Shooting Sports Project

Project Description

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 county Extension office for further requirements.

Project Requirements

To enroll in 4-H shooting sports, students must be 9 years old on October 1 of the current 4-H year. The only exception is 1) the BB Safety course which is open to those turning 8 years old by October 1 of the current 4-H year and 2) the Western Heritage Project.

Note: Western Heritage age divisions - Members who are 10-11 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.

Project Books Required? No

Project books can be purchased here

*** Please note, if you do not attend at least one workshop in your project area during the 4-H year, you will be required to complete activities in your project book and turn it in with your record book. The number of activities required to complete a 4-H year in each project book can be found here.

Meetings for the 2024-2025 4-H Year

• Air Rifle meets every Tuesday from October - Mid March at 5:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Times are subject to change. 
  • Air Rifle safety brief will be on October 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Air Rifle will not meet on November 26th and December 24th
• Archery Meets every Thursday from October - Mid March at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. You choose the time you want to attend.   
  • Archery safety brief will be on October 24th, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Archery will not meet on November 28th and December 26th
• Shotgun meeting dates are TBD  
• Muzzleloading dates are TBD
• The Shooting Sports Banquet will be Thursday, March 27th  

Lewis & Clark County 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational

There will not be a Lewis & Clark County 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational for the 2024-2025 4-H Year. 

Project Superintendent Information

Overall Shooting Sports: Vanessa Olson, lc4hss@gmail.com or 406-431-1598

Project Leaders:
Air Rifle: James Johnson, sweetclovers4hclub@yahoo.com or 406-403-3603
Archery: Ben Rude, xbenrudex@gmail.com or 608-669-7948
Muzzleloading: Les Gransbery, Lfgbfr665@gmail.com or 406-431-4220

Shotgun: Vacant

Small Bore: Vacant

how will you be contacted? Newsletter and email

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jeff Bader, Director of Extension, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717