The Washington state 4-H shooting sports project focus on the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms and the principles of hunting. The activities of the project with the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics. We promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, ethical behavior.
The shooting disciplines include archery, muzzle loading, pistol, rifle, shotgun and hunting. Each discipline is taught by a National or State 4-H Certified Leader. 4-H members have opportunities to test their shooting, hunting, and sportsmanship skills in county, regional, state, and national competitions. In fact, they could ultimately set Olympic competition or motion science as their goal.
Youth must be 8 by October 1st of the current 4-H year to be eligible for:
- Competitive situations, such as livestock shows or sales
- Enrollment in large animal projects, including Beef, Dairy, Goat, Horse, Sheep, Alpaca/Llama, and Swine
- Enrollment in shooting sports projects (participants MUST also be in the third grade)
- Enrollment in projects using motorized vehicles
- Enrollment in food preservation projects
Objectives
Youth will:
- Practice safe and responsible use of their bow and arrow or their chosen firearm
- Understand the principles of hunting and wildlife management
- Develop marksmanship, safety skills, and responsible behavior when handling, using, and storing their shooting sports equipment
4-H Shooting Sports Curriculum
Available in the Extension office or online.
Shooting Sports leaders receive project curriculum after completing required training. All Shooting Sports projects require supervision of a certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor.
Training is offered 2-3 times per year. Contact the State 4-H Office, WSU Spokane, 509-358-7960, for training dates.
Washington 4-H Records, Forms, and Guides
For youth members
C1111E – 4-H Shooting Sports Record Book
Washington State 4-H Shooting Sports Waiver Form (PDF)
Washington State 4-H Shooting Sports Consent of Parents Medical Care and Treatment Form (PDF)
For adult helpers and club leaders
C1119E – Starting a 4-H Shooting Sports Project
EM4426E – Washington 4-H Archery
Helpful Resources
Activity Ideas
Coming soon!
Washington Specific Reference Materials
Coming soon!
Other Reference Materials
From 4-H Programs
From Higher Education Institutions
From Related Organizations, Journals, and Professionals
- Kits, Projects, and Activities from National 4-H
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This is an Archery Member Record Book. This project record book leads youth through lessons about archery equipment, rules of the range and safety. In addition to record-keeping pages, this member record book requires a commitment to safety and completion of activities about setting goals, parts and equipment, and more.
4-H Hunting/Wildlife Member Record Book
The 4-H Hunting/Wildlife record book helps 4-H members set goals for the year and keep an accurate record of their work and accomplishments. Working in conjunction with a shooting sports project, the Hunting/Wildlife project teaches natural resources management through hunting-related activities, and sound decision-making skills promoting safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior. This project is a great complimentary project to an existing shooting sports education project to build and enhance skills.