In the 4-H shooting sports and wildlife (SS&W) program, you can learn important life skills through safe and educational experiences.
You'll explore firearms safety and the importance of conserving Minnesota's natural resources. Trained and certified 4-H leaders throughout Minnesota lead this program at the local level.
- Wildlife (All ages)
- BB gun (3rd grade & older)
- Archery (3rd grade & older)
- Air rifle and air pistol (4th grade & older)
- .22 rifle and .22 pistol (6th grade & older)
- Muzzleloading (6th grade & older)
- Shotgun (6th grade & older)
What can you learn?
- Ethics, sportsmanship and responsibility
- Leadership skills
- Safe storage and handling of firearms and archery equipment
4-H shooting sports events
To run a county or multi-county shooting sports and wildlife program, instructors must be certified by Minnesota 4-H. Leader certification trainings are designed to cover the essential knowledge and rules to become a certified 4-H county instructor.
Young people from across Minnesota will have the opportunity to compete in local meets in events including archery, muzzle loader, shotgun, air rifle, .22 rifle and air pistol. Skillathon, wildlife calling, conservation projects and cast iron cooking will be available in a virtual format.
Program information
All shooting sports and wildlife activities are supervised by adults. Contact your local 4-H office for more info on program opportunities near you.
- Minnesota 4-H SS&W monthly e-newsletter: Get current SS&W events and resources. To subscribe, contact Nicole Pokorney.
- Shooting Sports and Wildlife Advancement Guide
- Project bowl sample questions
- Civilian Marksmanship Program
- Find shooting ranges in your county
- National Shooting Sports Foundation
- Archery in the parks
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- Hunter safety classes
- Hunters Education
- National Wild Turkey Organization
- Pheasants Forever
- Parks & Trails TV - Minnesota
- Federal Youth Shotshell Program
- Skill-a-Thon master keys
- 4-H youth record keeping
- 4-H wildlife biology and management project
- Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)
The Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for people in grades 9-13. Ambassadors promote and enhance the Minnesota 4-H State SS&W Program. They take part in a two-day leadership training and they positively represent the program at state, regional, and local events throughout the year.
Program resources for volunteers
Find volunteer support materials for this project and much more on the 4-H Volunteer Resource Center site.
To volunteer with 4-H in your area, contact your local 4-H office.
Contacts
Nicole Pokorney, Extension 4-H youth development educator, pokorney@umn.edu
Reviewed in 2022