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Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports
Thank You to Our 2024 Major Donors!
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Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports would like to express our sincere appreciation to the following individuals and organizations for their generous financial support of our 2024 program.
- Arizona Veterans of Foreign Wars - Marge Bayless
- MidwayUSA Foundation - Arizona Youth Foundation
- Larry and Brenda Potterfield - FNF Construction
- NEN Designs, LLC - Voodoo Performance, LLC
- Richard and Margaret Shadley - Southwest Hazard Control
- Suncrest Wealth Management - Maricopa VFW Post #12043
- Horne Dodge - Southwest Hazard Control
- United Dairymen of Arizona - Suncrest Wealth Management
- Lake Powell Furniture - Affordable Pump Service
- First Interstate Bank - Globe VFW Post #1704
- Threadmasters
Please consider donating to our 501c3 endowment account in support of youth shooting sports education. All donations are 100% tax deductible and matched 1-for-1 by the owners of Midway, Larry and Brenda Potterfield! Click the link below for more information.
https://www.midwayusafoundation.org/organization/?id=DE27213
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Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports Overview
The purpose of the Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports Program is to promote positive youth development through the safe and responsible use of archery equipment, pneumatic arms and firearms. Education is the foundation of our program. 4-H Shooting Sports strives to integrate education, recreational and competitive program elements by working with families to develop a passion for the sporting traditions of archery and marksmanship. The most visible aspect of our shooting sports program, but not the most important, is the element of competition that allows youth to exhibit their skills, develop goals, and engage in a social environment where they can interact with other youth and caring adults.
The 4-H Shooting Sports Program seeks to create a "spark" within Arizona youth to increase their opportunities to participate in STEM-oriented lessons, develop healthy lifestyles, as well as engage in civic life and leadership roles through participation in classes taught by highly qualified, caring, certified adult volunteers. Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports projects vary by county and availability of certified instructors, however, courses currently available in Arizona include:
- Archery (recurve and compound)
- Hunting Skills / Outdoors Exploration
- Muzzleloader
- Pistol (air and smallbore)
- Rifle (air and smallbore)
- Shotgun
- Western Heritage
- Program Coordinator / Organizer
Youth ages 8-19 years old are eligible to participate in our program. Junior (8-10 years old) and Intermediate (11-13 years old) 4-H members are eligible for all in-state instructional, recreational and competitive events except Western Heritage matches. Please see the Western Heritage discipline page for additional information. Senior members (14-19 years old) are eligible to participate in all in-state events, as well as National events, if they place in the top four of the specified discipline during a state Nationals qualification match.
For questions about Arizona 4-H State Shooting Sports contests, volunteer certification/training, or shooting sports policy and procedure, please contact: Erik Schroeder, State Shooting Sports Coordinator, at eriktschroeder@arizona.edu.
For questions about how to join 4-H in order to participate in our shooting sports program, please contact your local county 4-H professional office.
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Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports has a Facebook Group!
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Our program is slowly making strides in becoming more modern in our communication methods. In support of this goal, we have created a Facebook group available to all 4-H members and volunteers. If you are interested in learning more about upcoming events, or just sharing photos with other shooting sports project members, please request to join the "Arizona 4-H State Shooting Sports" group on Facebook.
Family Archery Fun Shoot 27-28 July 2024
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Arizona 4-H, along with the Arizona Army National Guard, is hosting our annual family 3-D (and FITA) archery fun shoot near Williams, Arizona at Camp Navajo 27-28 July, 2024. This is your chance to bring out the entire family to enjoy some cool weather in the pines while expanding your 3-D and FITA archery skills. No experience is necessary; equipment and instructors will be available on site to assist those in need. Coconino County is hosting this event, lunch on Saturday, as well as their annual raffle on behalf of Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports again this year. On-site camping is strongly encouraged! Please see flyer below for more information. Registration is now open via Z-suites!
May 2024 Level-1 Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop
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Who: 4-H adult volunteers (preferably certified, but not required) and senior 4-H youth members (aged 16 years and above) seeking qualification credentials to lead 4-H shooting sports Hunting Skills and Western Heritage projects at the club and county level. Note that general education and policy modules will not be reviewed during this training workshop. Attendees must already hold a shooting sports instructor certification earned withing the last year, or make arrangements with Erik to receive general education and policy training prior to the event in May.
What: Discipline qualifications being offered include: Hunting Skills and Western Heritage. Student instructors can choose one of these disciplines (based on scheduling availability) to complete during the weekend. Note that room and board is included in the registration price for this event, beginning with breakfast Saturday morning through lunch Sunday afternoon. Please eat dinner prior to arriving on Friday night. Adult students will be staying in the cabins on camp. Shower facilities are available. Internet service is extremely limited.
When: 10-12 May 2024. Check-in is open 1700-1900 Friday, 10 May 2024. Instruction will end at approximately 2:30pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024. Note: Our next Level-1 shooting sports instructor training opportunity after this workshop will be in July 2024.
Where: James 4-H Camp, Dewey, Arizona 86327. Please see strip map and directions below. Note that a high clearance vehicle is recommended when driving to camp as the road can become rutted based on the effects of the weather.
Why: Because nothing beats a weekend in the pines spent with fellow shooting sports enthusiasts who believe in the power of youth development through experiential learning experiences! And, learning outdoor skills, historical heritage facts about the west and shooting steel targets for time is fun.
Equipment needed: Please bring the following items with you: water source, eye protection, hearing protection, hat, closed toe shoes, pants, jacket for morning and evening instruction, sunscreen, bug spray, medications as needed, writing utensils, clothing items, pillow, sleeping bag or bedding, towel, note taking media, electronic copy of training materials (if hardcopy or tablet option not elected) and a folding chair. Hunting Skills students need to also bring their personal "day packs" filled with items they would normally pack out into the field if they were going on a hike or hunt for the day.
Registration fees and break downs:
Registrations must be complete in Z-Suite no later than 15 April 2024. Late registrations will be accepted with a $75 late fee. Registration fees may be paid online or in-person when checking in.
Cancellations: Registration fee, minus a $50.00 processing charge, will be refunded to enrollees if a cancellation notice is received 30 April 2024. Fees cannot be refunded for cancellations received after30 April 2024.
Certification information: Participants will be able to certify in one discipline over the weekend.
To be eligible to participate, you must be a Certified 4-H Leader or have started the process with your local county 4-H staff. (Note: Shooting Sports training credentials will be withheld until adult certified volunteer status is confirmed by your county coordinator/agent for those whose certification process is not complete by the end of training on 12 May 2024.)
Schedule:
Friday, 10 May- Participants arrive at James 4-H Camp Dining Hall between 1700-1900 for check-in. Students must arrive no later than 7:00pm for check-in. Discipline training will end for the day between 2100-2200.
Saturday, 11 May - Breakfast at 0730. Discipline training begins at 0800. Lunch at 1200. Dinner at 1700. Training will end late in the evening.
Sunday, 10 December - Breakfast at 0730. Discipline training begins at 0800. Lunch at 1200. Break into disciplines for final practice, and teaching practicums. Credentials awarded at 1400. Training complete by 1430.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY FIREARMS OR ARCHERY EQUIPMENT WITH YOU TO TRAINING UNLESS YOU HAVE MADE PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE STATE SHOOTING SPORTS COORDINATOR (ERIK SCHROEDER, 602 730 4066).
Please use the keywords "shooting sports" to locate the event registration on Z-Suite.
May the Force Be With You! 04 May 2024 Fun Shoot
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Pinal County Shooting Sports is hosting an all ages 4-H member, family and Veterans fun shoot on 04 May 2024 at the Archangel Range near Maricopa. Entrants will have the opportunity to purchase a four discipline scorecard for $20 that will enter them in the friendly competition between 4-H youth and local Veterans. No equipment or experience is necessary. Please see the flyer below for more information, or call Erik with any specific questions you may have.
State Air Rifle and Pistol Championships 13 April 2024
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The 2024 Arizona State Shooting Sports Air Championships are right around the corner! Z-Suite registration is now open. All competitors must be registered via Z-Suite no later than 31 March 2024.
Our January 2024 State Rulebook will be used to govern the match. A copy can be downloaded off the state shooting sports website (Program Coordinator link) in the upper right hand corner.
The 2024 State Championships Air Match will be held 13 April 2024, at the Gila County Fairgrounds, 900 East Fairgrounds Rd., Globe, AZ 85501. Junior, Intermediate and Senior shooting sports project members have the opportunity to compete in both air rifle and air pistol matches during this event. Custom championship silver belt buckles will be awarded to first place in each age division. All competitors will also receive a t-shirt commemorating their participation. Additional t-shirts may be ordered during the registration process if desired.
Match registration is $35 per competitor. Please bring cash to the event if you choose not to pay through Z-suite.
Camping with hook-ups is available at the Gila County Fairgrounds for $15/night. Site availability (28 total sites) is first come, first served; payable on-site with cash or check.
Gila County 4-H will have a concession stand open during the match that will offer snacks and lunch for very reasonable prices.
We will be conducting a raffle benefiting Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports immediately preceding the awards ceremony. Each competitor is asked to bring a small homemade or retail item to add to the raffle table.
Additional open practice time is available once the range is done being built on Friday, 12 April. We anticipate opening the range for practice from approximately 1500-1800. Instructors will be on-site to assist anyone who has equipment or shooting technique questions. Note that this practice time is optional and not required to attend in order to participate in the match.
Competitors should provide their own equipment for this match, including personal protective equipment and pellets. That being said, should a member want to compete and they do not have access to equipment (air rifle, air pistol, safety glasses or pellets), please contact the State Shooting Sports Coordinator (Erik) before the match to arrange for use of loaner items as needed. Note that we are relaxing equipment standards during this event (as noted in the January 2024 State Rulebook) in order to support maximum participation. All .177 caliber, pellet-firing (non-precision classified, "Sporter" and below classified) air rifles will be allowed to be used as long as they have iron sights (non-optical or projecting) for the 3-position match. The same rifles with iron sights or optics (non-projecting) are allowed during the silhouette match. All .177 caliber, pellet-firing, iron sighted (non-precision classified, "Sporter" and below classified) air pistols are allowed to be used during pistol matches. Competitors may use iron sights or optics (non-projecting) on the same equipment during the silhouette pistol match.
Please arrive no later than 0730 to begin the check-in process and to take advantage of the limited allotted practice time. Note times listed below are subject to change based on the number of registrations received by the submittal deadline. Should the timeline be adjusted, updates will be posted on our website.
2024 Arizona Air Rifle and Air Pistol Championships Schedule | Start | End | |
Final Range Setup (volunteers and range personnel) | 0630 | 0700 | |
Check-in / Equipment Inspection / Open Practice | 0700 | 0830 | |
Opening Ceremony / Safety Brief | 0830 | 0900 | |
Match Block A | 0900 | 1230 | |
Lunch | 1230 | 1300 | |
Match Block B | 1300 | 1630 | |
Final Scoring Review and Consolidation | 1630 | 1700 | |
Range Teardown (Everyone) | 1630 | 1700 | |
Awards Ceremony | 1700 | 1730 |
Calling All Golfers! 06 April 2024 Tournament
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One of our key organization partners, the Arizona Veterans of Foreign Wars, is hosting their second annual golf tournament benefiting Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports on 06 April 2024. The 18 hole scramble tournament will occur at the Dave White Golf Course in Casa Grande. Only thirty-four team slots are available, so get your registration in early! Additional information can be found on the flyer to the left.
Arizona Multi-Discipline State Championships 23-25 February 2024
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The 2024 Arizona State Shooting Sports Championships are right around the corner! Z-Suite registration is now closed. Competitors needed to be registered via Z-Suite no later than 22 January 2024. Late registrations will be considered, but must be coordinated via email or phone with the State Shooting Sports Coordinator.
State championship archery, shotgun, smallbore rifle, smallbore pistol, muzzleloader and hunting skills matches will be held 23-26 February 2024, at the Tucson Rifle Club, Tucson Trap and Skeet Club and VFW Three Points. (Note: all competition sites are within a few miles of one another, addresses are listed below.) All event shooting disciplines offer competition opportunities for Junior, Intermediate and Senior 4-H members actively enrolled and participating in correlated shooting sports projects. Please note members must have participated in a match of some sort prior to competing at the State Championships. This requirement can be met by participating in a previous state, county or club/project leader led match.
All participants are competing for silver buckles donated by the Arizona Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Seniors may also compete for one of the limited "wildcard" positions we have available for the State Shooting Team that is representing Arizona at the 4-H National Championships in June 2024 at Grand Island, Nebraska.
The event costs $40 to register for three disciplines except for shotgun. (Shotgun entries will be charged an additional $15 due to the cost of clays used during the match.) During registration, competitors select their top five prioritized disciplines they would like to compete in. The State Coordinator will make every effort to build relays that support each competitor’s prioritized entry list, but please prepare for participating in all five selected disciplines until the match schedule is released at the end of January. All competitors will receive a T-shirt commemorating their participation in the event.
Each competitor’s entry includes one ticket to the Competitor’s Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday night. Additional dinner tickets may be purchased for family members or friends during the registration process for $8.00 each. Everyone is also invited to a campfire social event after dinner where SMORES will be provided courtesy of Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports.
The updated 2024 AZ State Match Rulebook will govern this match. Expected release is no later than 12 January 2024. Please go to our website to download a copy.
Please note that the hunting skills match includes an archery 3-D course of fire that mandates competitors can safely utilize a bow (provided by the competitor) and a smallbore rifle course of fire involving various hunting engagement scenarios.
Equipment inspection/check-in forms will be available on-site. Equipment utilized by competitors during the event must meet the standards listed in the state rulebook for each course of fire unless an exception to policy is approved by both the State Discipline Lead and the State Shooting Sports Coordinator.
Complimentary dry/boondocking, RV and tent camping is available at the VFW Three Points. Please make sure you check the camping button when registering if you intend to camp. Lunch will be available on site from the VFW on Saturday and Sunday, 24-25 February 2024, for a reasonable charge. There will also be snack items and beverages available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting the Arizona Shooting Sports program.
We will also be conducting a raffle again this year for various shooting sports and non-shooting sports items during the event benefiting the Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports program. Clubs and counties are highly encouraged to bring donated, homemade, or other interesting items for the raffle.
The general timeline for the weekend is below. Competitors are encouraged to register and complete equipment inspection on Friday, 23 February, in order to avoid potential long lines on Saturday and Sunday morning. Those who complete their registration and inspection on Friday afternoon will also be allotted practice time on available ranges. Timeline modifications will be posted on our state website.
VFW Three Points Post #10254 address: 10111 S. Sasabee Rd., Tucson
Tucson Rifle Club address: 18300 W. Ajo Way, Tucson
Tucson Trap and Skeet Club address: 7800 W. Ajo Way, Tucson
|
2024 Multi-Discipline Championships 23-26 FEB 2024 Schedule |
Start |
End |
23-FEB |
Range / Event Setup (volunteers and range personnel, initial link up at VFW Three Points) |
0900 |
1200 |
|
Competitor Check-in (VFW Three Points) |
1200 |
1600 |
|
Competitor Equipment Inspection (VFW Three Points) |
1230 |
1600 |
|
Open Practice (All ranges minus archery 3-D and shotgun) |
1300 |
1600 |
24-FEB |
Competitor Late Check-in / Equipment Inspection (VFW Three Points) |
0600 |
0800 |
|
Opening Ceremony / Safety Brief (VFW Three Points) |
0800 |
0830 |
|
Match Competition: RED BLOCK (All sites) |
0900 |
1300 |
|
Lunch |
1300 |
1330 |
|
Match Competition: WHITE BLOCK (VFW and Tucson Rifle Club) |
1400 |
1800 |
|
Competitor Dinner (VFW Three Points) |
1800 |
1900 |
|
Campfire Social (VFW Three Points) |
1900 |
UTC |
25-FEB |
Competitor Late Check-in / Equipment Inspection (VFW Three Points) |
0600 |
0800 |
|
Match Competition: BLUE BLOCK (VFW and Tucson Rifle Club) |
0830 |
1230 |
|
Range Teardown (Volunteers, members and range personnel at VFW Three Points and Tucson Rifle Club) |
1230 |
1330 |
|
Awards Ceremony and Raffle Draw (VFW Three Points) |
1330 |
1400 |
Updated Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports State Rulebook Released
Please be aware that we have completed our annual update to our State Shooting Sports Rulebook. Changes to individual courses of fire and disciplines are summarized in the beginning of the document. A copy can be found at the bottom of this webpage as well as under the Program Coordinator tab in the upper right hand corner. If you have any questions, please send the State Coordinator an email at: eriktschroeder@arizona.edu.
4-H vs. Veterans Valentine's Day Fun Shoot 10 February 2024
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On February 10th, the Pinal County Shooting Sports Committee is hosting a competition between 4-H youth members (and those who are interested in becoming members) and local veterans. The fun shoot competition is being held at the Archangel Range just outside Maricopa. Competitive events include a round robin format of .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun and archery courses of fire. Lunch will be available on-site for a small fee. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Z-Suite Project Registration Reminder
As a reminder to our members, please ensure you are registered in Z-suites for the shooting sports discipline/project you would like to participate in. This includes competitive event participation as well as community club instructional events. Insurance coverage and event eligibility is dependent upon your Z-suite project registration. If you have any questions, or need help updating your Z-Suites account, please contact your local county agent or give Erik a call.
Christmas Assistance to Veteran Families in Need
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The Arizona Patriot Guard Riders Association is offering assistance to 4-H veteran, active duty, and first responder families in need this holiday season. If you are in need of assistance or know a family who may be, please contact Sheri, the Arizona Patriot Guard Riders State Coordinator at pgrmbr@gmail.com.
Thank You Arizona VFW Members!
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A special thanks to the Arizona VFW State Office and all Arizona VFW members for the generous donation of several thousand .22 rounds and shotgun shells at our recent State Shooting Team qualifier match. Not only did the VFW provide volunteer support and ammunition during the event, but they also pledged their support for our 2024 State Team by renewing their title sponsor status for 2024!
The on-going support our program receives from the VFW enables us to offer low-price (often free) shooting sports safety, fundamental and competitive instruction to youth throughout the state of Arizona. Youth that participate in Arizona 4-H are more confident, more decisive and better prepared to live positive lives as contributing members of their communities. Thank you again for your support Arizona VFW!
08 - 10 December 2023 Winter Shooting Sports Level-1 Instructor Training Workshop
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Registration is now closed for this event. Our next training workshop will be in July 2024.
Who: 4-H adult volunteers (preferably certified, but not required) and senior 4-H youth members (aged 16 years and above) seeking qualification credentials to lead 4-H shooting sports projects at the club and county level. No previous shooting sports experience is necessary with the exception of the Western Heritage discipline which is not being offered during this training workshop.
What: Discipline qualifications being offered include: Archery, Pistol, Rifle, Hunting Skills/Outdoor Exploration, Muzzleloading and Shotgun. Student instructors can choose two of the above disciplines (based on scheduling availability) with the exception of Hunting Skills/Outdoor Exploration as this is a two-day course and thus will consume the entire weekend due to the amount of material covered. Students may select one discipline from Block A and one discipline from Block B below.
Block A Disciplines: Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Rifle, Hunting Skills/Outdoor Exploration
Block B Disciplines: Pistol, Archery, Rifle, Hunting Skills/Outdoor Exploration
Note: Rifle class A on Saturday will utilize smallbore equipment. Rifle class B on Sunday will utilize air equipment. Both classes result in the same credential being awarded.
When: 08 - 10 December 2023. Check-in begins at 4:00pm Friday, 08 December 2023. Instruction will end at approximately 2:30pm on Sunday, 10 December 2023. Note: Our next Level-1 shooting sports instructor training opportunity after this workshop will be in July 2024.
Where: Three Points VFW Post #10254, 1011 S. Sasabee Rd., Tucson, Arizona 85735. Note that discipline breakout sessions will conduct live-fire range time at the Tucson Rifle Club and the Tucson Trap and Skeet Club, both located within 5 miles or so of our host site at the VFW, on 09 December. Your Level-2 Instructor will disseminate specific meet up times/locations on 08 December during our evening session.
Dry camping (no hook-ups) is available on site for no charge at the VFW post hosting the event. Please select the camping option when registering if you plan to stay on site (RV or tent).
Why: Because what could be better than a weekend in the low country desert, away from the cold, spent learning about shooting sports instruction and its ability to create positive youth development for Arizona 4-H members!
Equipment Needed: Please bring the following items with you: water source, eye protection, hearing protection (not required for archery discipline), hat, closed toe shoes, pants, jacket for morning and evening instruction, sunscreen, bug spray, medications as needed, writing utensils, note taking media, electronic copy of training materials (if hardcopy or tablet option not selected below) and a folding chair.
Registration fees and break downs:
Training in two disciplines (or Hunting Skills/Outdoor Exploration), including Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and Sunday lunch: $200.
Coursework (Discipline Book/Binder) fees, in addition to registration fee:
Option 1: Coursework download sent to your email and needing to be brought to training on a personal device of your own (FREE)
Option 2: Coursework downloaded on a tablet provided at event that you get to take home ($75)
Option 3: Coursework printed and tabbed in a hard-side binder provided at event ($85)
Registrations must be complete in Z-Suite no later than 21 November 2023. Late registrations will be accepted with a $75 late fee and only utilizing the free course download option.
Cancellations: Registration fees, minus a $50.00 processing fee, will be refunded to enrollees if a cancellation notice is received before 01 December 2023. Fees cannot be refunded for cancellations received after 01 December 2023.
Certification information: Participants will be able to certify in two disciplines over the weekend with the exception of Hunting Skills/Outdoor Exploration which is a two day course. Course applicants will be asked to list their top three discipline choices during the Z-suite application process.
To be eligible to participate, you must be a Certified 4-H Leader or have started the process with your local county 4-H staff. (Note: Shooting Sports training credentials will be withheld until adult certified volunteer status is confirmed by your county coordinator/agent for those whose certification process is not complete by the end of training on 10 December 2023.)
Schedule:
Friday, 08 December- Participants arrive at VFW Post #10254 between 4-5pm for check-in, dinner and AZ 4-H specific shooting sports policy review instruction. Students must arrive no later than 5:00pm for check-in. Training will end for the day between 9-10pm. Note: Late arrivals can complete this part of the training virtually, if needed, with prior coordination with the State Shooting Sports Coordinator.
Saturday, 09 December - Discipline Block A training begins at 7:00am. Lunch at 12:00. Break into disciplines for final practice, and teaching practicums. Dinner at 5:00pm followed by Discipline #2 Block B training. Training will end late in the evening.
Sunday, 10 December - Discipline #2 Block B training begins at 7:00am. Lunch at 11:00am. Break into disciplines for final practice, and teaching practicums. Credentials awarded at 2:00pm. Training complete by 2:30pm.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY FIREARMS OR ARCHERY EQUIPMENT WITH YOU TO TRAINING UNLESS YOU HAVE MADE PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE STATE SHOOTING SPORTS COORDINATOR (ERIK SCHROEDER, 602 730 4066).
Free Indoor Air Rifle Instructional Event 07 November 2023
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VFW Post #549, 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85710; in conjunction with Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports, is hosting a free indoor instructional air rifle practice on 07 November 2023 beginning at 7pm (or 5pm if you would like to have dinner beforehand). This is a great opportunity to come out and try indoor 10m air rifle shooting or hone your existing skills before our state match on 18 November 2023. Equipment will be available on site for those in need. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
2023-2024 All-Ages Open Invitational and Senior State Team Qualifier Air Match 18 NOV 2023
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The 2024 Arizona state shooting sports all-ages open invitational and senior state team qualifier air match will conduct 18 November 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. This is an open match designed to support our senior air try-outs as well as new air competitors of all ages. Z-Suite registration is open now. All competitors must be registered via Z-Suite no later than 18 November 2023.
Rules governing the match are located below.
This all-ages air pistol and air rifle match will be held on 18 November 2023, at VFW Post #720, 4853 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018. Junior, Intermediate and Senior shooting sports project members have the opportunity to compete in both air rifle and air pistol courses of fire during this event. Our top four senior competitors in pistol and rifle will qualify for the opportunity to represent Arizona at the 4-H Nationals Match in June 2024. All competitors will receive a t-shirt commemorating their participation. The match costs $25 to register plus $5 per discipline competed in. Thus, a competitor who wants to participate in air rifle and air pistol will be charged $35 for the day.
Competitors are encouraged to provide their own equipment for this match, including personal protective equipment and pellets. Loaner equipment will be available on site free of charge for those that need. Please note that we are relaxing equipment standards during this event in order to support maximum participation. All .177 caliber, pellet-firing (non-precision classified, Sporter and below) air rifles will be allowed to be used as long as they have iron sights (non-optical or projecting) for the 3-position match. The same rifles with iron sights or optics (non-projecting) are allowed during the silhouette match. All .177 caliber, pellet-firing, iron sighted (non-precision classified, Sporter and below) air pistols are allowed to be used during pistol matches. Competitors may use iron sights or optics (non-projecting) on the same equipment during the silhouette pistol match.
Please arrive no later than 0730 to begin the check-in process and to take advantage of the allotted practice time. Note times listed below are subject to change based on the number of registrations received by the submittal deadline of 18 October 2023. Should the timeline be adjusted, updates will be posted on the state shooting sports website.
2023-2024 Arizona All-Ages Open Invitational Air Match 18 NOV 2023 Schedule |
Start |
End |
Range Setup (volunteers and range personnel) |
0630 |
0730 |
Check-in / Equipment Inspection / Open Practice |
0730 |
0900 |
Opening Ceremony / Safety Brief |
0900 |
0930 |
Match Block A |
0930 |
1230 |
Lunch |
1230 |
1300 |
Match Block B |
1300 |
1600 |
Final Scoring Review |
1600 |
1700 |
Range Teardown (volunteers and range personnel) |
1630 |
1700 |
Awards Ceremony |
1700 |
1730 |
Updated State Shooting Sports Rulebook
We have updated our State Shooting Sports rulebook as of 12 September 2023. All previously published versions are obsolete with this release. Please review section two as it summarizes the changes that have been made with this update.
Free Indoor Air Rifle Fun Shoot 16 September 2023
![](https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/styles/medium/public/programs/PXL_20221126_194321848.jpg?itok=UzlWvzjq)
Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports is partnering with the VFW to offer another free indoor air rifle fun shoot. This month's event is being hosted by VFW Post #9399 in Apache Junction (address listed on flyer below). Youth age 8-18 years old are encouraged to come out and give indoor air rifle shooting a try. Shooting begins at 1000 and will end at approximately 1400. Lunch is being provided by the VFW. Current 4-H members and youth who are interested in learning more about 4-H are encouraged to attend!
2024 State Shooting Team Multi Discipline Nationals Qualifier Match 27-29 OCT 2023
![](https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/styles/medium/public/programs/20230627_101552.jpg?itok=f_Q8LHhf)
01 NOV 2023 Update: Match results are posted below.
15 OCT 2023 Update: Please see the revised event schedule below. Note that individual relay schedules were sent to competitors via email on 14 OCT 2023.
A few things to keep in mind about the event:
- Bring everything you will need for the day when you come out as the range is about 20 miles from Flagstaff and is located in the suburbs of the boonies.
- Chairs, water, and layered clothes are highly recommended.
- Lunch will be available on site both days for $5 a plate including a drink. Please bring cash if you are interested.
- The weather could be beautiful during the day, or not. Check before you travel. Nighttime temps will be chilly.
- If you plan on coming out to check in and practice on Friday, please be aware that the range charges a $5 fee to shoot on the range. This fee is for competitors only (not family members) and has been included in your registration charge for Saturday and Sunday, but not Friday.
- Be sure to bring your equipment check-in paperwork with you. It is also important that you arrive to check-in and equipment check early on Saturday and Sunday if you don’t check in Friday afternoon in order to ensure we stay on schedule during the weekend.
- Note that not all spotter requests were able to be granted for smallbore rifle and pistol. Spotters for silhouette matches also must be competitors from the event; adults are not allowed to spot for competitors during competition.
- A campfire with complimentary smores is scheduled for Saturday evening, in addition to some Halloween themed activities. All family members are encouraged to attend.
Event |
Start |
End |
|
Notes |
|
27-Oct |
Range Setup |
1300 |
1600 |
|
|
|
Check-in / Practice |
1400 |
1730 |
|
Practice is optional, $5 range fee per shooter |
|
Opening ceremony |
1730 |
1800 |
|
|
28-Oct |
Late reg./equipment check |
0700 |
0800 |
|
Sunrise to sunset: 0730-1730 |
|
Competition block A |
0800 |
1230 |
|
|
|
Lunch |
1230 |
1300 |
|
|
|
Competition block B |
1300 |
1730 |
|
|
|
Halloween Social Campfire |
1730 |
2000 |
|
|
29-Oct |
Late reg./equipment check |
0700 |
0800 |
|
Sunrise to sunset: 0730-1730 |
|
Competition block C |
0800 |
1230 |
|
|
|
Range Teardown |
1230 |
1300 |
|
|
|
Lunch |
1230 |
1330 |
|
|
|
Awards Ceremony |
1300 |
1330 |
|
|
Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports is selecting our 2024 State Shooting Team members in our upcoming qualifier match 27-29 OCT 2023 at the Northern Arizona Shooting Range east of Flagstaff. The top four competitors in smallbore rifle, smallbore pistol, muzzleloading, hunting skills, archery and shotgun will represent Arizona at the 4-H National Championships in June 2024, along with our top four air pistol and air rifle competitors being determined during the match scheduled for 18 NOV 2023 in Phoenix.
All senior classified (14-18 years old as of 01 JAN 2024) 4-H shooting sports members are encouraged to come out to compete and enjoy a weekend in the pines with like minded enthusiasts. Free, dry, primitive camping is available at the range Friday through Sunday. Campers need to bring everything needed with them as there is no electricity or water available on site. Please check the camping box when registering on Z-Suite so we have a reasonable idea of what our camper numbers are going to be.
Registration is open on Z-Suite 07-29 SEP 2023. The cost to register is $40 per competitor, plus $21 if you choose to compete in shotgun. We are trying something a little different this time around for registration / scheduling. In Z-Suite; competitors will be asked to select three disciplines they would like to compete in. These choices are guaranteed, meaning there will be no conflicts between different disciplines causing a competitor to have to choose between one discipline or another. Note that the cost to register is fixed. All competitors are encouraged to compete in three disciplines, even if their focus has been mainly on one over the past year. You might surprise yourself competing in something different!
Because of the way we are handling registration, our detailed schedule for the weekend will not be available until one week after registration closes. Competitors are encouraged to check-in and complete equipment inspection on Friday, 27 October 2023, in order to avoid potential long lines on Saturday morning.
Equipment inspection/check-in forms are available for printing during the Z-Suite registration process. Equipment utilized by competitors during the event must meet the standards listed for each match unless an exception to policy is approved by both the State Discipline Lead and the State Shooting Sports Coordinator.
Please reference the September 2023 rulebook with any questions you have or give Erik a call or email.
Note that the hunting skills match includes an archery 3-D course of fire that mandates competitors can safely utilize a bow (provided by the competitor) in various hunting scenarios. It will also include a smallbore rifle component that has the same safety and proficiency requirements.
Northern Arizona Shooting Range (NASR) is located east of Flagstaff off of Highway 40. The address is: 2000 Forest Service 128 Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004.
August is National Shooting Sports Month
More than 19 million Americans safely participate in target shooting activities every year. Target shooting is a lifelong sport that youth and adults can enjoy individually or as a group activity. Whether its clays and shotguns, steel and pistols or paper and scoped rifles, get out there with your family and friends and head to your local indoor or outdoor range. The Arizona State 4-H Shooting Sports Committee invites you to reach out to your local county extension office to learn how to get involved in our shooting sports program. We are always looking for new youth members, instructors, coordinators and event volunteers. Give us a call or send an email to our State Coordinator, Erik Schroeder, (eriktschroeder@arizona.edu) to get involved.
4-H Shooting Sports Record Book Update
Our state shooting sports project member record book format is attached below. Youth are encouraged to work with their certified adult instructors to integrate its use throughout the project year to record their goals, financials, lessons learned and course of fire records.
Congratulations Arizona 4-H 2023 Level-2 Instructor Course Graduates
Accolades to our latest Level-2 Shooting Sports Instructor Course graduates. Arizona 4-H volunteers Doug Whitehead, Stacy Hadley, Derek Hulsebus and Kip Bennett recently attended a five day training workshop hosted by the National 4-H Shooting Sports Committee in Junction City, Kansas. On 05 May 2023, our volunteers earned the qualification to instruct and certify Level-1 shooting sports instructors in the discipline focus area they attended at the workshop. Because of their efforts, Arizona 4-H shooting sports increased our volunteer teaching capacity in archery, muzzleloading and hunting skills / outdoor exploration, and for the first time ever, we also now have the capability to certify Level-1 instructors in 4-H's newest shooting sports discipline: Western Heritage. Thank you Doug, Stacy, Derek and Kip for your on-going support of our Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports program!
Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports is CMP Affiliated!
![](https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/styles/medium/public/programs/CMPAffiliatedClubLogo2022-768x576.png?itok=JxvzrhOJ)
Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports is now Civilian Marksmanship Program affiliated at all levels. This means that as a 4-H shooting sports project member or community club, you are able to purchase air guns, rifles and ammunition at CMP Club reserved prices. You can also participate in CMP sponsored shooting matches and instructional clinics! Should you need to document your CMP affiliation, please download the form below and send it to Erik for validation.
Resources and Links
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National 4-H Shooting Sports webpage (https://4-hshootingsports.org)
-
National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships webpage (https://4h.unl.edu/shooting-sports/national)
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Note: Additional documents, forms and teaching aids can be found in the shooting sports discipline homepages accessed through the upper right hand corner of this site.