Getting Started
Eligibility
Youth must be:
- Current 4-H members in a shooting sports project. Contact your UI Extension county office to enroll.
- Age 8–18 as of Jan. 1 of current 4-H year. (The 4-H year runs Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.)
- Able to handle shooting sports equipment in a safe, responsible manner. Failure to do so may result in dismissal from that project discipline.
Disciplines
4-H offers projects in:
- Archery
- Handgun/pistol
- Hunting
- Muzzleloader
- Rifle
- Shotgun
However, not all clubs and/or counties have certified instructors available in all disciplines. Please check with your UI Extension county office.
Equipment
Providing your own equipment is recommended, but may not be required; some clubs have a limited supply of equipment for loan. We encourage that club and county-owned equipment be inspected at least once a year by a certified technician.
Most members quickly discover that they want their own equipment. This allows them to choose equipment that fits well, maintain personal sight settings and in some cases to practice between meetings. Ask your instructor for specifications before buying equipment. Below are basic equipment requirements:
- Archery uses recurve or compound bows with a maximum draw weight of 60 pounds; arrows must have field or target points.
- The handgun/pistol and rifle disciplines have divisions for air (.177 caliber) and small bore (.22 caliber rimfire) firearms.
- Shotgun uses any firearm 12 gauge or smaller.
Refer to the Shooting Sports Rules (PDF) for more specific details regarding equipment for each discipline.
Parent Involvement
We encourage parental involvement and support. Parents can help the certified instructor, including monitoring safety. For safety and liability reasons, all members and parents must follow the certified instructor’s directions.
Rules
Member will compete with others of similar age and equipment, and it is the responsibility of all competitors, volunteers and coaches to know and abide by these rules.
These rules align with those of the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships and will apply to all Idaho 4-H Shooting Sports participants. Exception: Some adjustments for younger age divisions are recommended for distances and course of fire for club, county, regional and/or invitational shoots.