University of Kentucky : Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment 

Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports State Competition 2023 

Ashley Marcum, Extension Specialist 

The annual KY 4-H Shooting Sports State Competition, the culminating event for youth participating in the 4-H shooting sports program was hosted at the Bluegrass Sportsmen’s League in Wilmore, KY on Saturday, Sept. 9^th and at the Central KY Gun Club in Berea, KY on Sunday, Sept. 10^th. Over the course of the weekend over 1,000 youth, their families, and county coaches, volunteers and 4-H agents gathered to take part in the event. This competition provides a goal for youth to work towards throughout the year and an opportunity for them to showcase their leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Additionally, youth are only eligible to compete in the event after obtaining a minimum of 6 hours of education within the shooting sports program. 

Saturday’s competition included events in archery (bowhunter, target compound, target recurve, bare compound, bare recurve), .22 rifle (target and sport), air rifle (target and sport), BB rifle, .22 pistol, air pistol, black powder rifle (flintlock and percussion), and black powder pistol. Youth can compete in 3 events during the Saturday of competition. Sunday’s competition is for youth competing in the shotgun discipline. Depending on their age group competitors can choose to shoot 25, 50, or 100 clay targets for score. Competing on ranges with youth from across the state 4-Her’s are given the chance to interact with other youth who share their spark within the program. 

State Competition Statistics

• 1046 individuals registered for the event with 69 counties represented 
  • 700 individuals competed on Saturday in 1600 events
  • 483 individuals competed on Sunday with over 34,000 clay targets shot

With safety at the forefront during this event, all ranges were run by certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructors who provided trained oversight for the entirety of the competition. Additionally, 4-H collaborated with several outside organizations to help create a safe and welcoming environment. The KY National Guard, Wilmore Police Department, and UK Police Department provided support throughout the weekend to help with traffic and crowd control, as well as being present to assist with any emergency situations that may have occurred. The UK Rifle Team (Saturday) and EKU Shotgun Team (Sunday) provided team members to help score targets and run shotgun ranges during the event. Nearly 350 volunteers from across the state gave their time in a variety of roles from registration/check-in, to target runners, to range lineman. 

Awards are presented at the end of each day of competition. Top three individuals and top three county teams in each discipline are presented with a trophy by the KY 4-H Shooting Sports Teen Ambassador Board. First place individuals in each age category and discipline are also awarded a championship jacket. 

Total Youth Demographics For 2023 Shooting Sports State Competition