The Florida 4-H Shooting Sports Program offers young people a variety of entry points into wildlife conservation and outdoor knowledge and skills. The 4-H Hunting and Wildlife discipline is one of several projects offered through the shooting sports program. Others include Archery; Muzzle Loading; Rifle; and Shotgun. The Hunting and Wildlife discipline is lead by a certified instructor and is a program to help young people develop personal confidence, discipline, responsibility, teamwork, self-esteem, and sportsmanship as they become ethical hunters and self-sufficient outdoors men and women.
National Curriculum
The Florida 4-H Shooting Sports, Hunting, and Wildlife program uses the National 4-H Hunting and Wildlife and the NRA Youth Hunter Education Challenge curriculum to achieve the following goals:
• Teach Safe, Responsible Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment – (including sound decision-making, self-discipline, and concentration)
• Learn the History of Hunting – (why we hunt; hunting ethics; hunting laws and regulations; hunter and landowner relations; wildlife management and the hunter; and careers in hunting)
• Understand Wildlife and Wildlife Management – (concepts of natural resources from the hunter’s perspective)
• Develop the Participant’s Character – (self-concept, sportsmanship, and personal growth through involvement in a safe and educational shooting activity)
• Strengthen Families – (through life-long outdoor shooting sports recreational activities)
• Support Existing Safety and Hunter Education Programs
Program participants benefit from the 4-H Hunting and Wildlife discipline through a practical, accessible curriculum that embeds awareness, knowledge, and expertise in all young persons’ thought processes and behaviors; the Hunting and Wildlife discipline activities may include simulated hunting conditions to provide the best practical environment for reinforcing a young hunter’s skills.
Areas of Study
• Hunter Responsibility – Tests knowledge of hunter safety, ethics, responsibility and laws
• Hunter Safety Trail – Demonstrate knowledge of safe hunting practices in various hunting situations
• Orienteering – Show how to navigate a course utilizing a map and compass
• Outdoor Skills – Demonstrate knowledge in how to survive outdoors if becoming lost
• Wildlife Identification – Identify tracks, hides, feathers, and signs of North American wildlife
• .22 Rifle – Utilize a .22 rifle to shoot at action-type or life-size game targets
• Shotgun – Demonstrate shotgun shooting skills with games of trap, skeet and sporting clays
• Muzzle Loader – Use a muzzle loading rifle with open sights to shoot like the pioneers
• Archery – Walk through a course with life size animal or field targets
All live-fire shooting activities are lead by a 4-H certified shooting sports instructor, with special 4-H certification in the particular discipline. For example, if a Hunting and Wildlife group is learning about the shotgun discipline, with live-fire exercises on the range, a 4-H certified shooting sports instructor with a shotgun certification is the individual running the range and overseeing all live-fire exercises.
As with every 4-H project the primary goals of the program are positive youth development and the reinforcement of life skills. Youth enjoy this multidisciplinary approach that is challenging, fun and interesting. Many have reported that they are leaning toward careers that would keep them involved with wildlife science or conservation, which is another positive aspect of the program. If you would like more information about this program, contact your local county extension 4-H Agent.
Acknowledgment
Florida 4-H Shooting Sports, as well as Brevard County 4-H is very grateful for the support it receives from the National Rifle Association and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other sponsors. Of course none of this could be done without the help of our dedicated volunteers.
Related Story: 4-H, FWC and the NRA Partner Together for YHEC
Sources:
- Florida 4-H Shooting Sports Program
- The National 4-H Shooting Sports Program
- The National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship
Comments:
March 29, 2022
Hi Laura, Currently, we do not have any permaculture classes. Our horticulture agent, Sally, might have some information on it though. You can contact her at sasc@ufl.edu
March 27, 2022
Do you have classes regarding Perma Culture? My daughter-in-law was talking to me about this and I am hoping you have available information. Thanks
February 10, 2022
Hello, We have another pressure canning class coming up on March 5 from 10 am to 12 pm. You can find it on our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-brevard-county-18496539748
February 10, 2022
I was wondering if another pressure canning class is coming up? I missed the one this month unfortunately and am very interested in learning this skill!
November 17, 2021
Hi Dianna, I have a post scheduled to go out on 11/24. If you would like to receive our class list sooner, we have a newsletter that goes out on the 3rd Monday of every month! You can subscribe to it here: https://bit.ly/3CxvPY4
November 16, 2021
When will they post December classes?
October 12, 2021
Dear Dr. Wells, I admire your work to find the happy environmentally friendly balance of natural ecosystems within golf courses. We have found many supporters who wish to reinvent the abandoned , privately -owned West End golf course on Newberry Road in Alachua County, and are reaching out to our County government for their support as well. The golf course was the core of our West End Village neighborhood ; we have a dream to revitalize it. Looking forward to contacting you at a later time! Thank you.
October 11, 2021
Hi Laura, Thanks for your comment! I missed it earlier, I apologize. Please feel free to quote me and reach out if you have any questions. Several of our golf courses have become certified with Audubon International for their conservation efforts! I also have an article you may be interested in here, page 16: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.ftga.org/resource/resmgr/turf_digest/2019/ftd_septoct_2019.pdf
October 11, 2021
This blog is very informative the stuff you provide I really enjoyed reading
October 9, 2021
Pls specify, as well, Bonnie, which of the plants in your table r native to Florida.
October 8, 2021
It’s truly a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you simply shared this helpful information with us. 바둑이사이트넷
September 29, 2021
You're welcome. Glad I could provide useful information. Thanks for reading.
September 20, 2021
This is actually the kind of information I have been trying to find. Thank you for writing this information about preschool playground equipment
September 5, 2021
I am a huge fan of Greenspaces/ Golf Courses. I love the statement you make underlining the importance of golfcourse superintendents as “stewards of the land. “May I please quote you ? I’m writing our commissioners to help save an abandoned for sale golf course! I love seeing deer, red tailed hawks, Sandhill Cranes on this former course. I’ve also seen a pair of pileated woodpeckers, a flock of egrets, and bluebirds.
August 23, 2021
Hello Michael, It's possible that the class in Cocoa is already full. Please contact the instructor, Gus Koerner, at (321) 633-1702 ext. 52320 or email him at gkoerner@ufl.edu for further information.
August 21, 2021
Hello! the Hunter Safety Class is NOT listed on the FWC class list.. My son needs the class, it has been canceled twice..he is signed up for the 3 hour virutal on AUG 24th, but if this cancels, we would like to do the 28th class in Cocoa.. Please advise! Thank YOU! Mike
August 19, 2021
I simply want to tell you that I am just beginner to blogs and really enjoyed you’re web page. Very likely I’m planning to bookmark your site . You really have fantastic posts. 토토
July 22, 2021
I've been looking for photos and articles on this topic over the past few days due to a school assignment, and I'm really happy to find a post with the material I was looking for! I bookmark and will come often! Thanks :D 먹튀신고
July 17, 2021
thanks for sharing best information
July 7, 2021
Hi Chris, Yes, these are "Florida-Friendly" plants, meaning they are low impact, environmentally friendly, use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters. Learn more here: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ Thanks! Bonnie
July 1, 2021
Hello, I just want to clarify... Under "Florida Friendly" cloumn, are you saying the plants do well in the Florida environment OR the plants are dangerous because of the ability to spread and damage the environment like Kudzu in Georgia? I live in Boca Raton, in Palm Beach County, which I believe is Zone 10.
June 18, 2021
바카라사이트 Keep up the good work you are doing here,it's very helpful my friend.
June 18, 2021
I bookmark this site and will find your posts frequently in the future.온라인바둑이
June 15, 2021
This information really helps me. It was actually a nice and useful piece of information. 메리트카지노
June 12, 2021
We are really grateful for your blog post for giving a lot of information 카지노사이트
March 29, 2021
Great post, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector do not realize this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ base already! 배트맨토토
February 16, 2021
Thank you for your great writing. Please continue to write good things. I'll bookmark it and visit often. P2P 사이트 순위
January 6, 2021
Hello I am an umble person from Portugal(europe). I´m navigate in Internet looking for Abandonnated churches, cemeteries, old monuments (castles,hotels,factories,etc.) I like to see. (I fill sad.) Manuel Mota mota@jardicentro.pt
November 27, 2020
What's up colleagues, nice article and nice urging commented at this place, I am truly enjoying by these.
November 9, 2020
Hi Mia, the Duval County Extension office should be able to help you with that question. Dr. Kerr is the commercial horticulture agent there, his email is CKERR@COJ.NET. Thanks for reading!
November 9, 2020
Awesome Frank, will do! Thanks so much for the suggestion. :)
November 9, 2020
Please, please, please add the FL native climbing aster! (Symphyotrichum carolinianum) The incredible explosion of fragrant purple flowers arrives in November & December, at a point when many other FL wildflowers are fading. To me, the flowers smell like sweet, warm sugar cookies! It's always loaded with pollinators too... Perfect for wetter soils - along the edges of ponds, swales, etc. Thanks, Frank Galdo - Program Coordinator, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County Pics & info: https://flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-symphyotrichum-carolinianum/ http://hawthornhillwildflowers.blogspot.com/2009/11/climbing-aster-symphyotrichum.html https://twitter.com/PascoExt/status/1243217796705763329
June 28, 2020
These plants are very hard to find for purchase. Do you know anywhere in the Jax area? Thank you
June 11, 2020
It as hard to find experienced people in this particular topic, however, you sound like you know what you are talking about! Thanks
May 13, 2020
Thanks and you're welcome! - gus
May 13, 2020
Thanks for your comments! There are so many math and physics principles practiced and demonstrated in archery! If an instructor can remember to point them out while the kids are on the range, he or she can really reinforce what is taught in the classroom. All the instructor has to do, is find the appropriate teachable moment and take advantage of it. gus
May 8, 2020
This is a great use of math an angles to help improve your archery shooting range. When teaching a beginner having them line up a 90 degree angle will be helpful for them to take the same stance each time. Thank you
May 6, 2020
Informative, Thanks for this.
April 30, 2020
Thanks for your comments! I feel the same way. - gus
April 30, 2020
fishing is a awesome hobbit. I want fishing again and again.
March 26, 2020
Hey Steven! Thanks for your comment. I suggest you get into hunting with a multi-tiered approach, making sure you are comfortable in the woods, you know the laws and regulations of what you plan on hunting, and starting small - with small game that is. Hunting, which includes dispatching small game takes the same skills as hunting large game but with less input and intensity. If you can successfully bag your first raccoon (for example) and process it all the way to the table, you'll be well on your way to hunting larger game as you gain experience. If you haven't taken it, or done it lately, enroll in your local Hunter Safety class by your state game division. They can help. Go out into the woods and scout around. Go to the range and perfect your skills. All these things will not only prepare you for hunting, but will help you decide IF and how you want to go ahead. I hope that helps! - gus
March 25, 2020
Great share. I am new in hunting. Should I start with deer hunting? What your recommandation?
July 8, 2019
I'm glad you enjoyed the article! gus
June 19, 2019
Great to hear Joe! Send me a picture of it. gkoerner@ufl.edu I'd love to see it! gus
May 12, 2019
Haha I did it I made awing bone call . Thanks for the information .
March 6, 2019
Thank you for your nice blog post. Keep it up.
March 5, 2019
Thank you very much, Gary! I have been impressed with the BMP efforts of the Brevard turf professionals I've visited and will most definitely be helping with the implementation of new programs and certifications in environmental stewardship. Stay tuned!
March 5, 2019
Thank you for your post. Keep it up.
March 4, 2019
This is a great article Bonnie. Thank you very much for taking the time to visit the courses and talk to the superintendents. I am sure that you were pleased with the knowledge and effort they use daily to be stewards of the environment. Many are BMP Certified but we need more to get this certification and implement new programs to make the best agronomic and environmental decisions on a daily basis.
February 18, 2019
The counties currently involved in the FL Horseshoe Crab Watch Program are Franklin, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Hernando, Pinellas, Manatee, Martin, Indian River, Brevard, Volusia, and Nassau. There are some counties that will be incorporated in the future including those in Southwest Florida (and Collier county). Here on the East Coast of Florida we see horseshoe crabs nesting between December-May depending on where you are. On the Gulf Coast of Florida they see them nesting in the spring and fall (Feb-May and Aug-Oct). It's unknown what the nesting time is in southwest Florida. If you ever do see horseshoe crabs please report them to the FWC Wildlife Hotline for horseshoe crabs at this link: https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/crustaceans/horseshoe-crabs/ (click on Report Your Nesting Horseshoe Crab Sighting). You can also download the free FWC Reporter App and report sightings through your mobile device (https://myfwc.com/news/all-news/sighting-app/).
February 17, 2019
Is any yagging being done in Collier County? When is the best timr of yr to watch for mating crabs? Several yrs ago I was doing daily searches at Tigertail beach/lagoon. Found a good number that I sexed, measured etc. Never knrw where to send tbe data. Any contact person for this area?
December 3, 2018
Thanks Michael. I've put you down on my list and will be in touch once training dates are set.
December 3, 2018
Thanks Ivan. I've put you down on my list and will be in touch once training dates are set.
November 29, 2018
Hi Erin, unfortunately I do not have another one planned. I will keep your email address and let you know if we have another one.
November 29, 2018
Hi Cynthia, this class was in August. I don't have another one planned.
November 26, 2018
I'm in for a mid Brevard county location.
November 14, 2018
Would you please provide me with more information, like date and cost?
November 13, 2018
I'm interested and can work for Kirk in Indian River County or Holly in mid to south Brevard.
November 5, 2018
thank you for the info, very interesting
October 17, 2018
Is this going to be offered anytime soon? I was registered for a previous course but it was cancelled. Thank you. Erin
October 11, 2018
Thank you Mary. Feel free to call me anytime to discuss youth shooting sports in our region. Gus 321-633-1702, Ext. 52320
September 27, 2018
Gus, We shoot lever action smallbore and pistol cartridge rifle metallic silhouette at Seminole County Gun and archery and Chuluota Sportsmans Club on second Saturday and second Sunday of each month. Also smallbore and Hunters Pistol at Chuluota SC. Mary Watkins
June 14, 2018
We have just posted an article about the Tegu Lizard being spotted in Brevard County.
May 22, 2018
Thanks Mr. Gus!
Comments are closed.