The crack of gunfire was heard across the shooting range as kids, ranging from 8 to 18, concentrated on their targets, their .22 rifles held as steady as possible.
Their expressions were serious, their attention zeroed in on the black dots they were aiming at. Once everyone had shot their designated rounds, the range officials declared the range closed. The gravel crunched underfoot as the contestants went to inspect their targets.
The officials then had each shooter change out their target. Back at the line, the kids were instructed to change positions from laying down to standing up. Once everyone was in place, the official declared the range open and the firing commenced.
The Biggest Shoot in the State
The event they were participating in was the 2024 Wyoming State Shoot, held last weekend. Nearly 700 4H kids from counties across the Cowboy State had converged on Douglas for three days of shooting competition.
The 4Hers competed in archery, and in different gun categories including shotgun, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, air rifle, air pistol and muzzleloader.
The shoot is the most prominent shooting competition in the state.
“It the largest gathering of 4H kids,” Roy Kern, a range official overseeing the shotgun competition said. “It’s kind of the finals where everybody in the state competes. This is the big kahuna.”
At the shotgun range, county teams line up under the direction of their squad leader, usually the oldest 4H participant. When it was their turn, the kid next in line called out, “Pull!” and a clay pigeon was launched into the air.
It can be especially challenging for these young shooters because the range is different from the ones they practiced on back in their own counties.
“It’s fun and its good practice,” Mac McCumber, a 14-year-old 4Her said as he put up his shotgun after competing. “It’s just different from any other type of shooting. It’s more challenging.”
His Mom, Linda, agreed. “My kids love it. They like to shoot and go against the best in the state.”
Black Powder Tradition
Katie Kernan has been a volunteer on the muzzleloader line for eight years. Before that, she spent six years in the 4H program in Platte County as a competitor. With her dad as her leader, she shot archery, muzzleloader, pistol and other categories.
“It’s just really fun to be up here on the muzzleloader line. It’s pretty traditional,” she said. “We go back to black powder, balls and cap. Last year, we even had a gal with a flintlock that shot. We have a pretty good group of kids and we try to add some challenging targets in there for them to help make sure that everybody has fun.”
The targets on the muzzleloader range included paper targets of buffalo and green bottles while metal silhouettes were lined up to add extra challenges. If the shooter was able to hit the final long-range target, they earned a certificate and candy bar.
On the shooting line, the participants would load their guns with black powder, precision patch and a ball, a process that couldn’t be rushed. After shooting three rounds, the guns would then need to be cleaned. The shooters were patient as they went through the steps, grinning when they hit their target.
Before opening up the muzzleloader range, Range Official Katie Kernan goes over the rules with the 4H competitors. (Courtesy Photo) 
Competitors, ranging in age from 8 to 18, inspect their targets and discuss them with the Range Officials before hanging up their next target (Courtesy Photo) 
Range Official Roy Kern has been volunteering at the Wyoming State Shoot for over 30 years. He said he does it because he enjoys watching the 4H kids shoot and have fun at the competition. (Courtesy Photo) 
Range Officials keep a close eye on 4H competitors on the .22 Range in Douglas at the Wyoming State Shoot (Courtesy Photo)
Safest Sport in Wyoming
Safety is the most important rule while competing.
“We stress safety number one,” Kern said, pointing in the direction of the shotgun range behind him. “That’s even before they can break a target. Safety is stressed in every discipline, from air pistol to archery to shotgun. That’s what is unique to me about this event. You have 650 kids or so at all of the shooting events, and if you go around, just watch how safe everyone is. It’s amazing. Safety is our number one priority. After that – it’s the teaching of how to shoot.”
The 4H kids are expected to already be trained in safety and shooting before they arrive at the Wyoming State Shoot. They are discouraged from coming if they had not previously trained on a local level with county 4H instructors.
“We debrief as leaders,” Katie Kernan said. “We go over any safety concerns, but ultimately, it’s the county’s responsibility to make sure the kids are safe to come to State Shoot.”
County leaders are required to go every five years to training and get recertified every five years, Kernan said.
“We are taught different tricks and tips for helping the kids out,” she said. “Our main goal is to keep things safe.”
Join Your Local 4H Chapter
Kernan encourages potential participants to begin at the local level before heading to compete at state.
“The leaders are really great and will give you tutorials. A lot of counties have equipment that you can borrow so you don’t even have to have your own equipment. I’d say join and start when they have practices because a lot of counties will start practices usually at the beginning of the year and go up until state.”
Practice is what Mac McCumber said helped him improve his score this year at State. He went to every shooting practice that his 4H club offered and to shooting camp.
His Mom, Linda, said it helped build his confidence and added, “It’s a mind game. You have to learn that. When you miss, you have to figure out how to get out of your funk so that you get the next shot.”
“It’s kind of like a reunion coming up to state shoots,” Kernan said, smiling before heading back to the muzzleloader line. “The kids get to have fun, see old friends and make new ones. And its fun for us leaders too!”
The results for this years Wyoming State Shoot is available at this Google link from the University of Wyoming Extension Office
