Shooting Sports**

Description

The 4-H Shooting Sports project teaches safe operation of firearms and archery equipment 

State Fair Entries

3 per county, one per level

Exhibit Guidelines

All posters, notebooks, and display boards must include a reference list indicating where information was obtained, giving credit to the original author, to complete the 4-H member’s exhibit. This reference list should/might include web site links, people and professionals interviewed, books, magazines, etc. It is recommended this reference list be attached to the back of a poster or display board, be the last page of a notebook, or included as part of the display visible to the public. A judge is not to discredit an exhibit for the way references are listed.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used, with parent permission, when creating this exhibit and is to be documented as a reference. A majority of the work to create this exhibit is to be the 4-H member’s original work.

Posters are to be 22”x28” and displayed horizontally and placed in a clear plastic sleeve or covered with clear plastic to protect contents. The poster must be mounted on a firm backing to add stiffness to the exhibit, for example: a foam core board. Display boards should be designed to sit on a table using no more than 36” of tabletop space. Space should be left in the lower right-hand corner to place an exhibit tag provided by Purdue Extension staff.

Live ammunition is not allowed to be exhibited (no powder or primer). Firearms or ready to shoot bows are not allowed to be exhibited. Unstrung bows are permissible.

An arrow with its arrowhead attached must be displayed in a secure case. An arrowhead without the arrow attached must be displayed in a secure case. An arrow may be displayed unsecured if its arrowhead is removed. Modern broadhead arrows are not allowed to be exhibited.

Displays involving firearms or bows may be exhibited as a photographic display on a poster or in a notebook following grade level guidelines. Handmade items must include information explaining how the item was made and its intended use. Photos are encouraged.

Some county 4-H programs offer in-person shooting instruction, depending on facilities. Disciplines include archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader and pistol. In-person instruction in any of these disciplines must be led by a 4-H certified instructor. While some counties provide an option to exhibit at the county level, there is no state fair exhibit in these specific disciplines. Contact your county 4-H educator to learn about discipline opportunities in your county.

Judges evaluating exhibits should recognize individual differences and creativity, therefore using information in this document as a guide rather than a requirement.

Exhibit Class Guidelines

Beginner (Grades 3-5 Suggested)

Create an educational poster, notebook or display about a shooting sports topic of choice that is age/grade appropriate.

Intermediate (Grades 6-8 Suggested)

Create an educational poster, notebook or display about a shooting sports topic of choice that is age/grade appropriate. Another option is to create an item to be used when developing shooting sports skills.

Advanced (Grades 9-12 suggested)

Create an educational poster, notebook or display about a shooting sports topic of choice that is age/grade appropriate. Another option is to create an item to be used when developing shooting sports skills. Youth can also design and complete an independent study activity.

County Level Requirements

• First year members (regardless of age) must attend a safety class to be eligible to shoot. There are two methods of doing this: (1) Hunter’s Education classes will be offered through the Indiana DNR, and will count as the safety class that is required to shoot. To receive a certification in Hunter’s Education, members will attend all of the Hunter’s Education classes and pass an exam.  Or (2) A Safety Class will be given by 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors. 

• Whether or not a member is allowed to shoot is up to the discretion of the instructor(s).  Members not following safety guidelines will not be allowed to shoot

  County Fair Exhibit Guidelines

  • First year members should exhibit a poster about safety.  Second year members and up can exhibit a poster or project.  Project ideas can include anything related to your discipline (finger guards, quivers, rifle rest, target stand, shooting blanket, etc.)  If you have any questions about a specific idea, you can check with your instructor.