Shooting sports drive growth for SDSU Extension 4-H program

Lina PortmanMay 29, 2024

0 3 minutes read

Less than an inch. It's the difference between a day off and a winning shot for a sniper.

“It takes a tremendous amount of skill to refine what I call the last inch,” said Tim Tanner, SDSU Extension State 4-H program director. “This can only happen through years of dedication.”

Participants in SDSU Extension’s 4-H State Shooting Sports program proved they were up to the challenge. In 2023, the team had one of its best performances at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships with a third place finish in the team competition. And they can't wait to go back.

“It was a great year, and the youth rankings show how much time, effort and practice they put in,” said John Keimig, SDSU Extension youth safety field specialist.

Although not a new 4-H program, the shooting sports have seen a steady resurgence of interest in recent years. Keimig has led the state 4-H shooting sports program since 2017 and said aside from declines in 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, youth registrations have fallen from 4,387 in 2017 to around 4,500 currently – with many attending multiple events. .

There are also 650 volunteers across the state, who lead practices, mentor participants and help run competitions and events. As the program grows, Tanner said it also spurs the growth of 4-H across the state and provides counties with additional program options.

“It’s really important to me that we meet young people where they are and where their interests lie,” Tanner said. “In South Dakota, over the last five years, it's become a topic of passion for young people. I am thrilled that we have so many dedicated volunteers and staff stepping up to take advantage of this opportunity.

Keimig and Tanner said there are several reasons for the surge in interest, one being that young people like the simple nature of the program: You either hit the bullseye or you don't. can't do it.

“I can compare myself to last week and the week before to know that I'm better,” Tanner said. “Many young people are drawn to the clarity they gain from this experience. »

Besides the objective grading, Keimig said the program is generally affordable to start, provides a lifelong skill and is open to boys and girls of all skill levels. He has seen young people with Down syndrome successfully participate, with the help of the program's dedicated volunteers.

“We have a place for everyone. Anyone can improve with effort,” he said. “We will always find a way to help you.”

Young people can participate in archery and firearms competitions, learning the different disciplines of pistol, rifle, shotgun, archery, hunting, loading by mouth and Western heritage. While most disciplines focus on target shooting, Keimig said hunting and Western heritage are more immersive experiences.

Western Heritage combines shooting with a living history of the American West from 1860 to 1900. Young people can participate in the history they learn by researching and choosing a character, dressing up in clothing from era and shooting with weapons adapted to the era. In the hunting discipline, youth learn all aspects of hunting throughout the year, from etiquette to tracking to Dutch oven cooking to shooting practice.

As with all 4-H programs, Keimig said youth development is integrated throughout and safety is the backbone of the program, infused into every discipline. Volunteers receive annual training and use this training to coach participants on proper handling and technique, as well as their performance.

“We’re here to teach kids how to be safe with outdoor gear,” Keimig said. “The main objective is the development and safety of young people; we just use different equipment.

Through the program, Keimig said young people learn discipline, consistency, resilience under pressure and even how lifestyle choices can impact their performance. Caffeine, for example, can make a person jittery and less stable in their goal.

While the shooting sports season runs from January to April, Tanner and Keimig said the sport also gives young people a place to go during South Dakota's long winters, when other outdoor options are limited . Through shooting sports, young people have the chance to learn teamwork and build camaraderie while developing their own skills. And volunteer coaches help young people identify areas they need to work on to continue improving.

“This is a meaningful social opportunity, and it’s really important for young people,” Tanner said.

Keimig said the camaraderie and sportsmanship are evident even at national shooting competitions. He has seen young people whose equipment malfunctioned getting help from other competitors, even those from other states. He recalls a competition in which a young woman experienced three different weapon malfunctions three days in a row. Her fellow competitors helped her and she was able to continue competing.

Lina Portman

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