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.
Air Pistol
In this project, youth will learn safety and marksmanship skills when using a pistol. Sight alignment and 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.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Members must turn 9 years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year.
MATERIALS
M 4-H Pistol Member Record Book, 4H753
L 4-H Pistol Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
Small Bore Pistol (.22)
In this project, youth will learn safety and marksmanship skills when using a pistol. Sight alignment and 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.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Members must turn 9 years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year.
*Competitors must be 10 years or older by Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year to participate in the state shoot.
MATERIALS
M 4-H Pistol Member Record Book, 4H753
L 4-H Pistol Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
Air Rifle
Members learn the fundamentals of rifle shooting; sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, breathing and proper stance.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Members must turn 9 years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year. Some counties with advanced projects may have further age guidelines.
MATERIALS
M 4-H Rifle Member Record Book, 4H750
L 4-H Rifle Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
Small Bore Rifle (.22)
Members learn the fundamentals of rifle shooting remain the same; sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, breathing and proper stance.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Members must turn 9 years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year.
*Competitors must be 10 years old or older by Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year to participate in the state shoot. Some counties offering advanced projects may have further age guidelines.
MATERIALS
M 4-H Rifle Member Record Book, 4H750
L 4-H Rifle Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
BB Gun Safety
Members learn the fundamentals of rifle shooting; sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, breathing and proper stance.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Members must turn 8 years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year. Some counties with advanced projects may have further age guidelines.
MATERIALS
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.
Archery
The 4-H archery project teaches proper archery techniques regardless of bow type. Members may shoot a recurve or compound bow and further divisions include additions of sights and other equipment. The local 4-H leader and local Extension Agent will assist youth in type of equipment that is appropriate for the age and stature of the 4-H member.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Members must be 9 years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year. Check with your local Extension Office for further requirements.
MATERIALS
M 4-H Archery Member Record Book, 4H751
L 4-H Archery Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
Shotgun
Members of this project will learn basic through advanced skills in trap, skeet and sporting clay shooting depending on the facilities available in their county. As with all 4-H shooting sports projects, safety is a primary emphasis as is self-improvement. Members will also learn the types of shot, gauges, shooting techniques and the rules of competition.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Members must be 9 years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year. Some counties may have further age guidelines and the local 4-H leader and local Extension Agent will determine the appropriateness of this project for members based on the age and stature of the 4-H member.
MATERIALS
M 4-H Shotgun Member Record Book, 4H752
L 4-H Shotgun Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
Muzzleloading
The 4-H muzzleloading project will teach differences between black powder or black powder substitutes and smokeless powder. Members will 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. Most projects also include inline muzzleloaders as well as traditional muzzleloaders.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Members must be 9 years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year. Some counties may have further age guidelines and the local 4-H leader and local Extension Agent will determine the appropriateness of this project for members based on the age and stature of the 4-H member.
MATERIALS
M 4-H Muzzleloading Member Record Book, 4H755
L 4-H Muzzleloading Discipline Manual is presented at the state 4-H shooting sports workshops.
Hunting
The 4-H hunting/wildlife project includes sections focused on firearm and bow safety, but also teaches 4-H members conservation, wildlife habitat requirements, tracking, stalking skills, orientation, outdoor survival and more. This project can be expanded into almost any aspect of wildlife management and can be very valuable to anyone spending time outdoors.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Members must be 9 years old on Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year.
MATERIALS
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.
Montana 4-H Western Heritage Project (Western Action Shooting)
This project includes 4-H Western Action Shooting and more. Members will learn the history of 19th century firearms, period correct frontier clothing, hats, boots, holsters and 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 and responsible behavior is stressed throughout the project.
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
There are age divisions in the 4-H Western Heritage Project. Western Heritage age divisions – Members who are 9-11 years old by Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year may shoot .22 rifle only. Members age 12-13 years old by Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year may shoot .22 rifle, .22 pistol and shotgun. Members age 14 and older by Oct. 1 of the current 4-H year may shoot pistol, rifle, shotgun and any allowable caliber.
All age divisions participate under the immediate guidance of a certified 4-H Western Heritage Project instructor. Some counties may have further age guidelines and the local 4-H leader and local Extension Agent will determine the appropriateness of this project for members based on age and stature of the 4-H member, including use of a project eligibility assessment test. Each member’s permission to participate rests with the certified 4-H instructor and the local Extension Agent.
MATERIALS
M4-H Western Heritage Project, Youth Activity Guide, Levels 1-3, 5332
LWestern 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.
Shooting Sports Independent Study/Advanced
Any independent study project in 4-H shooting sports that involves firearms or archery gear must be under the supervision of a certified 4-H instructor trained in the appropriate discipline. At home independent study projects may be conducted without an instructor if they are limited to posters, clothing or other educational exhibits that do not include firearms or archery gear.
