Interested in the shooting sports & wildlife project? Mark your calendars for some upcoming opportunities in 2026.
The grade listed in the disciplines below should be the grade the youth is currently in/just finished.
Discipline information
Learn more about all the opportunities in the 4-H shooting sports & wildlife project!
This Olmsted County-based discipline is open to Dodge and Olmsted youth in grades 4+. Youth in grade 3 are able to participate in the BB gun training also offered at this time. Practices are happening at Aune Hall (1508 Fairgrounds Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904) on the following Sundays: Jan. 25, Feb. 8 and 22, March 8 and 22, April 12 and 26, and May 3.
Register in 4-H Online.
This year, Olmsted County will be hosting archery practices for up to 24 youth from Dodge and Olmsted in grades 3+. Register in 4-H Online.
Practices will happen from 6 to 8 p.m. at Coyote Creek Outdoors (3600 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904) on the following dates: April 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, and 30; May 4 and 7.
Also planned are summer outdoor sessions at Rochester Archery Club on the following dates: TBD. The registration fee is $30.
This Goodhue-based discipline is open to Dodge, Goodhue and Olmsted youth who just finished grades 7+. Register by completing the online form.
.22 Rifle
June 25, July 9 and 23, August 20
Trap
April 30, May 14, 21, June 18, July 9, 23, August 20
Muzzleloader
TBD
You don’t have to be involved in a shooting discipline to participate in Wildlife education.
Wildlife hours
- June 27 - Sign up in 4-H Online ahead of time.
General Information
Showcase your learning
Youth can compete and showcase their learning at the Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Invitational (State Shoot). This is an option for youth in 3rd grade and older.
We need adult volunteers to support the growth of our programs
In order to grow, we need additional 4-H instructors. You can read about what that would entail below.
Time required: You will attend discipline training (valid for 7 years), 2-3 planning meetings annually with other instructors and 4-H staff, and practices, which you will also facilitate.
Responsibilities
- Instruct and coach youth in a specific discipline using the National 4-H curriculum as provided to allow them to improve their skills
- Plan activities with the county Shooting Sports Project Development Committee, Coordinator, and 4-H Staff
- Help in recruitment of assistant instructors as needed, as well as members and parents
- Encourage and support youth to improve practice, track progress records, and show their learning in public ways.
Preparation and training
- Be a screened 4-H Volunteer
- Attend a 4-H Shooting Sports Certification Training. While range time is on the schedule, the majority of this training is classroom work focused on becoming an effective instructor (not practicing your own shooting skills). Once you have attended training, your certification is valid for 7 years and allows you to be a leader at our 4-H practices (and assist in practices for other disciplines if you are interested).
Visit the SS&W leader certification page for event information.