4-H Youth Development
Shooting Sports
Shooting Sports program in Washington County.
WHO
Open to all boys and girls ages 9 to 19 interested in learning and practicing the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment. Youth become 4-H members by participating.
HOW
The 4-H Shooting Sports program is learning by doing in a group setting under the direct supervision of certified instructors, which is different than the independent 4-H projects completed with the guidance from parents and advisors. Due to the nature of the program, youth can be denied participation if their behavior or attitude causes unsafe conditions.
INSTRUCTORS
4-H Certified Shooting Sports Instructors are adults who have successfully completed the 4-H volunteer application process and weekend training workshop for a discipline. Assistant instructors are adults and teens helping under the leadership of the certified instructor.
SHOOTING DISCIPLINES
First time participants can take the archery, beginning rifle and living history disciplines.
Experienced Participants can take the following disciplines:
| Archery | Taking it for their first or second time. |
| Advanced Archery |
Taking it for their third or more time. |
| Living History |
Taking it for their first or more time. |
| Pistol |
Must have already taken the rifle discipline. |
| Intermediate Rifle |
Taking it for their second or more time. |
| Advanced Rifle |
Must have taken three prior sessions of rifle. |
| Shotgun |
Must have already taken the rifle discipline; taking it for the first or second time. |
| Advanced Shotgun |
Taking it for the third or more time. |
| Muzzleloading |
Must have already taken the rifle discipline. |
| Hunting |
Must have already taken the rifle discipline. |
| Action Shooting |
Must have already taken the pistol discipline twice and shotgun discipline once. |
When & Where
Two sessions are held annually as the Bull's-Eye 4-H Club. Members can participate in one or both sessions in a year. A session has approximately six meetings. Members must attend half of a session's shooting meetings for completion.
a. Spring Session is held almost every Sunday afternoon from mid March through mid May at Hervida 4-H Camp near Waterford.
b. Fall Session is held almost every Sunday afternoon from mid October through the end of November at Hervida 4-H Camp near Waterford.
Equipment
All shooting equipment and supplies are provided including guns, bows, ammunition, targets and safety equipment. Only in advanced disciplines may members use their own guns and bows. Members may choose to bring their own eye and ear protection, or use those provided.
Cost
Members pay $1 to cover accident insurance. Families are asked to supply refreshments at meetings, help with community service projects and fund raising activities such as candy bar sales and raffles.
Funding
The program is supported by local donations of cash, supplies and equipment as well as grant funding. Donations are accepted through the Bull's-Eye 4-H Club, c/o Teresa Stone, OSU Extension, 202 Davis Avenue, Marietta OH 45750 or by calling Teresa at 740-376-7431.
Contact
Teresa Stone - Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
OSU Extension Washington County
202 Davis Avenue, Marietta OH 45750
Day: 740-376-7431
Evenings: 740-525-4980
The 4-H Shooting Sports Program was introduced nationally in 1980. Ohio 4-H Youth Development implemented the program in April 1992. Washington County held the first meeting of a 4-H shooting sports club in October 1992 and the program has grown each year since then.
