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.
At the local level, youth can participate in
- 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
4-H shooting sports and wildlife leader certification
To run a local 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.
State 4-H shooting sports and wildlife invitational
Young people from across Minnesota will have the opportunity to compete in local meets in events including archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, air rifle, .22 rifle and air pistol. Skillathon, wildlife calling, conservation projects and cast iron cooking are also available.
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
- Civilian Marksmanship Program
- Find shooting ranges in your county
- National Shooting Sports Foundation
- Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
- Minnesota DNR hunter safety classes
- Federal Education
- National Wild Turkey Organization
- Pheasants Forever
- Parks & Trails TV - Minnesota
- Skill-a-Thon master keys
- 4-H youth record keeping
- 4-H wildlife biology and management project
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, [email protected]
Reviewed in 2026