There’s an excitement in learning to shoot a rifle, shotgun, or bow and arrows when young 4-H members first enter the Shooting Sports program. But there is so much more to be learned in this quality program.

4-H Shooting Sports began in 1980.  Currently there are 300,000 youth that participate in this program.  They are led by approximately 18,000 4-H volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and knowledge to help make the program successful. The Shooting Sports program in Colorado is directed by Colorado State University Extension. Youth enrolled in 4-H may enter the Shooting Sports program at age 8 and continue, if they wish, through their entire 4-H career until they are 18.

Youth development is one objective focused on in Shooting Sports along with learning life skills and of course safety skills. One difference in 4-H Shooting Sports is that we don’t focus on making champion shooters…we focus on making champion kids! Of course, the excitement of possibly shooting at the Championship competition during the Colorado State Fair is always there, but it is not the primary focus. Education is the highest priority followed by recreation then competition. Members must learn to care for equipment used during shooting practice. Leaders teach the importance of using properly cared for equipment. 4-H members must demonstrate their knowledge of safety through practice, demonstrations, and exhibits. Firearm responsibility is also taught during shooting practices.  Some participants come to 4-H having never held a firearm or bow and arrow.  They go from knowing very little or nothing to having the confidence to handle equipment and shoot at targets with comfort. Others with more knowledge at hand continue to focus on their skills and improve what they already know.

As said, it’s not all about the shooting. These 4-H members also must do a project to present and have judged at the fair in July. There are three exhibit types that members may choose from. The first is a display board in which they illustrate something learned in the discipline they are focusing on.  This could be .22 rifle, shotgun, or archery. This might be a new skill they learned, or it could be something historical that they learned along the way.

The second choice is to make a stand-alone exhibit in which the 4-H member constructs an item that can be used constructively with firearms or bows and arrows.  Examples might include decoys, targets, or quivers. Of the three exhibits, this is the most popular among members. It is exciting to have a project you can use at home or next year in 4-H.

And finally, members may choose to make a decorative exhibit item using material from Shooting Sports supplies. Anything decorative like lamps, shelves, or artwork are accepted in this category.

There are strict guidelines to be followed in making these exhibits.  Any exhibits not showing safety standards are automatically disqualified. When finished, members bring their completed exhibit to the fair to be judged by volunteers who are knowledgeable in the field of Shooting Sports. Top exhibits are then selected to participate in the judging at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo.

Sharing their knowledge doesn’t stop with the exhibits, 4-H members must also complete a record book that includes many different requirements to help youth learn life skills. The requirements include things such as goals, leadership experiences and community service time that they complete throughout the year. The record book also includes a financial piece – allowing the youth to understand the cost of all their practices and supplies.

Finally, they include pictures of themselves in action practicing their skills.  They must also write a 4-H story of their experience over the year. Record books are an important part of the whole 4-H experience and provide members with a way to wrap their season up in a positive manner, while gaining skills such as record keeping and writing.

Along with all the excitement of learning to shoot whether it be a firearm or bow and arrows, 4-H members learn so much more.  They walk away having learned important life and safety skills. They learn that 4-H Shooting Sports goes beyond aiming at a target, but that it takes knowledge, time, and patience to become a champion. If you are interested in participating in the shooting sports program, you can reach out to the Gunnison County CSU Extension Office at 970-641-1260.

-Written by Gunnison County CSU Extension 4-H and FCS Specialist, Tina Haney