McCracken County Hot Shots 4-H Shooting sports program began in 1998 and has blossomed overtime. The 4-H Program averages 80-100 youth per year in the program with approximately 10-15 coaches.  McCracken county is hosting a state wide certification training for adults and teen leaders to become certified coaches.  The Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports program averages 200 coaches per year, but with this addition the program will gain an additional 70 volunteers who will work with youth throughout the state of Kentucky to ensure they handle firearms with respect and safety. With more certified coaches being trained the program is able to offer more experiences to youth and families to enjoy firearms in a controlled and safe environment. Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports is defined below:

• Youth development is the number one goal of the Shooting Sports Education Program
• It provides an effective tool for human growth and development for youth and adults
• It is an introduction to the safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment which is a valuable life skill.
• It trains youth to handle and shoot firearms safely. It teaches leadership and responsibility in a non-formal environment while offering fun activities for youth and adults. While competition is not the main focus, the program does offer opportunities to participate in shooting events, competing in various disciplines and age groups.

In a time when gun violence has been in the public eye of western Kentucky, the 4-H Shooting Sports program prides itself on teaching youth how to respect and safely operate firearms.