If you enjoy the outdoors and hunting, you’ll love the shooting sports project! This project covers firearm safety and teaches responsible handling and use. Get ready because this project is hands on. You’ll learn about a variety of firearms – including pistols, rifles, shotguns, muzzle-loading, and even archery!
Some groups focus on competitive events, and others practice basic shooting programs. Contact your local club to see what’s available in your area.
In the shooting sports project, you’ll learn:
- how to load and shoot a variety of firearms
- proper maintenance of your firearms, parts, and accessories
- proper safety procedures in handling and shooting
- about shooting sports competitions and how to participate
- hunting procedures
- laws and ethics related to shooting, hunting, and firearms use
- about careers related to firearms and shooting sports!
Due to the nature of this sport, there are quite a few rules that are detailed and important to follow. But remember, fun and safety are the primary goals. These rules should be applied to any activity and event within 4-H Shooting Sports project; these rules supercede those posted in governing bodies such as NRA, USA Archery, NSCA, etc.
The rules for each discipline are as follows:
- General shooting sports rules
- Archery
- Hunting and Wildlife
- Muzzleloading/black powder
- Pistol
- Rifle
- Shotgun
- Whiz-bang event
Other things you should know about this project:
- Use of reloaded ammunition
- Certified 4-H shooting sports coaches
- Mandatory forms for the 4-H pistol project
Quick Reference Schedule of Events/Trainings/Activities
Statewide contests include:
Postal Leagues
“Postal League” got its name because participants mailed their targets in for scoring via the U.S. Postal
Service. It’s a state-wide shooting match where you compete on your own schedule. Keep record of your shots from November to March, and submit your scores online to the state 4-H office.
- 2016-2017 Information & Rules
- Archery Score Card
- Registration Worksheet
- 2015-16 Postal Leagues Results
Extravaganza
If you’re new to shooting sports, this is the place to start! The Shooting Sports Extravaganza is a beginner’s match and learning event. Beginner shooters will learn the process of shooting competitively, basic knowledge of firearm and range safety, and about the shooting sports events.
Ages: open to grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
- Extravaganza Handbook
- Extravaganza Registration Details (Contest held April 16, 2016)
- 2016 Extravaganza Results
Indoor Archery Match Information
The indoor archery match is held each year in 2 locations. Competitors will choose to compete at only one location, and scores will be ranked by all competitors at both locations. There is a “first year” class for competitors that are new to archery and new to the indoor archery match.
Roundup Archery Match
Roundup Archery Match is held at Texas State 4-H Roundup.
Roundup Indoor Rifle Match
Held at 4-H Roundup each year, competitors must qualify through their district in order to compete at this event.
- 2016 Information and Rules (Contest held June 4-5, 2016)
- Registration deadline- May 20, 2016
State Games
Shooting Sports State Games are open to all 4-H members – you do not have to qualify to compete. But you must be actively involved in a shooting sports project at your local club with a coach. Fees are involved.2016 State Games