About the Program
The Nebraska 4-H Shooting Sports Program focuses on the total development of youth through shooting sports and related outdoor activities. With the guidance of certified 4-H Shooting Sports Leaders, youth learn safe and responsible practices while developing skills in marksmanship, conservation, leadership, teamwork, self-confidence and responsibility. Youth may explore a variety of disciplines, including shotgun, rifle (BB gun), archery, pistol, blackpowder/muzzleloader and/or hunting skills. Participation requires direct leadership from a certified 4-H Shooting Sports Leader in the applicable discipline. During 4-H enrollment, Shooting Sports project participants MUST select this project for the required safety permissions.
For more information about the 4-H Shooting Sports program, contact Kate Pulec at kpulec3@unl.edu or 402‑441‑7180.
Accommodation requests for registration or attendance may be directed to Kate Pulec at least two weeks prior to the program. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.
4-H at Super Fair Overview 4-H Fair Book Shooting Sports Static Exhibits 4-H Fair Book Shooting Sports Contests
4-H Archery Contest
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026 • Register by Monday, Nov. 9, 2026
Spectators welcome!
Location:
Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center (Indoor Archery Range)
4703 N 44th St
Lincoln, NE 68504
The contest will consist of 12 ends of 5 arrows on an NFAA Indoor 40 cm target, single or five spot (archer’s choice). Scoring X, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 from the center out. Archers will be classified according to age division and bow style.
To participate, youth must be ages 8–18 (by January 1 of the current year) and actively enrolled in the 4-H Shooting Sports archery project under the direct supervision of a certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor. Participants exhibiting unsafe practices may be disqualified from the contest at the discretion of the superintendent.
Age divisions:
- Junior — Ages 8–11 (10 yards)
- Intermediate — Ages 12–14 (10 yards for Basic Bow (BB); 20 yards for all other bow styles)
- Senior — Ages 15–18 (20 yards)
In addition to age divisions, archers are classified according to bow styles:
- Freestyle Limited Recurve (FSLR) — Longbow or recurve that must be shot with fingers. Sights without magnification and stabilizers are allowed.
- Basic Bow (BB) — Compound, recurve, or longbow that must be shot with fingers. No sights allowed.
- Freestyle Limited (FSL) — Any compound bow that must be shot with fingers. Sights, stabilizers, and peep sights are allowed.
- Freestyle (FS) — Same as Freestyle Limited, except must be shot with mechanical release.
- Bowhunter Freestyle (BHFS) — Same as Freestyle, except stabilizer cannot exceed 12 inches, pin sights only (no magnification). Sights cannot be adjusted after the first scoring arrow.
This is a 2027 Lancaster County Super Fair contest held before the fair and premium payouts must be picked up Monday, Aug. 2, 2027, 7–11 a.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – Ag Society Hall.
4-H Archery Contest Registration4-H BB Gun/Air Rifle & Air Pistol Contest
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, 8 a.m. • Register by Friday, Jan. 29, 2027
Spectators welcome!
Location:
Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center
4703 N 44th St
Lincoln, NE 68504
To participate, youth must be ages 8–18 (by January 1 of the current year) and actively enrolled in the 4-H Shooting Sports project under the direct supervision of a certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor. Participants exhibiting unsafe practices may be disqualified from the contest at the discretion of the superintendent.
Shooters are classified according to age division and shooting styles:
BB GUN/AIR RIFLE:
Parents/guardians are encouraged to assist youth with loading and cocking rifles on the firing line. Follows current NRA BB Gun Rules. BB Gun is 4 position, 5 meter, course of fire; 10 shots each position.
- BB Gun Sub-Junior division (Age 8)
- BB Gun Junior division (Ages 9–10)
- BB Gun Intermediate division (Ages 11–12)
- BB Gun Senior division (Ages 13–15)
Air Rifle (.177 caliber) is three position, 10 meter, course of fire; 10 shots each position. Follows current National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules. However, coaching is encouraged for the young or first year shooter and permitted for all age divisions.
- Air Rifle (.177 caliber) Sub-Junior division (Ages 8–9)
- Air Rifle (.177 caliber) Junior division (Ages 10–11)
- Air Rifle (.177 caliber) Intermediate division (Ages 12–14)
- Air Rifle (.177 caliber) Senior division (Ages 15–18)
AIR PISTOL:
Follows current USAS-NRA Progressive-Position Air Pistol Rules.
- Air Pistol Sub-Junior division (Ages 8–12) — basic supported
- Air Pistol Junior division (Ages 13–14) — standing supported
- Air Pellet Pistol Intermediate division (Ages 15–16) — international standing
- Air Pellet Pistol Senior division (Ages 17–18) — international standing
This is a 2027 Lancaster County Super Fair contest held before the fair and premium payouts must be picked up Monday, Aug. 2, 2027, 7–11 a.m. at the Sandhills Global Event Center – Ag Society Hall.
4-H BB Gun/Air Rifle & Air Pistol Contest RegistrationState Shooting Sports
The Nebraska 4‑H Shooting Sports program offers opportunities for competition where youth exhibit their skills and abilities and compete with other 4‑H members from across the state. A variety of competitions are offered throughout the year on a local, district, and state level.