Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Program: 45 Years of Growing Conservation Leaders

Founded nationally in 1980 by Texas State 4-H Director Tom Davidson, 4-H Shooting Sports has grown into one of the fastest-expanding 4-H projects in the country. Today, nearly 750,000 youth participate annually, guided by more than 20,000 trained adult instructors. In 2000, the first-ever National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships were held in San Antonio, Texas, marking a milestone in the program’s continued expansion and success. 

That same year, Minnesota launched its own 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Program. What started with local and state events has now blossomed into one of the state’s most impactful youth development programs. The first Minnesota State Invitational was held at Beaverbrook Sportsmen’s Club in East Bethel, and since then, thousands of young people have built skills, friendships and a passion for the outdoors through this program. 

Today, more than 5,000 Minnesota youth and 1,000 trained adult volunteers participate each year. Youth can explore a wide range of disciplines, including rifle, pistol, archery, muzzleloading, shotgun and wildlife education. Alongside shooting instruction, participants take part in conservation activities, skillathons and wildlife projects that help them understand the role of hunters and shooters in sustaining healthy ecosystems. 

“The rich history of shooting sports provides a foundation for our program to update the current practices and outreach to new audiences to ensure that the legacy of shooting and environmental stewardship lasts for future generations,” said Nicole Pokorney, Minnesota 4-H Outdoor Education Program director. 

Leadership has always been a cornerstone of the Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Program. Early on, youth were encouraged to serve as program ambassadors, and today, the Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Ambassador Program offers high school students the chance to take on leadership roles, promote the program and represent 4-H at state, regional and local events. Ambassadors undergo leadership training and serve as role models for younger participants, ensuring that the program continues to inspire the next generation. 

This September 5–7, the tradition continued as the 4-H Shooting Sports & Wildlife Invitational took place at the Alexandria Shooting Park. Over 750 youth from across the state gathered to compete in events such as archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, air rifle, .22 rifle and air pistol, as well as wildlife calling, skillathon and conservation projects. The invitational not only showcases marksmanship but also reinforces the importance of stewardship, conservation and responsibility. 

“This year marks 21 years of partnership between the Minnesota NWTF and 4-H, with over $100,000 donated to support this program,” said Ralph Warzecha, Minnesota NWTF State Chapter president. “The NWTF is the only wildlife organization that actively supports 4-H, providing assistance with wildlife judging and offering information on mentor hunts and JAKES memberships. In return, 4-H ambassadors attend our state convention and host a JAKES event for up to 35 youth, allowing parents to participate in the convention." 

The Minnesota NWTF State Chapter is a long-standing supporter of this program, contributing significant funding through the Super Fund to ensure its continued success. These investments reflect the NWTF’s mission to preserve our hunting heritage by fostering the next generation of ethical hunters, conservationists and outdoor leaders. 

“The Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Program is striving to ensure that we are serving all youth from Minnesota, of all capabilities and communities,” Pokorney said. “Donations from organizations, such as NWTF, have helped to make that possible by providing training to adult volunteers, leadership opportunities for youth leaders and helping create access to our program for all.” 

As the Minnesota 4-H Shooting Sports and Wildlife Program celebrates its 45^th anniversary in 2025, it stands as a testament to the power of hands-on learning, community involvement and mentorship. More than just a shooting sports program, it is a pathway to leadership, conservation and lifelong enjoyment of the outdoors. 

With 4-H being the largest youth development program in Minnesota — serving over 40,000 young people each year — the impact of shooting sports within the broader 4-H community is extraordinary. Together with partners like NWTF, Minnesota 4-H continues to ensure that youth are not only skilled shooters but also informed conservationists ready to carry forward a legacy of stewardship.