4-H Shooting Sports

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and locations for the State events?

See the 4-H Shooting Sports Calendar of Events, or call 662-325-3350 for more information.

When is the next 4-H Shooting Sports adult volunteer training?

See 4-H Shooting Sports Calendar of Events, or call 662-325-3350 for more information.

[Photo]: A boy firing a .22 rifle What does it mean to be a certified volunteer instructor?

Young people who join the 4-H Shooting Sports program are taught firearm and archery safety by an adult volunteer who has attended a two-day workshop. This workshop equips volunteers with the techniques needed to instruct and mentor youth. “Lead” instructors, or those who must sign and verify that youth have received the required training, must be certified. All county-level practices must be conducted with at least one certified instructor present in each discipline area as appropriate.

Where can I find a list of trained volunteers in the State?

A list of trained volunteers in your county can be obtained from your county 4-H Youth Agent.

Where do I find the rules for shooting contests?

Each year we update the handbook to stay consistent with changing rules, and the updated handbook will be made available in late fall or early winter each year. A limited number of copies will be distributed to your county office. The handbook is also posted on the web to download and print as many copies as you need.

John Doe won first in his discipline of .22 rifle at his District event. Is there a reason he was not invited to state competition?

Awards are given out based on highest score in each age class and competition class. John may have had first place, but he may not have scored a minimum percentage in his discipline event. To be invited to participate in the State Invitational, senior-aged youth must score a minimum in each discipline area. Although 4-H’ers may qualify for multiple disciplines, they may only compete in one discipline at the State Invitational. The score percentages required for qualification for the State Invitational are listed below.

Discipline Score Needed to Qualify

Discipline	Minimum Score Needed to Qualify
Air Rifle	195
.22 Rifle	195
Air Pistol	200
.22 Pistol	150
Shotgun	10
Archery (Recurve and Bare Bow)	60
Archery (Compound and Unlimited)	90
Muzzleloader	30

How are the national teams determined?

[Photo]: Instructors grading wildlife exams

Senior 4-H shooting sports participants who score a minimum percentage in their discipline event will be invited to the State Invitational and, if successful, may represent Mississippi at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Contest. National 4-H Contest rules state that youth will only be allowed to attend the National 4-H Shooting Sports Contest once per discipline. Thus, a 4-H'er may compete at the National Contest in .22 rifle only once, but may go again and compete in another discipline (i.e., air rifle, .22 pistol, air pistol).

Where can I get paper targets?

Some unofficial but free targets can be obtained from MSU-ES Printing, call Chris Sowers, 662-325-2164.
For all official targets, contact the National Target Company 1-800-827-7060.

Where can I get metallic targets?

The .22 rifle metallic targets can be ordered from Ray Shafer 2321 Piney Mt. Church Road, Bostic, NC 28018, phone number 828-245-8168.

Where can I buy clay target throwers?

Clay Games, Inc.
[Photo]: Boy shooting at the state event

55 Lane 240 Big Otter Lake
Fremont, IN 46737
Phone: 260-833-6645
Fax: 219-833-6649
Catalogs, handouts, and training material are available
Call for details

Trius Products, Inc at Lyman
475 Smith Street
Middlefield, CT 06457
Phone: 800-225-9626
Fax: 860-632-1699
www.lymanproducts.com
www.triustraps.com
Manufactures traps and clay targets
Catalogs and promotional material are available. Call for details

Do-All Traps, LLC
216 19th Ave North
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone: 800-252-9247 or 615-269-4884
Fax: 800-633-3172 or 615-269-4434

How can I get discounts on shooting equipment?

The National 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation maintains a list of supporting organizations that offer discounts to certified instructors. You may find this list here.

How safe is youth shooting sports?

The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation released a study of youth sports deaths for the years 1984-1988. The study identified 276 deaths in 14 different youth sports. Numbers ranged from a high of 69 deaths in baseball and 63 in football down to a low of 1 in volleyball. No deaths were attributed to youth target shooting activities. All statistics support the conclusion that the shooting sports, under the direction of responsible and capable adult leaders, is one of the safest activities available to young people.