The Carter County 4-H Agent was contacted in the spring of 2017 about the need to start a 4-H shooting sports program.   The agent and the volunteer worked together to recruit potential coaches and members for the program, as well as securing an NRA grant to purchase equipment.   The coaches and agent have also worked with the Carter County Fiscal Court to secure an old landfill site that can be used in the future for practices.   

Initially, one coach and coordinator attended the Fall 2017 certification training.  In the spring of 2018, two additional coaches and one additional coordinator were certified, and practices began in April 2018.   Fourteen students registered and participated in the practices for the 2018 Trap Shooting discipline.  Members competed in seven meets, where Carter County 4-H members received first place honors four times.   Five members competed in the State 4-H Shooting Sports Trap contest.   

Two additional coaches, three previously certified volunteers, and two new teen coaches attended training in the spring of 2019.    This year the shooting sports club will have their own Range Safety Officer and be able to offer the pistol discipline in addition to the trap discipline.   At this time, two new members have signed up to participate in the trap discipline and seven members have signed up for the pistol discipline.   

The Kentucky 4-H Shooting Sports program teaches safe and responsible use of firearms and equipment which is a valuable life skill that the 4-H members will retain throughout their lifetime.  Our coaches observed that all youth involved in this program were able to handle and shoot firearms safely. This club was able to develop responsibility and leadership skills of the coaches and youth in a non-formal environment while offering fun activities.