4-H Safety Programs

4-H Shooting Sports

The goal of the 4-H Shooting Sports program is youth development. Through participation in firearm safety training and shooting sports activities, young men and women are given the opportunity to learn responsibility, sportsmanship, self-discipline, and other qualities critical to the development of productive citizens.

4-H Shooting Sports is a national program with over 300,000 young people taking part, making it one of the largest shooting education programs in the United States. Here in Mississippi, 4-H Shooting Sports involves thousands of kids and continues to grow annually. An established core of over 700 adult volunteer instructors and 4-H agents provide training and leadership for our program throughout the state.

All-Terrain Vehicles 4-H (ATV) Safety Education

The goal of the MSU Extension 4-H ATV Safety program is to reduce ATV-related accidents and fatalities in Mississippi. The objectives of the safety program are

to increase the number of 4th- to 6th-grade participants by 1,000 in the 2-hour ATV Safety program using the ATV Safety Leader’s Guide,
to increase the number of participants by 500 in the age-specific ATV Safety Institute (ASI) online E-Course ATV Safety Training,
to increase the number of participants by 500 in the ATV Safety Tread-Sylvania online ATV safety game found at www.atv.-youth.org,
to develop ATV Safety public service announcements (PSA) involving ATV Safety program participants (statewide),
to increase the number of certified ATV safety instructors by 10, and
to increase the number of participants by 100 completing the 4.5-hour hands-on ATV RiderCourse training per year.

Publications

Publication Number: P2234

The Significance of Mississippi 4-H Shooting Sports Workshops for Volunteer Leaders and County Programs

Publication Number: IS1353

4-H Shooting Sports - Introduction

Publication Number: P2751

4-H Shooting Sports State Invitational Rulebook

Publication Number: P3073

Preparing for the 4-H State Invitational Shotgun Events

Publication Number: P3077

4-H Shooting Sports: Shotgun and the Clover Clays

Use off-road vehicles on designated trails, such as this one at the Jimmy Bryan 4-H Youth Complex in West Point, Mississippi, to reduce negative impacts on the environment. (Photo by MSU Extension Service/Leslie Burger)

Off-road vehicles bring fun, hazards

September 9, 2016 - Filed Under: ATV Safety, Wildlife

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Speeding along a wooded trail on a bright, chilly morning can bring a lot of enjoyment and excitement. And it sure is a lot easier getting to that back-country deer blind or dove field if you can load up all the gear and head off on wheels.

But the off-road vehicle you may be riding -- whether a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle, side-by-side utility vehicle or dirt bike -- has some downsides. While undeniably fun and useful in transportation, an off-road vehicle can also be an environmental hazard and personal nuisance when used incorrectly.

Brandy Barnes, a member of the Mississippi State University Extension Service Hinds County 4-H, prepares for shooting sports practice in Byram on Feb. 29, 2016. She earned one of four spots on the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship team and will compete in the .22-caliber rifle division in Grand Island, Nebraska, June 26-July 1, 2016. (Photo by MSU Extension Service/Susan Collins-Smith)

Hinds County 4-H’er heads to national rifle competition

April 5, 2016 - Filed Under: 4-H, Shooting Sports

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Brandy Barnes’ excitement is building, but she keeps a cool head at the firing range.

In the summer of 2015, the 17-year-old Hinds County 4-H member scored among the top five .22-caliber rifle participants at the state shooting sports competition. The accomplishment earned her a spot at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship set for June 26 to July1, 2016, in Grand Island, Nebraska.

“It’s really starting to hit me now,” said Barnes. “I’m very excited.”

Attending safety courses about all-terrain vehicles can provide drivers with experience in handling all types of situations. (File photo/MSU Ag Communications)

ATVs can be fun if handled with caution

May 29, 2015 - Filed Under: 4-H Safety Programs, Farm Safety, Family, ATV Safety

STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Riding all-terrain vehicles is a fun adventure until tragedy strikes, but simple practices can keep riders safe.

Jesse Wilson, a high school senior from Lowndes County, has firsthand experience with an ATV disaster. Wilson was driving up a steep ditch when his ATV fell back on top of him because of excess weight on the back of the vehicle. He was not wearing any safety gear at the time. Wilson broke his shoulder because of this accident, and had to have surgery.

Celebrate ATV Safety Week with free courses for kids

May 14, 2015 - Filed Under: 4-H, Youth Projects, Farm Safety, 4-H Safety Programs, ATV Safety

WEST POINT, Miss. -- Young Mississippians eager to complete the safety course required for operating all-terrain vehicles on public lands can sign up for free classes offered during ATV Safety Week, June 6-14.

Parker Simpson of Choctaw County, left, talks with all-terrain vehicle safety instructor Brad Staton about the proper gear to wear while riding an ATV, including a helmet, eye protection and gloves. (Photo by MSU Ag Communications/Keri Collins Lewis)

MSU Extension celebrates ATV Safety Week with tips

June 12, 2014 - Filed Under: Youth Projects, 4-H Safety Programs, ATV Safety

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service is taking steps to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities involving all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs.

Larry Alexander, 4-H youth development specialist with the MSU Extension Service, said national ATV Safety Week, June 8-15, is the perfect opportunity to highlight the importance of properly using these powerful vehicles.