What the Montana 4-H State Shoot Is
The Montana State 4-H Shooting Sports Competition, known as the State Shoot, is the statewide championship for Montana 4-H members in archery, airgun, silhouette and smallbore events. The 2027 State Shoot is set for March 5-7, 2027 in Bozeman, with the national competition following June 20-25, 2027 in Grand Island, Nebraska. It is not sanctioned by the NRA, JOAD, ATA, NMLRA, IBO or similar organizations.
Events
- Archery: Target Archery and 3D Archery (maximum one event).
- Air pistol: supported for ages 9-12, unsupported for ages 9-15 and up.
- Air rifle: 3-position (precision or sporter), prone (sporter) and standing (precision or sporter).
- Silhouette: air rifle or air pistol, with equipment provided.
- Smallbore rifle or pistol: competitors must be 10 as of October 1, 2026.
Who Can Enter
Competitors must be active, enrolled Montana 4-H members in good standing, aged 9 to 19 as of October 1, 2026 to receive awards, and enrolled in high school or lower at the time of the event. To go on to nationals a shooter must turn 14 by January 1, 2027 and not turn 19 before January 1 of the championship year. Airgun events require a CMP number, which is free; the state office can obtain one if you submit your entry without it. Firing points are assigned automatically and time slots are first come, first served.
Key Dates and Fees
- January 4, 2027Registration opens on FairEntry.
- February 12, 2027The range fee rises from $15 to $20 per competitor.
- February 26, 2027Registration closes; written refund requests are due before this date.
- March 5-7, 2027State Shoot in Bozeman.
The range fee is $15 per competitor and each event entry is $15. Limited refunds are available; refunds for severe weather, death or injury are handled through a set 2027 date with supporting documentation, and refunds are mailed after the event.
Awards and Nationals
Individual awards go to the top shooter in each event and the top three in each age group. Airgun and archery age groups are 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 15+; smallbore groups are 10-12, 13-14 and 15+. County team awards (Precision 3P, Sporter 3P, Sporter Standing, Precision Standing and Sporter Prone) count the top four shooters per county, with a plaque and gold medals for the winner and silver and bronze medals for second and third. National teams are chosen from the top four combined scores in Sporter 3P and Sporter Standing for air rifle, and the top four in each event for air pistol and smallbore.
Rules in Brief
- Eye protection is required; ear protection is recommended.
- Boots and high-top shoes are not allowed on airgun and smallbore ranges.
- Airgun events use .177 match-grade flat-face pellets and iron sights; clear barrel or open bolt indicators are required.
- Smallbore pistol shooters must carry a signed parent or guardian approval form, even if a parent is present, or they are disqualified.
- All decisions of the Chief Range Officer are final.
Where
Airgun, smallbore and silhouette: Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 901 North Black, Bozeman. Archery: Big Sky Archery, 77 Laura Louise Lane, about 20 minutes away.
Questions
Who do I call about registration?
The State 4-H Office at 406-994-3501. Volunteers usually return calls evenings and weekends, so leave a voicemail.
Who handles squadding?
Archery squadding is Randy Radke, 406-539-4903. Other airgun and silhouette questions go to Lee Nelson, 406-579-0612.
Official Links
Montana 4-H Events and Contests: The Essentials
Montana 4-H goes well beyond the fair. County fairs come first, then state contests and Montana 4-H Congress on the Bozeman campus. Dates and rules differ by county, so ask your MSU Extension office for the current calendar and fair book.
Montana 4-H Congress
Congress runs four days at MSU Bozeman: July 7-10, 2026 and July 14-17, 2027. Members must be 13 by October 1 of the 4-H year. Registration is $255, opens May 1 and closes June 15 through your county Extension office.
State contests
Members may enter only one contest at Congress, and you must compete in your own registered county. Contests include Fashion Revue, Public Speaking, Livestock Judging, Horse Judging and Hippology. Fashion Revue needs a county blue ribbon.
Year-round events
The state calendar also lists a Citizenship Seminar in Helena (January 17-19, 2027), the State Shoot in Bozeman (March 7-8, 2027) and Youth State Awards due May 1.
Before you go
Pre-Congress is for Ambassadors and teen leaders and cost $95 for youth in 2026. Sponsored trips still carry travel costs, so budget for meals and gas.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Montana FFA Ag Expo
Montana FFA Ag Expo with twenty-six career and leadership development events for FFA members in Bozeman, November 12 to 14, 2026. Volunteer judges are recruited each year.
Bozeman, MT | (406) 581-9299 | Organizer: Montana FFA Official event details - Gallatin County 4-H and FFA Fair
Big Sky Country State Fair youth fair at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds; 2026 events ran July 9-19 and the next fair is announced for July 15-25, 2027.
- Montana State University Cowboys and Candlelight
The 29th annual Cowboys and Candlelight event in Bozeman, held February 15, 2026, on the Montana rodeo calendar.
Bozeman, MT Official event details - Montana State University Spring Rodeo
College rodeo hosted in Bozeman by Montana State University, April 9 to 12, 2026.
- Montana 4-H State Shotgun Qualifier
State 4-H shotgun qualifier held in Logan on Saturday, May 2, 2026, part of the Montana 4-H shooting sports schedule.
Logan, MT Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.