Shotgun shooting sports within the 4-H program offer young enthusiasts a platform to develop skills in marksmanship, safety, and sportsmanship. The discipline includes various forms of clay target shooting such as Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays. Unlike rifle or pistol shooting, which are generally static and focus on precision, shotgun sports are dynamic and require the shooter to hit a moving target. The sport provides an exciting challenge that combines skill, timing, and hand-eye coordination.

The primary goal in shotgun shooting is to break clay targets thrown into the air at varying speeds and angles. The sport not only tests the shooter's capability to track and lead a moving target but also places an emphasis on safe firearm handling, teamwork, and ethical behavior. Whether you are a beginner or have prior experience, 4-H shotgun shooting sports offer a comprehensive and educational approach to shotgun shooting under a structured and safe environment.

Please see the overview of guidelines below. These guidelines are not comprehensive and the clubs instructors always have the final say and will ensure you have the information you need, when you need it.

Guidelines

Safety and Conduct

• Disqualifications: Shooters may be disqualified for unsafe behavior, unsportsmanlike conduct, or violations of range rules. Decisions by the range officers are final.

• Firearm Handling: All shotguns must remain unloaded with actions open and empty until the shooter is on the line ready to shoot. Violation can lead to immediate disqualification. A live round can only be inserted after you are at the line and told the prepare your shotgun.

• Safety Glasses: Mandatory for all shooters and spectators.

• Ear Protection: Required for all shooters and nearby personnel.

• Safety: Always obey and respect range safety officers. Firearms should only be touched with explicit permission.

• Muzzle Direction: Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep the muzzle pointed at the ground in front of you until a target is launched and identified. Never point the firearm at birds or aircraft.

• Shooting Line Etiquette: Do not leave the shooting line until the line is called safe. Obey the range commands and make your rifle safe when you're done shooting. No handling of rifles during a "cease fire."

• Scoring: Shooters must know how to score a target and are responsible for scoring their own target unless otherwise instructed.

Dress Code

• Wear appropriate attire, ideally a shirt with a 4-H emblem. No vulgar or distasteful clothing. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory.

Age and Classes

• Ages: Only shooters proficient in other disciplines will be permitted to shoot shotgun. Readiness for shotgun will be determined at the sole discretion of the instructors.

Equipment

• Shotgun Specifications: No chamber larger than 12 gauge is allowed. No AR or modern sporting type firearms.

• Accessories: No muzzle brakes or suppressors are permitted. Slings, and other support equipment must be approved by range officials and should comply with 4-H guidelines.

• Choke Tubes: No changing chokes once the round has begun. Heavy chokes are recommended for experienced shooters.

• Ammunition: Reloaded ammunition may only be used after approval by the range safety officer. Recommended ammunition is a standard trap load. Members must provide their own ammunition.

• Targets: Shooters will shoot at clay pigeons launched by a clay pigeon launcher. Members must bring their own clay pigeons.

• Safety: All participants at a shoot, including parents, must wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Members are expected to bring their own glasses and ear protection.

Club Meets

• General: Aim to arrive ahead of the meeting start time for setup. No practicing on ranges before the shoot starts.

• Clean-up: Takes place after the last shot of the meet.

• Instructions: Listen carefully to range officers for the day's events, rules, and any special instructions.