathlon rifle and will strap on the skis next week, he said, adding that he's been skiing at Mount McIntyre to get himself into shape.

"I've never owned a gun – I don't think I've shot a gun in about 25 years – so I am the absolute adult beginner,” he laughed.

"It's something that I don't think a lot of people who live in Whitehorse know is right here, and we've put out some national caliber athletes in this sport, so you might as well learn from these guys who have some cool experience and hopefully they'll teach you some tricks and then just practise, practise, practise.

"This could take seven years, and maybe I'll make the masters category one day, but no big rush.”

That's what adult biathlon is all about, range master Vernon Beebe said.

"My goal this year was to actually just open up the facility to the alumni or people who are interested in trying out, so that's what the adult biathlon is all about, it's just a recreational opportunity for people who've done biathlon or are interested to check it out, have some fun,” Beebe said.

Beebe grew up shooting .22 caliber rifles, he said, but biathlon really combines a lot of skill.

He's no biathlete, he pointed out, just a parent of one.

"There's a lot of difference between standing at a target and shooting and skiing two kilometers as hard as you can against some of the fastest skiers in the country and shooting. Their heart rates are getting high at that point,” Beebe said.

He has, however, participated in fun races.

"When I'm laying down, it's a bit easier…I've come in and tried to shoot standing and I might as well have not even bothered,” he added.

Adult biathlon will be fairly self-directed, he explained. Three senior athletes have returned to the club recreationally.

Between them and other alumni, the group will be self-coached.

"The Yukon's full of expertise,” Beebe said. "We're going to see where it goes; and maybe it will develop into an actual coached, more serious crew, but right now it's just recreational, self-directed. Once we figure out what people are looking for, then we'll start building a more serious adult program, if that's what people want.”

"It's a small club and it's a small community. We're not looking for 60 people, we're looking for a dozen committed people who wanted to come out on a regular basis, facilitate that, and give them the best experience we can out there.”

Beebe added that this is just the beginning for the program.

Anyone interested in signing up for adult biathlon can call Vernon at 633-2297 or e-mail

oliver.beebe@northwestel.net.

With limited space, he noted, the sooner the better.

Reynolds added: "I think there's room for lots more adults to come out, so if anybody has a budding interest in biathlon, I think they should really give it a try this season, lets make an effort at it.”