Shooting Sports

Get kids on target through the 4-H Shooting Sports Program! 

The Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports program has been active for over 20 years. Youth in more than 70 counties participate in a variety of shooting sports areas every year! Members can learn safety and shooting techniques for shotgun, rifle, air gun, muzzle loading and archery. They learn how to handle firearms responsibly for target practice and hunting and learn respect for the natural environment.

Objectives

The goal of all 4-H Youth Development programs is youth development. All project areas work toward developing skills youth need to be productive and positive adults in society. Decision making, teamwork, problem solving, being responsible and having high self-esteem are just a few of the many skills 4-H helps to develop. 

Objectives specific to the 4-H Shooting Sports program are to:

• Encourage participation in environmental and outdoor education programs by exposing youth to shooting, hunting and other related activities.
• Support youth in developing valuable conservation and natural resources related knowledge, skills and stewardship.
• Enhance development of self-concept, character and personal growth through safe, educational and socially acceptable involvement in shooting.
• Teach safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment.
• Promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, ethical behavior, and conservation.
• Strengthen families through participation in lifelong recreational activities.
• Provide hands-on learning experiences.

Upcoming Events & Scholarships

 MI 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification Workshop, April 26-28, 2013 (Registration deadline is April 12, 2013)

• Announcement contains all information on workshop, sessions, costs, how to register, and other requirements
• Registration Link
  
• e-learning course information
• Certification and Recertification Policies and Application (Updated Feb 2013)

Michigan 4-H 3-Position Air Rifle Match

• Announcement
• Event details including registration forms

4-H Archery Postal Match, Hosted by California. All states invited to participate.

• Registration Link  (Registrations must be postmarked by May 1, 2013. Targets are due by June 24, 2013.)

MSU Shooting Teams Scholarships are available. (Application deadline is April 5, 2013)

• Announcement
• Application (Word); Application

Get Involved

4-H Members

In each 4-H shooting sports discipline, all youth learn basic skills and shoot under the direct supervision of a certified instructor/4-H leader for that discipline.

• Local 4-H Shooting Sports clubs are open to all youth ages 9 to 19.
• Archery or BB Gun can be appropriate for ages 7 and 8 with one on one adult direct supervision at the discretion and authorization of a certified shooting sports instructor.

To find a group in your area visit your county MSU Extension office or check out upcoming 4-H Shooting Sports events.

Adult 4-H Volunteers

4-H Shooting Sports Instructors

All 4-H Shooting Sports clubs are supervised by certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors. Certification workshops are held throughout the year in various locations in addition to the state training at the Kettunen Center in April. (For information on becoming a 4-H Shooting Sports Certified Instructor, please visit 4-H Volunteer Job Description: 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor and Michigan State 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Certification and Recertification Policies and Application.) Instructor manuals are distributed at the 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Training Workshops. This is the only place to obtain an instructor manual. 

Visit the Federal Youth Ammunition Program Order Update and Information Letter for 2012 -2013 information.

How can ‘non-certified’ volunteers help out?

Safe shooting sports programs require a lot of support from adult volunteers. There are many ways to help out — your certified instructor can provide you with additional information. Contact your county MSU Extension office or find a local club in your area and don’t be afraid to ask how you can help!

Support 4-H Shooting Sports

Partners include:

• Organizations wanting to expand youth development through conservation education such as hunting and shooting sports
• Sportsman’s clubs willing to share their space with local groups

Sponsors: 

Assistance from individuals or organizations is welcome and critical to our mission. To donate, please contact the State 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator, Jenny Mercer, or the Michigan 4-H Youth Foundation. The following organizations have provided crucial funding support to youth shooting sports programs so they remain accessible to all youth in Michigan:

• National Wild Turkey Federation
• Michigan Chapter of the NWTF
• The Federal Cartridge Company
• Michigan 4-H Foundation; 4-H Shooting Sports Endowment Fund
• MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development
• MSU Dept. of Community, Agriculture, Recreation and Resources Studies

Follow Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports On Facebook

Contact

For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

Jenny Mercer
Phone:  517-432-7619
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)