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. Click here for information on how to become an instructor.

SHOOTING DISICPLINES

Depending on availability of certified instructors, disciplines offered can include archery, rifle, pistol, shotgun, muzzleloader, living history, and hunting and wildlife. Returning participants may move through different levels, such as beginning, intermediate and advanced, for some disciplines. The beginning rifle discipline must be completed before taking the other firearms disciplines.

WHEN & WHERE
Two sessions are held annually as the Bull’s-Eye 4-H Club at Hervida 4-H Camp near Waterford, Ohio. 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. The Spring Session is held from March to May and the Fall Session is from October to November. Rain or shine, the meetings are held on Sunday afternoons.

Click here for Bull's-eye 4-H Club Flyer with Meeting Dates, Discipline Descriptions & Time Tables.

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 $5 with completed enrollment, health, and release forms. Families are asked to supply refreshments, support community service projects, and help with fund raising activities as determined by club members.

FUNDING
The program is supported by donations of cash, supplies, and equipment as well as grant funding. Major funding is provided by the National Rifle Association Foundation through the Mid-Ohio Valley Friends of NRA Chapter. Donations are accepted through the Washington County 4-H Shooting Sports Program, c/o OSU Extension, 1115 Gilman Avenue, Marietta, OH 45750; 740-376-7431.

WHY
Click here for answers in the Ohio 4-H Shooting Sports Brochure.

The 4-H Shooting Sports Program was introduced nationally in 1980. Ohio 4-H Youth Development implemented the program in April 1992. The first meeting of a Washington County 4-H shooting sports club was held in October 1992 and the program has grown each year since then.

CONTACT
Teresa Stone, 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator
740-525-4980

Brian Baker - 740-350-8155

Misty Mason - 740-516-4046