Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports

 

Level-1 Instructor Certification Workshop, 14-16 July 2023, James 4-H Camp   Done!

        State Shooting Team 2024 Multi Discipline Nationals Qualifier Match (Seniors as of 01 JAN 2024 only),  27-29 October 2023, Northern Arizona Shooting Range (Flagstaff)   Done!

State Shooting Team 2024 Air Nationals Qualifier and Open Match (all ages welcome),  18 November 2023, VFW Post #720, Phoenix  Done!

Level-1 Instructor Certification Workshop, 8-10 December 2023, VFW Post #10254, 10111 S. Sasabee Rd, Tucson (Follow-on training sites at Tucson Rifle Club and Tucson Trap and Skeet Club)

State Multi Discipline Championships,   23-25 February 2024, location TBD

State Air Rifle and Air Pistol Championships,  13 April 2024, Gila County Fairgrounds, Globe

National Championships, 22-28 June 2024, Grand Island, Nebraska

Level-1 Instructor Certification Workshop,   19-21 July 2024

               State Shooting Team 2025 Multi Discipline Nationals Qualifier Match (Seniors as of 01 JAN 2025 only),              tentative 25-27 October 2024

           State Shooting Team 2025 Air Nationals Qualifier and Open Match (all ages welcome),   16 November 2024

 

 

Please scroll below for regional and county event information listed by date, as well as shooting sports announcements.

Our 2024 state air rifle and pistol championship match will be held at the Gila County Fairgrounds, just outside Globe, Arizona on 13 April 2024.  This is an all ages match that will award champion buckles in all age divisions for air rifle and pistol.  Camping is available on site, first-come, first-served.  More information to follow in the coming weeks.

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.

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!

 

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.

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).

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.

 

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

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.

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!

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.

 

Day	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.

 

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.

All 4-H members and their families, including Arizona National Guard families,  are invited to attend this year's State Archery Fun Shoot 29-30 July 2023, in Parks, Arizona.  Archers 8 years of age and up (this includes adults too) have the opportunity to shoot 3 different 3-D courses, FITA and aerial targets, in addition to a long shot competition.  Come for the day or stay two days!  Food for purchase is available on Saturday.  There will also be a raffle Saturday afternoon benefitting Arizona Shooting Sports.  Prizes for the raffle include: coolers, a Diamond youth compound bow, gun safe and 3-D and block archery targets in addition to several other items!

Please see flyer for additional information. 

Registration is now open via Z-Suite!

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.

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 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.

01 July 2023 Update:  Z-Suite registration is closed

 

Who:  4-H adult volunteer and senior 4-H youth members seeking qualification to lead shooting sports projects at the club and county level.  No previous shooting sports experience is necessary with the exception of the Western Heritage discipline.

 

What: Discipline qualifications being offered include:  Archery, Pistol, Rifle, Hunting Skills / Outdoor Exploration, Muzzleloading, and Western Heritage.  Student instructors can choose two of the above disciplines (based on scheduling availability) with the exception of Western Heritage* as this is a two day course and thus will consume the entire weekend.  Students will select one discipline from Block A and one discipline from Block B below.  *Be aware that Western Heritage requires all students to previously hold a Level-1, 4-H shooting sports instructor certification (preferably rifle, pistol or shotgun) due to the complexity of the discipline.  Anyone who does not meet this qualification must be interviewed by the state shooting sports coordinator before being admitted into the class.

Block A Disciplines: Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle, Western Heritage

Block B Disciplines: Hunting Skills / Outdoor Exploration, Pistol, Western Heritage 

 

When:  14-16 July 2023.  Check-in begins at 4:00pm Friday, 14 July 2023.  Instruction will end at approximately 2:30pm on Sunday, 16 July 2023.  Note: Our next Level-1 shooting sports instructor training opportunity after this one will be the winter of 2023/2024 (November, December or January).

 

Where:  James 4-H Camp, Mingus Mountain; Prescott, Arizona (see attached map that begins off of Highway 89A).

Why:  Because what could be better than a weekend in the high country, away from the heat, 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, sleeping bag, pillow, writing utensils, folding chair, shower shoes, toiletries, towel, change of clothes as desired for weekend.

 

Registration fees and break downs: 

   Training in two disciplines (or Western Heritage), including all meals (Friday dinner through Sunday lunch) and lodging (Friday through checkout on Sunday): $225

   Coursework (Discipline Book/Binder) fees, in addition to registration fees.

    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 15 June 2023. Late registrations will be accepted with a $75 late fee and only with 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 July 2023. Fees cannot be refunded for cancellations received after 07 July 2023.

 

Certification information: Participants will be able to certify in two disciplines over the weekend with the exception of Western Heritage 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: Training certificates 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 16 July 2023.)

 

Schedule:

Friday, 14 July- Participants arrive at James 4-H Camp at 1600/4pm for check-in, dinner and AZ 4-H specific shooting sports policy review instruction. Late arrivals can complete this part of the training virtually, if needed, with prior coordination with the State Shooting Sports Coordinator.

Saturday, 15 July - Participants breakfast 7:00am, break into disciplines for morning training. Lunch at 12:00. Break into disciplines for final practice, and teaching practicums.  Dinner at 5:00pm followed by a special STEM lesson and discipline #2 training. 

Sunday, 16 July - Participants breakfast 7:00am, followed by discipline #2 training. Lunch @ 11:00am. Break into disciplines for final practice, and teaching practicums. Certificates 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).

 

Initial overview:

Our next Shooting Sports Level-1 Instructor training workshop will conduct 14-16 July 2023 at the James 4-H Camp located in the Mingus Mountains outside of Prescott, Arizona. During this event, instructor candidates will have the opportunity to become certified in two shooting sports disciplines over the course of the 2.5 day event. Registration information will be posted mid-March 2023.

Update as of 27 February 2023:  Congratulations to all of our competitors who braved the inclement weather across the state and made it out to Casa Grande.  Results for the match have been uploaded in the attachment below.  Remember, the top four senior competitors in each discipline qualify to move on to the National Match (assuming they have not attended Nationals in that discipline before).  

Update as of 13 February 2023:  Updated rules for this year's match are attached below.  If you have any questions reference any of the changes listed, please reach out to Erik.  Also, please note there was a typo in the address on the Air Championship Match flyer.  The correct address for our host VFW site is:  4853 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85018.

Update as of 27 January 2023:  Thank you everyone for getting your registrations completed in a timely manner.  I'm happy to report we have doubled our discipline entries from last year!  This year we have 160 entries in our match, including several entries in our re-introduced disciplines of Muzzleloading and Hunting Skills.  Stay tuned to the website for any changes that may occur to the schedule now that registration has closed.  If you are interested in volunteering to help out during the event, please reach out to Erik or your local county shooting sports representative.

Update as of 16 January 2023:  The February 2023 Arizona 4-H State Shooting Sports Championship Matches consists of the nine disciplines and courses of fire listed below.  Specific rules governing the courses of fire below will be released in the near future.  Expect most courses of fire to be reduced in length (compared with 4-H National Match rules) due to the time constraints we face during the weekend

Courses of fire have been selected based on the most recent 4-H National Match guidelines available as of the revision date of these rules.  They will be modified from their National Match origins due to time, resource and equipment limitations unique to Arizona Shooting Sports.  When a conflict occurs between an Arizona State Match rule and a National Match rule, the Arizona State Match rule  has precedence.  In the absence of a specified State Match rule, all National Match rules remain in effect.

The Arizona State Shooting Sports coordinator has the authority to modify, change, delete or add rules before or during any match. 

Discipline	Course of Fire #1	Course of Fire #2	Course of Fire #3
Archery Compound	FITA Round	Field Round	3-D Round
Archery Recurve	Field Round	FITA Round	3-D Round
Air Pistol	Slow Fire - Bullseye	Air Pistol Silhouette	None
Air Rifle	National STD Three- position Sporter Air Rifle	NRA Sporter Air Rifle Silhouette	None
Hunting Skills	Hunting and Wildlife Written Test	Archery 3-D	Land Navigation Course
Muzzleloader	50 Yard Bullseye	25 Yard Bottles and Critters	Silhouette
Shotgun	Trap	Sporting Clays	Skeet
Smallbore Pistol	Slow-Fire Bullseye, Single Stage	Smallbore Hunter Pistol Silhouette	None
Smallbore Rifle	NRA Three Position	NRA Smallbore Silhouette	None

 

The 2023 Arizona State Shooting Sports Championships are right around the corner!   Z-Suite registration is now open (links below).  All competitors must be registered and paid via Z-Suite no later than 21 January 2023.  

As our updated 2023 State Match Rulebook has not been released yet, please reference the 2022 rulebook in the interim (link found at the bottom of the page).

Our state air rifle and air pistol match will be held on 18 February 2023, at VFW Post #720, 4853 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018.  Junior, Intermediate and Senior shooting sports project members will have the opportunity to compete in both air rifle and air pistol matches (or just one) during this event.  Championship silver belt buckles will be awarded to first place in each age division.  Our top four senior competitors qualify for the opportunity to represent Arizona at the 4-H Nationals Match in June 2023.  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 should provide their own equipment for this match, including personal protective equipment and pellets.  That being said, should a member want to compete and not have access to equipment (air rifle, air pistol, safety glasses or pellets), please contact the State Shooting Sports Coordinator to arrange for use of loaner items as needed for the match.  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.  (Bring your own practice targets.)  Note times listed below are subject to change based on the number of registrations received by the submittal deadline of 21 JAN 2023.  Should the timeline be adjusted, updates will be posted on this website.

2023 Arizona Air Rifle and Air Pistol Championships 18 FEB 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

Our state archery, shotgun, smallbore rifle, smallbore pistol, muzzeloader and hunting skills matches will be held 24-26 February 2023, at the Casa Grande Trap and Skeet Club located nine miles south of Casa Grande at 8015 S. Isom Rd., Casa Grande, Arizona 85193.  All of the above shooting disciplines offer competition opportunities for Junior, Intermediate and Senior 4-H members actively enrolled and participating in correlated shooting sports projects.  Senior members are competing for the opportunity to represent Arizona at the 4-H Nationals Match being held in Grand Island, Nebraska June 25-30, 2023.  Championship silver belt buckles will be awarded to first place in each age division for each discipline.  The event costs $25 to register plus $5 per discipline to enter, with the exception of shotgun.  (Shotgun entries will be charged an additional $15 due to the cost of clays used during the match.)  All competitors will receive a t-shirt commemorating their participation in the event.

During the Z-suite registration process, competitors may choose up to three disciplines they would like to compete in over the course of the weekend (one event during each time block).  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) in various hunting scenarios. 

Block		SR Choice #1	SR Choice #2		INT Choice #1	INT Choice #2		JR Choice #1	JR Choice #2
A		Rifle	Hunting Skills		Shotgun	Muzzleloader		Archery	Pistol
B		Shotgun	Muzzleloader		Archery	Pistol		Rifle	Hunting Skills
C		Archery	Pistol		Rifle	Hunting Skills		Shotgun	Muzzleloader

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.

Reserved camping with hook-ups is available at the event range complex for $25-$35 per night.  Please contact Casa Grande Trap and Skeet Club at 520-836-9926 to make reservations.  A discounted hotel block of rooms is anticipated to be released in the near future.  Lunch will be available on site from the American Legion on Saturday and Sunday, 25-26 February 2023, for $5 per plate.  There will also be snack items and beverages available for purchase with all proceeds benefiting the Arizona Shooting Sports program.

We will be conducting a raffle for various shooting sports and non-shooting sports items conducted during the event benefiting the Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports program.  There will also be a variety of optional fun-shoot challenges and 4-H Ambassador led activities available for competitors and non-competitors to participate in.

Timeline for the weekend is below.  Competitors are encouraged to register and complete equipment inspection on Friday, 24 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.  Please bring your own paper targets as desired.

	2023 Multi-Discipline Championships 24-26 FEB 23 Schedule	Start	End
24-FEB	Range / Event Setup (volunteers and range personnel)	0900	1200
	Check-in	1200	1600
	Equipment Inspection	1230	1600
	Open Practice (all ranges minus archery 3-D and field)	1300	1600
25-FEB	Late Check-in / Equipment Inspection	0600	0800
	Opening Ceremony / Safety Brief	0800	0830
	Match Block A	0830	1300
	Lunch	1300	1330
	Match Block B	1330	1800
	Scoring Review	1800	UTC
26-FEB	Late Check-in / Equipment Inspection	0600	0800
	Match Block C	0800	1230
	Final Scoring Review	1230	1330
	Range Teardown (volunteers and range personnel)	1230	1330
	Awards Ceremony	1330	1400

 

 

18 NOV 22 Update:  Today is the day!  Please remember that we are meeting at the VFW in Tucson tonight at 6pm, NOT at the range.  We will be reviewing general 4-H education modules 1-4 as well as a class on Arizona 4-H shooting sports policy and procedure.  The address for tonight is: 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85710. 

Class reservations will be confirmed for all instructor students upon sign-in.  Block-one classes with a Saturday morning kick-off include:  Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle and Shotgun.  Block-two classes starting late Saturday afternoon include:  Hunting Skills and Pistol.

 

16 NOV 22 Update:  Please be aware there is a bicycle race being held in the vicinity of the range complex this weekend in Tucson.  Recommend everyone considers using the Rita Rd. exit rather than the Houghton Rd. exit to access the ranges.  The bicycle race is expected to cause significant traffic delays in and around the Houghton Rd. area.

 

10 NOV 2022 Update:  Reduced rate hotel accomodations at one of the closest hotels to the range complex have been coordinated courtesy of the Pima County Shooting Sports Committee.  November 18, 19 and 20, the hotel is offering a rate of $179 for single/double occupancy and $189 triple/quad occupancy (plus applicable taxes).  Please let them know you are a part of Arizona 4-H Shooting Sports.

    Hampton Inn & Suites Tech Park

    9095 S Rita Rd

    Tucson, AZ 85747

 

25 OCT 2022 Update:  Registration, cost and scheduling information is available at the following link:  event page. 

 

Please be aware that our next training class for shooting sports Level-1 Instructor certification is scheduled to occur 14-16 July 2023 at James 4-H Camp near Prescott, Arizona.

 

Level-1 Instructor Training will take place in Tucson, 18-20 November 2022.  Training will begin Friday evening at VFW Post #549, 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85710.  Training Saturday and Sunday will be conducted at the Southeast Regional Park Shooting Range, 11296 S. Harrison Rd., Tucson, AZ 85747.  Attendees who are previously certified as adult volunteers and meet all course requirements throughout the weekend, will graduate as 4-H qualified instructors in two shooting disciplines. 

Disciplines being offered during this training session currently include:  archery, rifle, pistol, shotgun, and hunting skills.  (Attendees may also attend Friday night and Saturday only if they wish to become qualified to instruct in one discipline.)

It is recommend that anyone who wants to attend this training becomes a 4-H adult certified volunteer prior to attending the course.  This is a recommendation and not a requirement.  Please contact your local 4-H county office for more information on how to initiate this process, or reach out to the State Shooting Sports Coordinator, Erik Schroeder to get started.