Success StoryMetcalfe 4-H Shooting Sports



Metcalfe 4-H Shooting Sports

Author: Amy Branstetter

Planning Unit: Metcalfe County CES

Major Program: Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Leadership and Communications

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports Education Program began in Kentucky in 1988, mirroring the same program in Texas. The program grew rapidly where now it involves approximately 8,000 youth and 1300 volunteers statewide.
 It is a program for all youth, 9 to18 years of age (4-H age). The program believes that:

  • 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.


 The disciplines included in the program are Shotgun (12 and 20 gauge or smaller); Rifle (.22 cal. Bolt action, Air and BB); Pistol (Air and .22 cal.); Muzzleloader (Rifle and Pistol); Archery (Compound Bare and Recurve, Bow Hunter and Target); and Hunter Challenge. All clubs and events are coordinated and supervised by nationally and state trained volunteers. 

Metcalfe County has a total of 32 youth and 14 Certified Volunteers. This year we had a number of youth that participated in completions across the state. 

  • The State 4-H Competition was held September 8th and 9th, 2018 at Bluegrass Sportsmen's League, Wilmore - September 8, 2018
  • Miller Welch - Central KY Wildlife Management Area, Berea - September 9, 2018

The Metcalfe County 4-H youth competed at the State Competition

Shot Gun Division, 22 Sport, 22 Long Rifle, 22 Pistol.

Metcalfe County had a number of youth that were in the top 10 at the State Shoot.






Stories by Amy Branstetter


4-H Tractor

about 5 years ago by Amy Branstetter

The State 4-H Program has only one tractor driving course that is shared all over the state. The Met... Read More


4-H certified Volunteer

about 5 years ago by Amy Branstetter

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Hunter Education regulation requires everyone... Read More


Stories by Metcalfe County CES


Sumitomo of Edmonton Worksite Wellness program

about 5 years ago by Lynn Blankenship

Sumitomo of Edmonton is a factory that manufactures car parts. Employees often work long shifts, in ... Read More


The Mind Body Connection for Teens curriculum pilot

about 5 years ago by Lynn Blankenship

The Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education in Metcalfe County, compiled a four u... Read More


Stories by Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum


Shooting Sports Archery Program 2019

Shooting Sports Archery Program 2019

about 5 years ago by Anna Meador

Shooting Sports Camp participants display their Riffle targets after their shooting session at the R... Read More


Longest Day of Play

Longest Day of Play

about 5 years ago by Susan Campbell

With a community effort to get youth physical active, a team made up of Anderson County 4-H Youth De... Read More