4-H Shooting Sports

Shooting Sports is a great way to engage the active learner who enjoys hands-on experiences where participants choose from several disciplines including Archery, BB, and Air Rifle. Our program uses shooting sports skills learned from experienced and trained volunteers to develop responsible and productive youth. Students may also explore outdoor skills and may have opportunities to put their knowledge into action. Parent or guardian engagement at our weekly practices is an important part of our program and we look forward to working with members of our shooting sports families.

Due to the nature of shooting sports, a parent or guardian is required to stay at each practice with their student(s). Without prior approval, students may register for ONE of the shooting sports disciplines- archery, BB, OR air rifle (if available).

Our program grows and serves youth only with the exceptional volunteerism of our coaches. If you are interested in hearing about becoming a certified instructor, please contact Tiffany Uchacz at tuchacz@utk.edu for more information. The certification opportunities will be sent to you when they are annouced. We would love to talk to you about this opportunity to share your love of shooting sports with students in grades 4-12.

Join Interest: https://tiny.utk.edu/JoinWilco4H

Payment & Registration

Description: Please note that the first class of each session is a “classroom only” safety meeting that is MANDATORY for new students, coaches, and parents. Students will not be allowed on the range until they (and their parent/guardian) have attended this meeting during the 2022-23 season. If you are unable to attend this meeting prior to the start of the session, please do not register. The classes will be identical in the fall and spring sessions. Participants can only enroll in one of these class times during the same session. Participants can choose to enroll in fall, spring, or both. Students in 4th-12th grade who enroll in our archery classes can expect to learn basic nomenclature of equipment used in archery and work on the skills necessary to successfully use a bow. Through hands-on instruction at most classes, students develop not only archery skills, but also skills such as leadership, team work, and responsibility. Instruction is provided by a team of well trained, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic volunteer coaches.

Eligibility: 4th-12th graders
Cost: $80 per session
Meeting Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
Location: Williamson County Extension Office, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064
Session Dates:
- September 12, 2023 (MANDATORY SAFETY MEETING for new students, coaches, and parents)
- 4:30 pm Session: Open January 2024
- 6:00 pm Session: Sept 26; Oct 3, 17, 24; Nov 7, 14, 28; Session Limit: 25
Requirement: Due to the nature of shooting sports, a parent or guardian is required to stay at each practice with their student(s).
- New families MUST attend the safety meeting.
Join Interest List: https://tiny.utk.edu/JoinWilco4H

Description: Please note that the first class of each session is a “classroom only” safety meeting that is MANDATORY for new students, coaches, and parents. Students will not be allowed on the range until they (and their parent/guardian) have attended this meeting during the 2022-23 season. If you are unable to attend this meeting prior to the start of the session, please do not register. The 4:30 and 6:00 pm will be two identical sessions. Participants can only enroll in one of these class sessions during the same season. The Spring and Fall sessions will be identical sessions. Participants can choose to enroll in fall, spring, or both. Students in 4th-8th grade who enroll in our BB Rifle class can expect to learn basic nomenclature of equipment used in shooting sports and work on the skills necessary to successfully fire a BB rifle. Through hands-on instruction at most classes, students develop not only BB rifle skills, but also skills such as leadership, team work, and responsibility. Instruction is provided by a team of well trained, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic volunteer coaches.

Eligibility: 4th-12th graders
Cost: $80 per session (DO NOT PAY- Interest list only until Coaches are identified.)
Meeting Time: Class time 1: 4:30-6:00 pm or class time 2: 6:00-7:30 pm
Location: Williamson County Extension Office, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064
Session Dates:
- TBD (MANDATORY SAFETY MEETING for new students, coaches, and parents)
- 4:30 pm Session: January 16, 23, February 6, 27, March 5, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2024
- 6:00 pm Session: January 16, 23, February 6, 27, March 5, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2024
Requirement: Due to the nature of shooting sports, a parent or guardian is required to stay at each practice with their student(s).
- New families MUST attend the safety meeting.
Join Interest List: https://tiny.utk.edu/JoinWilco4H

Description: We are actively looking for new volunteer instructors; until we are able to fill that role, the air rifle program has been suspended. Please note that the first class of each session is a “classroom only” safety meeting that is MANDATORY for new students, coaches, and parents. Students will not be allowed on the range until they (and their parent/guardian) have attended this meeting during the 2022-23 season. If you are unable to attend this meeting prior to the start of the session, please do not register. Fall and spring will be two identical sessions. Participants can choose to enroll in fall, spring, or both sessions. Students in 8th-12th grades who enroll in our air rifle class can expect to learn nomenclature of equipment used in shooting sports and work on the skills necessary to successfully fire an air rifle. Through hands-on instruction at most classes, students develop not only air rifle skills, but also skills such as leadership, team work, and responsibility. Instruction is provided by a team of well trained, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic volunteer coaches.

Eligibility: 7th-12th graders
Cost: $80 per session (DO NOT PAY- Interest list only until Coaches are identified.)
Meeting Time: Class time 1: 4:30-6:00 pm or class time 2: 6:00-7:30 pm
Location: Williamson County Extension Office, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064
Session Dates:
- TBD (MANDATORY SAFETY MEETING for new students, coaches, and parents)
- 4:30 pm Session: January 16, 23, February 6, 27, March 5, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2024 Session Limit: 10
- 6:00 pm Session: January 16, 23, February 6, 27, March 5, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 2024 Session Limit: 10
Requirement: Due to the nature of shooting sports, a parent or guardian is required to stay at each practice with their student(s).
- New families MUST attend the safety meeting.
Join Interest List: https://tiny.utk.edu/JoinWilco4H

Q: How do I join 4-H?
A: Complete our online registration form for each student in 4^th-12^th grade to join 4-H. If a project group you are registering for has a registration fee, the fee must be paid to complete the registration.

Q: What is the Shooting Sports Program?
A: Instruction and curriculum provide a framework of knowledge and skills for a lifetime of participation in recreation, hobbies, and careers related to shooting sports and outdoor skills. All instructors are certified and background checked.

Q: Are parents or guardians required to stay at shooting sports practices?
A: Due to the nature of shooting sports, a parent or guardian is required to stay at each practice with their student(s). Our program requires a lot of set up and clean up and we look forward to parent volunteers lending a helping hand.

Q: How much does it cost to join?
A: 4-H is free to join in general. Many of our project groups do have registration fees to cover the course material and supplies, each group will indicate on the information page and registration form what the fee is, if any. The Shooting Sports project costs $80.

Q: If registration is closed for a group I want to join, what can I do?
A: Please still complete the registration form and click to “join the interest list” for any group you have interest in. You will be contacted about any pop-up classes or other opportunities related to that group that open.

Q: What topics are covered?
A: Participants learn the basic concepts of the discipline of Archery, BB, or Air Rifle including terminology and specific safety principles associated with this activity from experienced, trained, and certified adult instructors. These programs teach valuable life skills like safety, responsibility, personal discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship while developing technical skills and in-depth knowledge.

Q: Do I have to provide my own supplies?
A: The 4-H office will provide most, if not all, the supplies for class for the first session of participation. After the first session of participation, students may be required to purchase some of their own equipment. Our shooting sports coordinator can supply you with specific information for any purchase and we encourage you to speak with us prior to any purchases as not all equipment is allowed in the 4-H shooting sports program.

Q: May students use their own equipment?

A: BB students may bring their own Daisy 499 BB rifle, sling, kneeling roll, mat, and safety glasses. Please note that there will be no refunds for equipment related issues.

A: Air rifle students may bring their own kneeling roll, mat, and safety glasses. Air rifles are subject to approval. Here is more information about rifles allowed in 4-H competitions and practices. Air Rifles officially approved for Sporter Class air rifle competitions are the Air Force Air Guns Edge, Crosman CH2000 (CO2), Crosman CH2009 (CO2 or CA), Crosman CH2021 (CA), Daisy M599 Competition Air Rifle, Daisy M853/753/953/853CM (pneumatic), Daisy 888/887 (CO2), Daisy XSV40 Valiant (compressed air), Air Arms T200 (compressed air, with non-adjustable cheekpiece and butt-plate) and the Champions Choice T200 (CZ 200T, compressed air, with adjustable cheek-piece and butt-plate). Daisy 887/888 rifles may have 2010 model replacement stocks. Please note that there will be no refunds for equipment related issues.

A: Archery students may use their own Genesis original bow, after inspection by our certified coaches. Archery students will need to purchase their own arm guard and finger tabs. More information is sent to registered families before the first class.

Q: How long is the Shooting Sports Class?
A: Each project varies in length and commitment depending on the engagement level of the student. Typically, a class will be scheduled for 1.5 hours.

Q: When does the class take place?
A: Our classes are normally held on Tuesday evenings.

Q: What is the format of the class?
A: Instruction is composed of class learning, experiential engagement, and healthy competition. Most of the class time is spent on the range. Time also spent in discussion of relevant shooting sports related content.

Tiffany Uchacz

Tiffany is watching her own children learn and grow through 4-H’s positive youth development model and loves to bring that experience to the Shooting Sports program. She has spent many years working with youth in a variety of roles and constantly strives to guide youth to be the best they can be. Tiffany also enjoys collaborating with volunteers and families to create a team that can provide support to as many students as possible.

Tiffany Uchacz

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