REMINDER - Upcoming Events

With Spring around the corner we know it's a busy time of year. We don't want you to miss out on upcoming Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Events, so check out the following list of reminders!
Shooting Sports Coaches Trainings:

• District 10
• Date: March 9-10
• Location: Guadalupe Extension Office (Seguin, TX)
• Contact Person: D-10 4-H Specialist Megan Logan
• Disciplines Offered: archery, muzzleloading, pistol, rifle, shotgun
• Register via 4-H Connect - February 11 - 25, 2019
• Cost - $120 includes meals and course materials
• All volunteers must go through volunteer screening and be an active volunteer before registering for the event.

Texas State 4-H Indoor Archery Match - Registration is NOW OPEN!
Registration via 4-H Connect will be available until March 3, 2019.
The Indoor Archery Match will be held in five locations to accommodate 4-H archers across the state. Archers may shoot at any location but must chose only one and will complete for placings among all archers in all locations. A link to the contest handbook can be found here. This handbook includes all details and information pertaining to the match.

Carrizo Springs: March 29 - 30

Bay City: March 21 - 23

Fort Stockton: March 22 - 23

Graham: March 15 - 16

Pampa: March 22 - 23

35th Annual Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Extravaganza - Registration is NOW OPEN!

The Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Extravaganza celebrates 35 years this April! Extravaganza is a beginner's match and learning event. Rules are adjusted to accommodate this being a beginner's match. These rules are for Extravaganza only. Rules for any other specific match do not apply at this event. Registration via 4-H Connect will be available February 11 - March 31. Registration details can be found here. Match handbook can be found here.

• Event Details:
• When: April 13, 2019
• Where: Texas 4-H Conference Center on Lake Brownwood
• How Much? $28 registration fee through 4-H Connect. $40 LATE registration fee.

Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Postal Leagues - Registration is NOW OPEN!

Originally named “Postal Leagues” because the targets were mailed in for scoring via the U.S. Postal Service, Postal Leagues are a state-wide competitive shooting match in which participants can compete with others across the state without having to travel outside their home county.

Events include:  3-P Smallbore Rifle, Air Pistol, Archery, BB Gun, Light Rifle, Precision Air Rifle, Sporter Air Rifle, Smallbore Pistol, Muzzleloading Rifle, Muzzleloading Pistol, Trap, and Skeet. Participants may compete in as many events as their county/club will allow. All shooting must be supervised by a 4-H Shooting Sports Coach certified in the appropriate shooting discipline (Archery, Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Muzzleloading).

Important dates to remember:

• October 1, 2018 - March 28, 2019: Complete Events
• February 1 - March 28, 2019: Official Registration/Payment AND Score Submission

Postal League details/rules/registration information can be found here.

4-H Hunting and Wildlife Project Coach Training

This training has been expanded to three different dates and three different locations this year.  To see the full details on this expansion, click HERE.

4-H Shooting Sports Muzzleloading Coach Training

The 4-H Muzzleloading Coach Training will look different this year.  In addition, the training will be offered three different times in three different locations.  Hopefully, this will allow more individuals to take part in the training.  To see more detail about this new look in the training procedure, click HERE.

Updated List of 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Trainings

The 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Training list previously published has been updated to show cancellations due to hurricane issues in the southern part of the state and additions for this Fall through the Winter and into Spring.  To view the list click HERE or visit the 4-H Shooting Sports webpage.

4-H Shooting Sports Project Coach Training and Certification

The 4-H Shooting Sports Project encompasses a large percentage of the 4-H membership in Texas and is the only project that requires each volunteer coach to be trained and certified in specific shooting disciplines before working with local 4-H youth.  The shooting disciplines covered in 4-H are archery, pistol, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloading, and hunting.  Several hundred volunteers are trained each year.  September and the new 4-H year open the coach training season.  Many questions arise each year concerning 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Certification and the trainings themselves.  The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

•  All 4-H Shooting Sports local projects must have at least one 4-H trained and certified coach in each of the disciplines offered in that project.
• Adults must first be enrolled on 4-H Connect as 'Volunteers' which requires a background check that takes at least two weeks to process so do this well in advance of a desired training registration.
• Only one discipline certification is available per training attended.  However, coaches may attend multiple trainings and be certified in multiple disciplines.
• A certified coach must be present on the range during all firearm handling and live fire.
• A certified coach must be 21 years of age or older.
• No other certifications or professional training will substitute for 4-H training and certification.
• Any 4-H member or volunteer 14-20 years of age may attend the training and receive an Assistant Coach certification.
•  All scheduled trainings are open to enrolled 4-H volunteers and eligible members regardless of where in the state they live.

For more details on this certification, click HERE.

Beyond NASP Tim Strickland Academy

Title: Beyond NASP® Tim Strickland Academy


Objective: Improve instructor ability to develop life-long archers.


Instructor Fee: $300


Lodging and Meals: lodging arrangements, breakfast, lunch and dinner "on your own"


Course Capacity: 20


Location: Arlington ISD Archery Range, 4215 Little Rd, Arlington, Texas 76016





Date: Sat & Sun, April 9 & 10, 2016


Lead Instructor: Tim Strickland


How to Register: register online at http://naspbai.org/ClassView.aspx?cid=5464




If you want more information click here.

4-H Outdoor Education Coach Training - November 21-22

Registration is open for the 4-H Outdoor Education Coach Training set for November 21-22 at the Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood.  This training and certification is available to any enrolled adult leader (21 years of age or older) desiring to coach 4-H youth in projects where live firing is conducted. This training and certification is designed specifically for projects including Hunting & Wildlife and Outdoor Challenge. This certification does not allow the adult to coach local Shooting Sports projects. The training is also available for enrolled adults 18-20 to become Assistant Coaches. All training participants will also receive the Texas Hunter Education Instructor Certification. In addition, the training will cover wildlife management basics, wildlife identification basics, wildlife biologist skills basics, game laws and ethics, various hunting and outdoor living skills, camping safety, boating safety, and other outdoor safety basics.  Registration is available on 4-H Connect; https://texas.4honline.com.  More details can be found on the training flyer.

4-H Muzzleloading Coach Training - November 21-22

Registration is open for the 4-H Muzzleloading Coach Training set for November 21-22 at the Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood.  This training and certification is available to any enrolled adult leader (21 years of age or older). The training is also available for enrolled adults 18-20 and enrolled youth 14-18 to become Assistant Coaches. The training will cover all firearm types used in a 4-H
Shooting Sports Muzzleloading project; rifles, shotguns, and pistols.  Registration is available on 4-H Connect; https://texas.4honline.com.  More details can be found on the training flyer.

4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Project Practice Contest - Sinton

Registration is open for the Practice Contest of the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Project (WHEP) to be held in Sinton on November 14, 2015.  The Practice Contest is designed to provide hands-on training for youth participants and adult coaches in this wildlife competition where youth evaluate habitat for various wildlife species, design a wildlife habitat management plan, and test their knowledge in wildlife identification and information.  This is the chance to train as a team and as a coach.  Questions will be answered as we go through the contest.  The Practice Contest will follow the WHEP Manual posted on the 4-H Wildlife webpage at this url address.  For more details, see the information under 'Practice WHEP Contests' and 'Sinton' on the same 4-H Wildlife webpage.

Upcoming 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Training Opportunities

District 10 Shooting Sports Coach Training--Kerrville, Texas: September 13-14, 2014. Registration via 4-H Connect August 18-31. Contact Megan Logan for additional information, mmlogan@ag.tamu.edu 

District 12 Shooting Sports Coach Training—Alice, Texas: September 27-28, 2014, Registration via 4-H Connect September 1-September 21. See District 12 website for more information.

West Region Shooting Sports Coach Training--San Angelo, Texas: September 27-28, 2014, Registration via 4-H Connect August 18-September 18. See Shooting Sports website for more information or contact tx4hnaturalresources@tamu.edu.

South Region Shooting Sports Coach Training--Victoria, Texas: October 11-12, 2014, Registration via 4-H Connect August 21-September 18. See Shooting Sports website for more information or contact tx4hnaturalresources@tamu.edu.

 

 

Advanced Shotgun Coaching Techniques Course

An Advanced Shotgun Coaching Techniques Course will be held August 8-10, 2014 in San Angelo. The course cost will be $225 and is limited to the first 24 shooters. This is a full two and a half day course. The course starts Friday evening at 6:00, runs all day Saturday, and most of the day Sunday. The plan is to bring local 4-H shooters to the range on Sunday to give the training participants hands on experience with their newly learned techniques.  Participants in this course must have been certified 4-H Shotgun Coaches for at least one year and must be currently active with a 4-H Shooting Sports project.  Interested individuals who qualify for the training must contact Russ Arnold to register; 817/690-6194, rga@ss-consulting.org.  Click here for more training details.

Wildlife Workshops Available Through Texas Wildlife Association

New Workshop Opportunities Quail Masters - Texas Deer Study Group  Don't miss out on two great upcoming workshops.  Whether you are interested in quail or white-tailed deer, there is something here for you.  QuailMasters is an intensive 4-part workshop focusing on quail biology, habitat needs and management considerations.  Each session builds on the previous to provide attendees with a thorough knowledge of quail and ways they can improve management.  This year's workshops will focus primarily in North Texas with the first session being held in Roby on April 27-29.  For more information or to register online please visit http://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/events/quailmasters-2014 The Texas Deer Study Group is a 1.5 day workshop  focusing on white-tailed deer management and research.  This year's event, to be held in Columbus, TX on April 10-11, is directed towards optimizing deer management in the Post Oak Savannah and Gulf Coast Prairies Ecoregions.  Topics include habitat management and harvest considerations on smaller acreage, breeding information and buck movement, an overview of research and things to consider when making management decisions.    For more information or to register online please visit http://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/events/texas-deer-study-group   Vendor and sponsorship opportunities available.  Contact Clint Faas at cfaas@texas-wildlife.org  For more information contact Clint Faas at cfaas@texas-wildlife.org Texas Wildlife Association 3660 Thousand Oaks Dr. Suite 126 San Antonio, Texas 78247

West Region Shooting Sports Coach Training Date UPDATE

The West Region 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Training, originally scheduled for September 13-14, 2014 has been moved to September 27-28, 2014.

West Region Shooting Sports Coach Training--San Angelo
September 27-28, 2014
Registration on 4-H Connect August 18-September 16, 2014
NO Late Registrations, NO Exceptions.
**Please note: ALL participants MUST be enrolled and approved members via 4-H Connect in order to register for this training event. Adults MUST be cleared through the YPS System in order to enroll. This process takes time, start early!

Plan to be a 4-H STRONG Volunteer!

Adult Volunteer Leaders: Make Plans to Participate in the Virtual 4-H Volunteer Conference! There is no fee to participate, and no pre-registration!

For workshop descriptions, scheduled days and times, participation instructions, promotional videos and more information about the conference, visit:
http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/volunteer_conference

District 1 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Training

District 1 is holding a 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Training on November 15-16, 2013 in Pampa, Texas.  The training will offer the disciplines of archery, rifle, and shotgun.  This training is open to anyone across the state.  All participants must be currently enrolled in their county 4-H program.  Registration deadline is November 8th.  See more details on the training flyer by clicking here.

4-H Muzzleloading Coach Training Registration is Open

Registration is now open for the 4-H Muzzleloading Coach Training to be held November 16-17, 2013 at the Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood.  This training will cover all firearm types used in a 4-H Muzzleloading project; rifles, shotguns, and pistols.  Registration is open on 4-H Connect until October 24th.  There will be no late registration.  All registrants must be enrolled as 4-H adult volunteers on 4-H Connect and have a current background check.  This process takes time to complete so begin now by working with your local county Extension office.  

Click here for a printable training announcement.

4-H Shooting Sports Muzzle Loading Coach Training

A 4-H Shooting Sports Muzzle Loading Coach Training is set for November 16-17 at the Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood.  This training will offer certification as a 4-H coach in muzzle loading firearms including rifles, pistols and shotguns.  The weekend will be full of noise, smoke and fun training.  This training is open to any enrolled adult 4-H volunteer.  Registration will be on 4-H Connect.  
Coach certification is available to adult participants 21 years old or older.  Assistant Coach certification is available to youth participants 14-18 years old and adult participants 18-20 years old.  For more details on 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Certification go to the 4-H Shooting Sports webpage.

Texas 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program in 2012-2013

The 2012-2013 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program, known as WHEP, finished another good year.  

This year offered two Practice Contests, one each in Kerrville and Centerville, which served as training grounds for youth and adult leaders alike.  These contests are abbreviated versions of a typical contest that give insight into the operation and set up of a contest.  In addition, the official answers and explanations to each contest event are provided immediately following an activity.  These are not only explained but discussed with all participants encouraged to ask questions.  Look for Practice Contests for the coming year on November 23rd in Grayson County and January 18th in Brazos County.

A special WHEP session is also scheduled during the 4-H Teen Retreat at the Texas 4-H Center on January 10-12.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo WHEP Contest was presented in fair weather this year, which is always a 50/50 chance in coastal Texas March.  The contest will take place again in 2014 on March 8th.

This year's State WHEP Contest was held at the Texas 4-H Office in College Station utilizing the Urban section of the manual and testing the knowledge of the participants' urban wildlife management skills.  The 2014 State Contest is scheduled for June 14-15 in Brazos County.

The results of the 2013 contest are as follows (see complete participant results on the WHEP webpage):

Junior Division
1st Individual - Reid Aschenbeck, Washington County
2nd Individual - Cade Weiss, Washington County
3rd Individual - Logan Schwartz, Washington County 
1st Team - Washington County

Intermediate Division
1st Individual - Hayden Mathews, Comal County
2nd Individual - Davis Mathews, Comal County
3rd Individual - Deidra Davis, Comal County
1st Team - Comal County
2nd Team - Denton County
3rd Team - Washington County

Senior Division
1st Individual - Reagan Ashley, Cameron County
2nd Individual - D.J. Franklin, Waller County
3rd Individual - Catherin Franklin, Waller County
1st Team - Waller County
2nd Team - Cameron County
3rd Team - Washington County

The National WHEP Invitational is attended by the top placing Senior team from each state.  The Waller County Team (pictured above) of Coach Harvey Laas, Catherin Franklin, D.J. Franklin, Joseph Franklin, and Sam Franklin, represented Texas 4-H in the 2013 Invitational in Indiana.  This team honored Texas 4-H by bringing home 2nd Place Overall!

4-H Shooting Sports Coach Trainings This Fall

There are several opportunities coming up soon to attend a 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Training and receive certification in a single discipline to become a local coach for your 4-H Shooting Sports project. 
 
District 12 Training - September 28-29 - Cotulla
South Region Training - October12-13 - Victoria 
District 9 Training - November 9-10 - Conroe

All trainings whether 'District' or 'Regional' are open to anyone within the state who is enrolled currently as a  4-H volunteer with a current background check.

Registration for all trainings is on 4-H Connect through a personal profile;  https://texas.4honline.com.

All 4-H Shooting Sports projects, even those projects based at home only, require a Coach trained and certified through 4-H.  The mandatory certification training is offered through the State 4-H Office and the District Extension Offices around the state.  Each discipline (archery, pistol, rifle, shotgun) within a local project requires a 4-H Coach certified in that discipline.  In other words, a certified pistol coach cannot become the shotgun coach without first attending another training in the Shotgun discipline.

Other specific firearm coach trainings/certifications take place on a less regular basis such as Muzzle Loading Coach Training and Hunting & Wildlife Coach Training.  With less demand on these certifications, the trainings are held less often.  These training offerings will be posted soon and announced on this blog.

The document linked here will provide more information and answer frequently asked questions about Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Coaches.

District 2 Coach Training June 1-2, Register Now!

The District 2 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Training will be held in Lubbock on June 1-2, 2013.

This training will provide certifications as Certified Coaches or Assistant Coaches in the selected disciplines including archery, pistol, rifle, or shotgun.

Registration for this training will be on 4-H Connect. Registration will close on May 22, 2013.
No late registration will be allowed. Anyone interested in registration must be currently enrolled in the 4-H system.