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. 7^th and at the Central KY Gun Club in Berea, KY on Sunday, Sept. 8^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 this event after completing a minimum of 6 hours of education within the shooting sports program. 

Marshall County was one of the 65 counties represented at the 2024 State 4-H Shoot.   Twenty-one Marshall County 4-H Sharp Shooters competed with the over 1,000 others during the two days of events.   These 4-Hers along with their coaches and families worked tirelessly this year between practices; county fundraiser shoots; and many had personal goals set to achieve at State.  

One young lady competed at state in shotgun for the first time after two years of only participating in Saturday archery and rifle events.  Several others (primarily female members) participated in state for first time after being with 4-H Sharp Shooters for the last two years. 

Another Marshall County 4-Her had his eyes set on bringing home a Champion’s jacket.  He did just that taking Top Shot in Air Sport Rifle 15-18 Individual with his cousin right behind him taking second place.    (4-H Shooting Sports program in Marshall County is a true family experience whether blood related or not.)  These two along with two others brought home the team award.

Sharp Shooter goals achieved did not stop there!  Marshall County is proud to have our first member to qualify for Kentucky’s National 4-H Shotgun Team.  This young man had a personal goal of 100 straight shots.  He not only did that but took 1^st place without a shoot-out during Sunday’s shotgun competition.  Wiley has achieved some of his goals, but he’s got more to come in 2025 with national competition this summer!

Marshall County 4-H Shooting Sports program is 25 years old this year.  It’s had its ups and downs with membership; coach changes; facility changes; and even the 2018 MCHS school shooting.  But even through challenges, strong connections, mentoring, inclusion, and sense of belonging to the “Marshall County 4-H Family” has remained at the top.