Why does 4-H have a shooting sports program? 4-H uses shooting sports to teach youth development. Our programs are valuable for helping young people develop self-confidence, personal discipline, responsibility, teamwork, self esteem and sportsmanship. The discipline and self-control required for responsible firearms use carries over in to many other aspects of life. 4-H programs provide a positive experience for youth and promote the safe and ethical use of firearms. It is our belief that firearms education reduces gun accidents. Hunting and Shooting are rich American traditions. 4-H shooting sports programs help continue this tradition through involvement of the total family: youth, teens, parents, grandparents, etc.

Each discipline teaches safety, concentration, self-discipline, self-confidence, goal-setting, decision-making,and courtesy as the young people learn basic skills and build toward more advanced activities. Both cooperative and competitive skills are included. Participants are exposed to local policies, regulations, laws, and ethical behavior both by repeated demonstration and through personal practice.