Shooting Sports Competitions

SHOOTING SPORTS CONTEST

Purple, $3.00; Blue, $2.00; Red, $1.50; White, $1 

The following classes are for 4-H members enrolled in BB Gun, Air Rifle, Air Pistol, .22 Rifle, .22 Pistol (Small-bore), Muzzleloader, Archery and Shotgun.

D363001       Shooting Contest: BB Gun

D363002       Shooting Contest: Air Rifle

D363003       Shooting Contest: Air Pistol

D363004       Shooting Contest: .22 Rifle - Silhouette

D363005       Shooting Contest: .22 Rifle – 4 Position

D363006       Shooting Contest: Shotgun (Trap)

D363007       Shooting Contest: .22 Pistol (Small-bore)

D363008       Shooting Contest: Muzzleloader

D363009       Shooting Contest: Archery

D363010       Shooting Contest: Archery 3D

D363011       Shooting Contest: Indoor Archery

To participate in these competitions, a 4-H member MUST be enrolled in the Buffalo County 4-H program for the current year and enrolled in shooting sport project.  Independent 4-H members must be coached by an active 

4-H Shooting Sports Coach certified in that project. 

There will be no range time at the Fair contests to zero sights or practice.  Sighters are allowed per the rule book for the match.  The 4-H members sponsoring Coach must submit entry forms for each individual at least 7 days before the date of the shoot to allow for administrative time. (lane and relay assignment, verify eligibility, etc.)   Coaches will need to certify that the competitor has trained adequately in the course of fire and with their equipment to safely compete. Coaches will receive the lane and relay assignments before the contest, if applicable.  Entry forms must be signed by the certified shooting sports coach.  Contestants must be supervised by their certified coaches at the match for them to compete. Youth who are certified 4-H Shooting Sports program as Junior instructors may coach competitors in their 4-H club in the project they are certified. Junior instructors must check in with the Range officials for official identification. Shooters must check in their equipment at least 30 minutes before their assigned relay.

No flash photography is allowed on the range. No cell phone or other communication devices are allowed on the ready line or firing line. No audible timing devices are allowed. 

Any firearm built or modified to give the distinct impression of a modern military style firearm such as an AR or AK is not allowed in the 4-H Shooting Sports Program.  Examples of unacceptable firearm components include: any type of muzzle devices (muzzle brake, recoil compensator, suppressors, porting), front pistol grips, heat shield/shroud, and magazines extending more than 1 inch below the receiver. Ported barrels are permitted on shotguns & pistols.

DRESS CODE

Competitors are required to wear proper 4-H attire while on the shooting ranges. Your Buffalo County 4-H T-Shirt or 4-H club T-Shirt is preferred.  A 4-H armband or chevron can be worn as well. Clothing must not have any holes or tears.  For safety all shooters must wear appropriate footwear and apparel on the ranges.  All footwear must have closed toe and heel. Shoes that cover the ankle can be worn during .22 rifle silhouette competition. Footwear is not permitted to cover the ankle in the BB gun, Rifle (.22 3 Position, Air Rifle) and Pistol (.22 and Air). Clothing sold as undergarments, compression clothing, compression apparel, yoga pants, leggings, workout pants, wind pants and other similar style clothing may not be worn in BB gun, Rifle (.22 3 Position, Air Rifle) and Pistol (.22 and Air). NO shorts are permitted, except in specific disciplines like Archery where they are specifically allowed.   If the competitor prefers a long sleeve shirt, it may be worn under the T-shirt.  Weather conditions during the competition may dictate changes to the dress code at the match director’s discretion.

SAFETY

If members choose to provide their own firearm or bow for competition, it must be pre-approved by leaders to ensure it meets standard requirements. It must be in safe, proper working conditions.   All firearms with exposed hammers must have a functional transfer bar. Muzzle Loaders are exempt from this clause. Firearms must arrive and leave the range cased and unloaded.  Any firearm found to be loaded at any time other than on the firing line is grounds for immediate disqualification.

Shooters are responsible for and must wear hearing protection for .22 Rifle, pistol, Shotgun/Trap, and muzzle loading practice and competition.   Eye protection must be worn for all shooting practices and events. Archery does not have an eye protection requirement.    All ammunition must be kept separate from the gun until the 4-H member is on the firing line.

Clear barrel indicators are required. Clear Barrel Indicators, CBI’s are synthetic monofilament cords (trimmer string) or commercially manufactured devices to indicate the firearm is not loaded. CBI’s must be inserted in all firearms to the range or removed from its case. CBI’s may only be removed during preparation periods, change over periods and firing times.

Any shots fired off the target will be scored as a miss.

UNSAFE HANDLING OR HORSEPLAY WILL BE IMMEDIATE GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION.

To compete in:

ARCHERY

  • Archery – Open to all youth aged 8 and older by January 1 of the current calendar year and pre-approved by the leaders to have consistently demonstrated that they are physically capable to handle the equipment and are willing to comply with safety rules properly and safely. 

Dress Code: Competitors are required to wear the proper 4-H attire. A Buffalo County 4-H t-shirt or 4-H club t-shirt is preferred.  A 4-H armband or chevron can be worn as well.  Clothing must not have any holes or tears.  For safety shoes worn during competition must have a closed toe and heel. Shoes that cover the ankle are also permitted.  Shorts are permitted during archery if the weather allows. 

Divisions: Barebow – Compound, Recurve, Longbow, or Genesis, must be shot with fingers, no sights or stabilizers allowed. Finger tabs or gloves are permitted.

Freestyle – Any bow can be shot with fingers, mechanical release, sights and stabilizers. 

Age Divisions: Junior ages 8 to 11 years old, Intermediate ages 12 to 14 years old, Senior ages 15 to 18 years old.

  • Indoor Archery – Indoor competition will consist of 40 arrows shot in 8 ends of five arrows each. Distances are Junior 10 yards, Intermediate and Senior 20 yards. Archers have 4 minutes to shoot their 5 arrows. Scoring will be X, 5, 4, 3, 2 ,1, from the center out. X’s will serve as tie breakers. Lines touched will count as the higher score.  A perfect score for the tournament is 200 points with 40 X’s.  No one is allowed to touch the arrows until they are scored. Witnessed bounce outs or arrows passing through the target will be reshot at the end of the tournament.  Arrows that travel past the shooting line will count as a shot arrow.  An arrow that does not cross the shooting line (dropped arrow, falls off string, etc.) can be shot with a sixth arrow.  If an archer shoots too many arrows they will be penalized by pulling and not scoring their highest arrow, plus they will be penalized one point for every extra arrow they shoot.  Any arrow shot into another archer’s target will receive no score but count as a shot arrow.  At the completion of the match the scorekeepers will compare score cards and verify the numbers match before the cards are signed and returned to the shooters to sign and turn in to the tournament director. Once the competition starts, no equipment is allowed to be altered.  If altered, the shooter will be disqualified from the competition.  In the event of an equipment failure, the shooter has 15 minutes to make repairs. 

     

  • Outdoor Field Archery – Outdoor competition will consist of 45 arrows shot in 9 ends of 5 arrows.  The course of fire is 3 ends at closest distance, 3 ends at middle distance and 3 ends at farthest distance.  Divisions will be made based on bow type and age. Ages will be divided as follows, Junior (8-11), Intermediate (12-14), Senior (15-18). Distances for Genesis and Bare Bows will be as follows. Junior 10, 15, 20 yards, Intermediate 10, 20, 30 yards, Senior 20, 30, 40 yards. Freestyle Bows as follows: Juniors 10, 20, 30 yards, Intermediate 20, 30, 40 yards, Seniors 30, 40, 50 yards.  Scoring will be X, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, from the center out. X’s will serve as tie breakers. Lines touched will count as the higher score. A perfect score for the tournament will be 450 points and 45 X’s. There is no written test before, during or after the competition. No one is allowed to touch the arrows until they have been scored. Witnessed bounce outs or arrows that pass through the target will be reshot at the end of the tournament. Arrows that travel past the shooting line will count as shot arrows and receive no score. An arrow that does not cross the shooting line (dropped, falls off string, etc.) can be shot with a sixth arrow. An Arrow shot into the next archers target will receive no score but count as an arrow shot. If an archer shoots too many arrows they will be penalized by pulling and not scoring their highest arrow. At the completion of the match the scorekeepers will compare score cards and verify the numbers match before the cards are signed and returned to the shooters to sign and turn in to the tournament director. Once the competition starts, no equipment is allowed to be altered. If altered, the shooter will be disqualified from the competition. In the event of an equipment failure, the shooter has 15 minutes to make repairs.

 

  • Archery 3D – archery 3D competition will consist of ten targets at varying distances. Two arrows will be shot at each target. The competitor will judge the distance before shooting without any means of measuring devices (range finders, measuring tapes, cameras etc.).  The target scores will be 10 points for the bullseye, 5 points for any other part of the target rings and 1 point for any other part of the target. A perfect score for the tournament will be 200 points. No one is allowed to touch the arrows until they have been scored.   Witnessed bounce outs or arrows that pass through the target will be reshot at the end of the tournament.  Arrows that travel past the shooting line will count as shot arrows and receive no score. An arrow that does not cross the shooting line (dropped, falls off string, etc.) can be shot with a third arrow. If an archer shoots too many arrows they will be penalized by pulling and not scoring their highest arrow.  At the completion of the match the scorekeepers will compare score cards and verify the numbers match before the cards are signed and returned to the shooters to sign and turn in to the tournament director.  Once the competition starts, no equipment is allowed to be altered.  If altered, the shooter will be disqualified from the competition.  In the event of an equipment failure, the shooter has 15 minutes to make repairs.

     

  • BB Gun – The match will follow the current NRA 5-meter BB gun rules and only the Daisy 499 series BB gun with aperture sights may be used in this competition.  Ten shots will be fired from 5 meters in each of the following positions: Prone, Standing, Sitting and Kneeling.  BB Gun is open to all youth 8-15 by January 1 of the current calendar year. The Orion version of the NRA 10-Bull BB gun targets will be used. All shooters will shoot the full 40 shot match. Each competitor will be allowed 10 minutes for record shots and sighters per target. All 4 targets will be given to the competitor at the beginning of the match, and they are responsible for posting them. Competitors will shoot one shot at each of the 10 bulls on each target. Shooters must have their active 4-H certified coach present during the match. A written test, based on the BB gun rulebook and Daisy’s 10 lesson guide, over the fundamentals of safety and 4-H information will be given. It is worth 50 points and will be added to the competitor’s score. Age Divisions: 8-year-old, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-15.   

     

SPORTER AIR RIFLE

Sporter Air Rifle –The match will follow the Sporter Air Rifle National Standard 3 position Air Rifle rules. 4-H members aged 8 or older by January 1 of the current calendar year and pre-approved to have consistently demonstrated to the leaders that they are physically capable to handle the firearm properly and safely in position shooting and are willing to comply with safety rules. No sighters are allowed after the first record shot is taken in each position. Any additional sighter shots will be scored as misses. Rifles are to be Sporter Grade match target rifles as defined in the National Standard three-position air rifle rules.

  • Pellets must be .177 caliber lead only.  NO BB’S. Shooters must have their active 4-H certified coach present during the match.  Divisions are: 8-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18. 

**New Course of Fire Based on Age: 

It will be a required 3x20 match for those ages 13-14 and 15-18. 

Those ages 8-10 and 11-12 will have the option to shoot a 3x10 or a 3x20 shot match.   

 

 Course of fire is as follows for 3 positions and 10 record shots. 63 Minutes

  1. Preparation and sighting – Kneeling (unlimited sighting shots) – 8 Minutes
  2. Record Fire – Kneeling, 10 record shots in 10 minutes 
  3. Changeover Kneeling to Prone – 5 Minutes
  4. Preparation and Sighting – Prone (unlimited sighting shots) – 5 Minutes
  5. Record Fire – Prone, 10 record shots in 10 minutes
  6. Changeover Prone to Standing – 5 minutes
  7. Preparation and Sighting – Standing (unlimited sighting shots) – 5 minutes
  8. Record Fire – Standing, 10 record shots in 15 minutes

 

Course of fire is as follows for 3 positions and 20 record shots. 93 Minutes

  1. Preparation and sighting – Kneeling (unlimited sighting shots) – 8 Minutes
  2. Record Fire – Kneeling, 10 record shots in 20 minutes 
  3. Changeover Kneeling to Prone – 5 Minutes
  4. Preparation and Sighting – Prone (unlimited sighting shots) – 5 Minutes
  5. Record Fire – Prone, 10 record shots in 20 minutes
  6. Changeover Prone to Standing – 5 minutes
  7. Preparation and Sighting – Standing (unlimited sighting shots) – 5 minutes
  8. Record Fire – Standing, 10 record shots in 25 minutes

 

PRECISION AIR RIFLE

Precision Air Rifle –The match will follow the Sporter Air Rifle National Standard 3 position Air Rifle rules. 4-H members aged 8 or older by January 1 of the current calendar year and pre-approved to have consistently demonstrated to the leaders that they are physically capable to handle the firearm properly and safely in position shooting and are willing to comply with safety rules.

 *with Precision Air Rifle, there will be No Coaching on the line. 

**New Course of Fire Based on Age: It will be a required 3x20 match for those ages 13-14 and 15-18. Those ages 8-10 and 11-12 will have the option to shoot a 3x10 or a 3x20 shot match.   

Courses of Fire for Precision Air Rifle:

All ages will complete a 4x10 standing course. 

Ages 13-14 and 15-18 will do a 3x20 match

Ages 8-10 and 11-12 will have the option to shoot a 3x10 or a 3x20 shot match

 

Course of Fire for STANDING 4x10 

  1. Preparation and sighting – Standing (unlimited sighting shots) – 8 Minutes
  2. Record Fire – Standing, 20 record shots – 25 Minutes 
  3. Target Change
  4. Sighting – Standing (unlimited sighting shots) – 5 Minutes
  5. Record Fire – Standing, 20 record shots – 25 Minutes

 

3 POSITION Match

3x10

Course of fire is as follows for 3 positions and 10 record shots. 63 Minutes

  1. Preparation and sighting – Kneeling (unlimited sighting shots) – 8 Minutes
  2. Record Fire – Kneeling, 10 record shots in 10 minutes 
  3. Changeover Kneeling to Prone – 5 Minutes
  4. Preparation and Sighting – Prone (unlimited sighting shots) – 5 Minutes
  5. Record Fire – Prone, 10 record shots in 10 minutes
  6. Changeover Prone to Standing – 5 minutes
  7. Preparation and Sighting – Standing (unlimited sighting shots) – 5 minutes
  8. Record Fire – Standing, 10 record shots in 15 minutes

3x20

Course of fire is as follows for 3 positions and 20 record shots. 93 Minutes

  1. Preparation and sighting – Kneeling (unlimited sighting shots) – 8 Minutes
  2. Record Fire – Kneeling, 10 record shots in 20 minutes 
  3. Changeover Kneeling to Prone – 5 Minutes
  4. Preparation and Sighting – Prone (unlimited sighting shots) – 5 Minutes
  5. Record Fire – Prone, 10 record shots in 20 minutes
  6. Changeover Prone to Standing – 5 minutes
  7. Preparation and Sighting – Standing (unlimited sighting shots) – 5 minutes

 

  • Air Pistol – The Air Pistol match will follow International Pistol rules. Eligible 4-H members must be at least 12 years old by January 1 of the current calendar year and be pre-approved to have consistently demonstrated to the leaders that they are physically capable to handle the firearm properly and are willing to comply with safety rules properly and safely. NRA B40 targets will be shot standing at 10 meters (33 feet) on 4, 10 shot targets for 40 shots. Air Pistol ammunition must be lead .177 diameter pellets.  NO BB’S.  While the air pistol may be capable of loading multiple pellets, it must be loaded one pellet at a time and shot a single shot for the match. Shooters must have their active 4-H certified coach present during the match.  The divisions are Intermediates 12-14 and Seniors 15-18.

 

  • 22 Small –bore Rifle: Silhouette - Classes: Total of 6 Classes. Classes are divided into 3 groups by age. Age is determined as of Jan 1 of the current calendar year. Junior: Ages 9-11, Intermediate: Ages 12-14, Senior: Ages 15-18. Classes will be divided again by open sights and scoped rifles. For open sights, only peep and blade and post sights will be allowed. Targets will be ½ scale metallic silhouettes. All shooting in banks of 5 targets, shooting left to right. Juniors will shoot from a bench. Intermediates and Seniors will do all shooting from a standing position with no aids. Course of fire: 10 chickens at 40 yards, 10 pigs at 60 yards, 10 turkeys at 77 yards, 10 rams at 100 yards. 40 records shots.  Only .22 long rifle ammunition can be used. All firearms must always arrive at the range in a case in have a Clear Bore Indicator when not at the line shooting. 

 

  • 22 Small-bore Rifle: 3 Position – The match will follow the current NRA small-bore rifle 3 position rule book. 4-H members aged 9 or older by January 1 of the current calendar year and pre-approved to have consistently demonstrated to the leaders that they are physically capable to handle the firearm properly and safely in position shooting and are willing to comply with safety rules. Targets will be shot in three positions (prone, standing, kneeling) at 50 feet. The course of fire is 10 shots prone, 10 shots standing, and 10 shots kneeling (total of 30 shots). Only .22 long rifle ammunition can be used. Only metallic peep sights may be used. Trigger guards must be present. In event of accidental discharge, the trigger shall be adjusted, or the gun replaced. The stock must be traditionally styled from conventional configurations such as factory rifle stocks. Classes are divided into 3 groups by age. Ages 9-11, Intermediate: Ages 12-14, Senior: Ages 15-18. Competitors are allowed one minute per record shot for prone, 2 minutes per record shot for standing, and 1 ½ minutes per record shot for kneeling. Competitors will be allowed a minimum of an additional 5 minutes for each position change. Additional time will be allowed for a target change. 

 

  • 22 Small-bore Pistol – The match will follow a modified Camp Perry Match program, as defined by the Nebraska State 4-H Shooting Sports office NRA rimfire pistol rule book.  Eligible 4-H members must be age 12 years old or older by January 1 of the current calendar year and be pre-approved to have consistently demonstrated to the leaders that they are physically capable to handle the firearm and are willing to comply with safety rules properly and safely. The key modification to the course of fire is it is shot at 50 feet, not 25 yards. No magnum or hyper velocity ammunition is permitted.      The firearm must be pre-approved by leaders to ensure that it meets standard requirements, is safe, and in proper working condition.  Iron sights are required.  Misfires and jams are not reshot.  Equipment malfunctions are not reshot.  Shooters must have their active 4-H certified coach present during the match. Intermediates ages 12-14 years old will shoot standing, using both hands; Seniors ages 15-18 will shoot standing using one hand.     

 

  • Shotgun/Trap – The match follows ATA rules for Trap. 4-H members must be age 9 and older by January 1 of the current calendar year and be pre-approved to have consistently demonstrated to the leaders that they are physically capable to handle the firearm and are willing to comply with safety rules properly and safely. The divisions and courses of fire are as follows: Juniors ages 9-11 will shoot 25 shots from 16 yards. Intermediates ages 12-14 will shoot two rounds of 25 shots from 16 yards. Seniors ages 15-18 will shoot two rounds of 25 shots. One from the 16-yard line and one round from the 20-yard line. 

 

  • Muzzleloader – 4-H members must be age 9 and older by January 1 of the current year. Youth must have consistently demonstrated that they are physically capable of properly and safely handling firearms. Youth must be willing to comply with all safety rules.   Muzzleloading rifles must have a marked ramrod in the barrel except while loading or firing. Loading will take place at the firing line. No Wooden Ramrods and no direct loading from bulk containers, can, bottles, powder horns etc. is permitted. Charges shall be transferred from horn or flask to the muzzle using a powder measure or similar device. Capping or charging will take place on the firing line.  Upon a cease fire, any muzzleloading rifle shooter with a loaded rifle shall keep the rifle pointed down range and raise a hand to signal he/she has a loaded firearm. The range officer shall issue a command, “Dump it in the hill” and the shooter shall fire into the berm to clear the rifle. Except while measuring a powder charge, no powder container shall be left open. Any open container will be confiscated by range staff. Equipment: Rifle-Any traditional or non-traditional NMLRA Conventional muzzleloading rifle (in-line permitted), Sights-Metallic – non-traditional permitted (open or aperture), Position-Standing – no slings, Ignition.  Percussion cap or flintlock. Number 209 primers are permitted.   Maximum charge of 60 grains of black powder or its equivalent is allowable. There are no limits on caliber.  All events are restricted to patched round balls only.  Spotting Scopes are not permitted.  Classes: Divided into 3 age groups. Age is determined as of Jan 1 of the current calendar year. Junior 9-11, Intermediate Ages 12-14, Senior: Ages 15-18. Courses of Fire: 25 Yard Novelty, NMLRA Bottle Targets, Distance: 25 Yards 1 Bottle Target, Course of fire: 5 shots at target standing, Scoring: As outlined on the target. Completely within the neck: 10 pts, Nicking the neck: 7 pts, Within the body: 5 pts, Nicking the body: 3 pts.  50 Yard Bullseye, NMLRA 100 Yard 8 Ring Target, Distance: 50 Yards, Course of Fire: 4 Shots at Target, Scoring: Highest scoring area touched by ball.  Placing at Event: Total score of all targets will determine placing. Actual numbers required for each ribbon placing will be decided at the event. 

 

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