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 2023-2024 4-H Year
- Air Rifle meets every Tuesday from October - Mid March at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Times are subject to change.
- January 6th Lewis & Clark County 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational
- Archery Meets every Tuesday 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.
- No meeting on November 23rd. Happy Turkey Day!
- November 18h 3D Tournament
- December 9th Mini Shoot
- January 6th Lewis & Clark County 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational
- March State Tournament
- Small Bore will start in May and run through August.
- May Safety meeting, start shooting Tournament
- June Tournaments
- July Tournaments
- August Tournaments
- Shotgun will meet every Monday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Helena Trap Club starting on March 25th through April.
- April 27th Shotgun Tournament
- May ATA shoots
- June ATA shoots
- July ATA shoots
- Muzzleloading will shoot at Last Chance Chapel on Thursday nights during the summer, weather permitting. All required materials are provided by 4-H. Safety glasses and hearing protection are required by everyone when on the line.
Lewis & Clark County 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational
Saturday, January 6th, 2024 8:00-5:00 p.m.
Registration closes Friday, January 5th at 12:00 p.m.
Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall and 4-H Bill Hamilton Building
Air Rifle/Air Pistol
3-D Archery
Target Archery
3-D will be shot in the 4-H Bill Hamilton Building.
The Adult Fun Shoot fundraiser will take place at the same time as the tournament. There will be one dedicated bale each line for the adults. Two adults per line time. There will be a 5:00 p.m. line time for adults also. If interest is high enough from adults, we may add an additional bale each line time.
Payment- You have the option to pay online through Bow Score or you can pay by check, please include a copy of your registration with the check and mail before the deadline to avoid a late fee.
Project Superintendent Information
Overall Shooting Sports: Vanessa Olson, 2qtrcircle@gmail.com or 406-431-1598
Project Leaders:
Air Rifle: Guy Rainville, ltcdadret@bresnan.net or 406-439-3199
Archery:
Augusta Archery:
Muzzleloading: Les Gransbery, mlcagrans@earthlink.net or 406-431-6784
Shotgun: Holly Manning, voermansh@yahoo.com or 406-439-4344
Tom Manning, gonehuntingorfishing@hotmail.com or 406-459-1442
Small Bore:
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