Chambana Sun

University of Illinois Extension has announced a new sponsorship for the upcoming 4-H State Shooting Sports contests scheduled for this fall. Illinois Ducks Unlimited has provided financial support to help reduce participation fees, making the events more accessible to families.

The Illinois State 4-H Shoots provide an opportunity for 4-H teens from across the state to showcase their skills in a safe and supportive setting. Participants demonstrate safety and proficiency in their chosen sport, which they have honed through local 4-H Shooting Sports clubs over the past year.

The competitions cover disciplines such as shotgun, rifle, and archery. The top four finishers in each discipline will earn a spot on the Illinois 4-H State team to compete in a national event next summer.

The first state shoot is set for archery in Pekin on September 16, followed by shotgun on September 23 at Bunker Hill, and concluding with rifle on October 7 in Bloomington. The events include compound and recurve archery, trap shooting, as well as air and .22 small-bore rifle categories.

This marks the inaugural year of sponsorship from Illinois Ducks Unlimited. Curt Sinclair, University of Illinois Extension's 4-H youth development specialist, expressed gratitude: "We are immensely grateful for the generous support of Illinois Ducks Unlimited, whose commitment to our youth shooting sports program is truly commendable.”

Further details about these events can be found on the Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports page.

Illinois 4-H is part of the University of Illinois Extension under the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. It aims to develop youth into leaders who are prepared for future careers. Research shows that participants are more likely to contribute to their communities and engage in STEM programs.