Shooting Sports
To enroll in 4-H shooting sports, youth must be nine years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year. The only exception is the BB Safety course which is open to those turning 8 years old by Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year and the Western Heritage Project.
Shooting Sports is a safe, fun and challenging activity that can become a lifelong passion to be shared with the family. The safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment is the primary focus of the 4-H Shooting Sports program. Members will improve marksmanship skills, have the opportunity to compete, and learn self-discipline and personal responsibility. All 4-H shooting sports leaders must attend a state training workshop and become certified in their shooting discipline before serving as project leaders. Some counties may have further requirements depending on shooting discipline. It is strongly encouraged, and required in some counties, that a parent, guardian or other responsible adult be willing to attend project meetings with the 4-H member. There is opportunity for practice under the watchful eye of trained leaders who have the final say in safety matters and the behavior of the youth enrolled. Keeping current record books is required of all members. Check with your local Extension office for further requirements.
All 4-H Shooting Sports curriculum is only to be used by a 4-H member enrolled in County Shooting Sports programs led by a 4-H certified Shooting Sports leader. No Shooting Sports projects that involve firearms, airguns or archery equipment may be taken independently without a certified leader.
It may take three years to complete a level. You must complete a minimum of seven activities and five learning experiences each year to complete this project.
Projects to learn
In this project youth will learn,
- safety and marksmanship skills when using a pistol
- sight alignment
- sight picture will be stressed as will trigger control
- proper stance and consistent shooting
- shooting is done off a rest and continues into offhand as skills improve
In this project youth will learn,
- safety and marksmanship skills when using a pistol
- sight alignment
- sight picture will be stressed as will trigger control
- proper stance and consistent shooting
- shooting is done off a rest and continues into offhand as skills improve
In this project youth will learn,
- the fundamentals of rifle shooting
- sight alignment
- sight picture
- trigger control
- breathing
- proper stance
In this project youth will learn,
- the fundamentals of rifle shooting
- sight alignment
- sight picture
- trigger control
- breathing
- proper stance
In this project youth will learn,
- the fundamentals of rifle shooting
- sight alignment
- sight picture
- trigger control
- breathing
- proper stance
In this project youth will learn,
- teaches proper archery techniques regardless of bow type.
- to shoot a recurve or compound bow and further divisions include additions of sights and other equipment.
- the type of equipment that is appropriate for the age and stature of the 4-H member
In this project youth will learn,
- basic through advanced skills in trap
- skeet and sporting clay shooting depending on the facilities available in their county
- self-improvement
- the types of shot, gauges, shooting techniques
- the rules of competition
In this project youth will learn,
- differences between black powder or black powder substitutes and smokeless powder
- to improve in marksmanship skills and learn the proper handling techniques necessary for the safe use of muzzleloading firearms
- Depending on the county’s program, cap and ball revolvers may be included and if used in the 4-H Western Heritage Project, a 4-H certified muzzleloading instructor must be present.
- inline muzzleloaders as well as traditional muzzleloaders
In this project youth will learn,
- sections focused on firearm and bow safety
- 4-H members conservation
- wildlife habitat requirements
- tracking
- stalking skills
- orientation
- outdoor survival and more
- wildlife management
In this project youth will learn,
- the history of 19th century firearms
- period correct frontier clothing, hats, boots, holsters
- the true lifestyles of those who lived in the Old West from many diverse walks of life
- Some members may be interested in becoming Old West re-enactors while others might focus mainly on the shooting aspects of the project – or both
- firearm safety
- responsible behavior is stressed throughout the project
Independent study is for any youth looking for new challenges and opportunities in 4-H. This allows a member to explore topics that have not been investigated while remaining enrolled in a 4-H project. Members enrolling in the independent study phase of a project should
- develop a detailed learning plan for their work
- identify an area of interest within the project area
- set goals and locate resources (people, publications, materials) to carry out a project plan
- determine specific experiences needed to accomplish project goals,
- set a realistic timeline for completion
- carry out the project learning plan,
- share experiences with others
- evaluate outcomes and determine what could be improved.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
The individualized learning plan should be approved by a parent, 4-H adult volunteer leader or 4-H agent. For assistance in developing a personal learning contract, use Design Your Own project materials or other goal-setting materials. While independent study provides flexibility and creativity, it also requires serious planning, implementation and evaluation.
Materials you'll need
M 4-H Pistol Member Record Book, 4H753
L 4-H Pistol Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M 4-H Pistol Member Record Book, 4H753
L 4-H Pistol Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M 4-H Rifle Member Record Book, 4H750
L 4-H Rifle Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M 4-H Rifle Member Record Book, 4H750
L 4-H Rifle Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M 4-H Rifle Member Record Book, 4H750
M*: Daisy BB Gun Curriculum, 4-HDL03*
*This book is available for Certified Leaders, please contact the state 4-H Center for Youth Development to access, (406)994-3501.
L 4-H Archery Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M 4-H Archery Member Record Book, 4H751
L 4-H Archery Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M 4-H Shotgun Member Record Book, 4H752
L 4-H Shotgun Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M 4-H Muzzleloading Member Record Book, 4H755
L 4-H Muzzleloading Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M 4-H Hunting/Wildlife Member Record Book, 4H754
L 4-H Hunting/Wildlife Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M 4-H Western Heritage Project, Youth Activity Guide, Levels 1-3, 5332
L Western Heritage Project, Firearms, Gunleather, and Attire of the Frontier West 1860-1900, 5323 (spiral bound edition)
L 4-H Cowboy Action Shooting Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
M You Decide, 5314
L Helping Them Decide, 5315
Non-Animal Record Books
A Project/Financial Journal is needed for each non-animal related project. Project journals need to contain the name of the project, the year these records were kept, and a leader/parent signature. All sections of the journal need to be completed. If nothing was done in an area or section of a record sheet, the word “none” or something similar should be written.
Careers in Shooting Sports
If you are wanting to explore careers in beef, below are some of the potential routes you can take. 4-H members interested in going to college can also visit the 4-H foundation website for scholarships in their county or reservation.
