Contact | News | Calendar | Orientation Process | Practices | Equipment | Safety | Competitions | Projects
Key Leader
Karley Rivera
Assistant Key Leaders
Jeremiah McConnell
Head Coach
Rob Noyer
Equipment Specialist
Program Description
The 4-H archery program consists of personalized and group instruction for all experience levels, including no experience at all. The program provides closed-range, instructor-led, weekly practices. Our volunteer archery instructors are certified with a focus on safety first. Archers learn step-by-step repeatable techniques used to enhance skills and provide a great foundation for a lifetime of archery enjoyment. The instructors provide positive reinforcement and encouragement using the Oreo cookie method of teaching (say something positive, provide guidance for correction, say something positive). The archery season starts in January/February and goes through August, culminating in County and State competitions. The competitions, which are not required but highly recommended, are divided by age groups and equipment types. Compound, recurve, and longbows are allowed. Crossbows are not allowed. Some equipment is available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis so families can make sure their kiddo wants to continue before making an investment in archery equipment.
News and Updates
Calendar
Troubleshooting
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Orientation Process
New Members
Members new to Larimer County 4-H Shooting Sports must complete the orientation process by attending an Annual Safety Meeting on Zoom first, followed by one of the orientations for Archery second.
Annual Safety Meeting on Zoom
Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 7, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
–The Zoom links will be emailed to enrolled Shooting Sports members one week before each meeting date.
–Please log in a few minutes around 6:25 p.m.—we will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.
–Members AND parents are required to attend, and we will be taking attendance during the meeting.
–We will alert discipline key leaders about who is ready for new member orientation or practices based on fulfilling the Zoom requirement.
Archery New Member Orientations (attend one)
Saturday, February 8 at 9:00 a.m. at the McKee 4-H Building at The Ranch
Saturday, March 15 at 9:00 a.m. at the McKee 4-H Building at The Ranch
Returning Members
All returning members are required to attend the mandatory Annual Safety Meeting on Zoom. (Returning members are defined as those who participated in practices for Archery during the previous year.)
Annual Safety Meeting on Zoom
Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 7, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
–The Zoom links will be emailed to enrolled Shooting Sports members one week before each meeting date.
–Please log in a few minutes around 6:25 p.m.—we will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.
–Members AND parents are required to attend, and we will be taking attendance during the meeting.
–We will alert discipline key leaders about who is ready for new member orientation or practices based on fulfilling the Zoom requirement.
Returning members who are adding Archery as a new discipline should attend a new member orientation date before attending Archery practices.
Practices
Practice Schedule
Beginning in February, practices are held indoors on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall in the McKee Building at The Ranch. In May, practices move outdoors on Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. at The Ranch. Check the calendar for specific dates.
Practice Locations
Exhibit Hall in the McKee Building at The Ranch
5280 Arena Circle
Loveland, CO 80538
Inside Gate 7, East of the McKee 4-H Building, Outdoors at The Ranch
5280 Arena Circle
Loveland, CO 80538
Outdoor practices are held in the grassy field east of the McKee 4-H Building at The Ranch. To access the area, travel on Arena Circle, cut in to the Service Road, drive to Gate 7, and the area is to the right.
Bring your chairs, sunscreen, water, etc. The bathrooms in the McKee 4-H Building will be accessible during practice.
Communication
We will use Remind to send alerts about cancellations and other important communications.
Text Messages – Sign up via Remind by texting @4HARCHERLC to 81010. Opt out of messages by replying unsubscribe @4HARCHERLC to the same number.
Email – Send an email to 4HARCHERLC@mail.remind.com. No subject is needed.
App – Available for your Android phone or iPhone. Choose “Join a class” and enter the class code @4HARCHERLC.
Please Note: Our Remind account will NOT allow members under the age of 13 to join.
Visit remind.com for details.
Practice Procedures
Preparation
Sign in. Everyone in attendance, not just members, must sign in and out of practices. This is how we make sure everyone is accounted for, and how we track your practice attendance.
Help set up the range.
Announcements (news, upcoming events).
Personal equipment set-up (bows on bow stands).
Stretching.
Line Commands and Behavior
Whistle Commands
Two Whistles – Collect your bow, step to the line, but do not touch any arrows.
One Whistle – Nock arrow and commence shooting.
Three Whistles – Stop shooting immediately. The line is closed. Return your bow to the bow rack and retrieve arrows.
Multiple Whistles – Emergency! Stop even if the bow is drawn. Let bow down.
Bow and arrow always pointing downrange.
Straddle firing line.
Vertical bow when loading arrow.
When retrieving arrows, if you missed the backer, raise the flag before going behind the target o If your arrow causes building damage, report it to a leader immediately.
Pull arrows one person at a time, look behind you before pulling the arrows.
Range Clean-up
Put personal equipment away.
Help tear down the range.
Attendance
A minimum attendance of four practices is required to be eligible to compete at the county competition.
Parents or adult guardians must attend and stay for the entire duration that their youth is participating in a 4-H archery event. It is important for all archery parents to learn along with the youth so that they may assist the youth with their projects and understand the reasons for procedures.
Equipment
Important: Key Leader Input
Please consult the key leaders before purchasing equipment. They can offer specific advice before you make an investment.
For full equipment descriptions and information, see the Colorado State 4-H Shooting Sports Rule Book (Revised 3/3/2024).
Required Equipment
(All personal equipment should be labeled with the archer’s name or initials.)
Bow — Bows must be stored flat – on pegs, bow rack, under the bed, or in a case. Recurve bows should be unstrung after use. Do not leave equipment where it would be exposed to extreme heat, cold, or moisture.
Arrows — All arrows must be fitted to the archer and bow. They must be long enough so that the tip extends beyond the back of the bow when at full draw. Arrows cannot be made of fiberglass. Wood arrows are not preferred but may be used only with recurve bows. Field tips only. Arrows should be stored in a quiver, out of reach of smaller children.
Armguard
Hip quiver
Finger tab, archery glove, or release
Wrist sling or finger sling
Recommended Equipment
Arrow lubrication
Arrow puller
Notebook and pencil for keeping score or recording coaching tips
Optional Equipment
Binoculars (no rangefinders or monocular optics allowed)
Bow Class Specifications
Maximum draw weight is 60 pounds.
Senior archers compete at 50, 40, 30, and 20-yard distances as well as multiple 3D targets at variable, unknown distances.
Junior archers compete at 40, 30, 20, and 10-yard distances as well as multiple 3D targets at variable, unknown distances.
Compound Bow Classes
| Bow Class | Bow | Sight | Peep Sight | Rest | Stabilizer | Release Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compound Traditional | Any compound bow | No sight allowed | No peep sight allowed. | Any stick-on arrow rest or any arrow rest that screws into the burger button hole that the arrow sits on a shelf or a spring will be allowed. | No stabilizer. | Finger tab or glove only. (Finger Rolls may be used on the bowstring in place of a finger tab/glove). |
| Compound Limited | Any compound bow | Single pin or multiple pin sight only. (No laser range-finding, magnified, or optical sights allowed. No clarifiers or magnifiers.) | Peep sight without magnification. | Arrow rest. (Drop away rests are allowed only at a maximum of 2-inches behind the face of the bow.) Whisker biscuits are allowed. |
Stabilizer 12” in length or less measured from the back of the bow to the end of the stabilizer including all adapters, connectors, etc. | Fingers or release. (Finger rolls may be used on the bowstring in place of a finger tab/glove). |
| Compound Unlimited | Any compound bow | Any sight including scope. Can have a level. (No laser range-finding sights allowed.) | Any peep sight including clarifier. | Any arrow rest except overdraw. (Drop away arrow rests are allowed only at a maximum of 2 inches behind the face of the bow.) Whisker biscuits are allowed. | Any stabilizer. | Fingers or any mechanical release. (Finger Rolls may be used on the bowstring in place of a finger tab/glove). |
Recurve Bow Classes
| Bow Class | Bow | Sight | Peep Sight | Rest | Stabilizer | Release Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recurve Traditional | Any recurve or longbow. | No sights or levels. | No peep sight allowed. | Stick-on rest or arrow shelf only. | No stabilizer. | Finger tab or glove only. (Finger Rolls may be used on the bowstring in place of a finger tab/glove). |
| Recurve Limited | Any recurve or longbow. | Any sight. | No peep sight allowed. | Any arrow rest. |
Any stabilizer. | Finger tab or glove only. (Finger Rolls may be used on the bowstring in place of a finger tab/glove). |
Parts of a Bow
Steps of Shooting
Stance
Bow hand
Nock
Set hook (string hand)
Focus
Pre-draw
Draw
Anchor
Breathing and aim
Release
Follow-through
Evaluate
For full equipment descriptions and information, see the Colorado State 4-H Shooting Sports Rule Book (Revised 4/2024).
Safety
Be sure the draw weight is correct for the archer.
Check brace height and overall condition of bow (limbs and riser free from cracks, de-lamination, missing clips, etc.), and all screws and nuts are tight EVERY TIME you shoot.
Check components and equipment for safety including:
Bowstring and cable are in good condition, not frayed, no loose servings, no broken strands, the proper size for the bow, and seated properly in the string notches.
Each bow is equipped with an arrow rest to hold the arrow on the bow.
Each bowstring is equipped with a nock locator, which is in the correct position and is securely attached.
Nocks on arrows are the correct size and in the proper position.
Nock are not cracked or damaged.
Arrows are not cracked, bent or damaged.
Point of the arrow is in good condition and is not jammed into the shaft or missing.
Any equipment not meeting safety standards will not be allowed on the line.
Bows should never be laid on the ground or floor. Bow racks are provided.
Be certain arrows are the proper length for the person shooting. Arrow tips must extend beyond the back of the bow (side away from the shooter) to be legal.
Check each arrow after shooting each end.
Sleeved shirts are required. Shirts should fit snugly and everything removed from the front of the archer’s body to avoid getting caught in the bowstring. (For safety reasons, girls of appropriate age must wear a bra of some type.)
Hair should be restrained to prevent it from being caught in the bowstring.
Fully enclosed sturdy shoes or boots are REQUIRED. No sandals or flip-flops are allowed. Parents, please follow this rule as well.
Archers are REQUIRED to wear arm guards.
Archers will wear finger tabs or shooting gloves unless a release or rollers are used.
Protective eyewear is not required but is not prohibited.
Targets will be set at different distances; archers will always shoot from the same line.
Archers must keep arrows in their quivers until the signal to commence shooting has been given.
When nocking an arrow, the archer must always point the arrow down range (towards the target).
Make certain the arrow nock is seated on the string before drawing the string back.
Draw the bow only when straddling the shooting line while aiming at the target when the line is open.
Arrows that are misfired or dropped at the shooting line must be left lying where they fall. The arrow may be pulled back by dragging with the bow if no part of the body crosses the shooting line and the archer does not interfere with other shooters.
After shooting the arrows, archers return their bows to the bow rack and remain behind the waiting line until the signal to retrieve arrows is given.
When walking to the target to retrieve arrows, pick up all arrows on the ground to avoid personal injury and/or damage to the arrow.
Pulling arrows:
Stand to the side of the arrows.
Place one hand flat on the target with the arrow between the thumb and index finger.
Grasp the arrow with the opposite hand next to the target with the thumb and index finger.
Make sure no one is standing behind the arrow when it is pulled.
Place the pulled arrow into the quiver worn by the archer before pulling another arrow.
Running and horseplay at any shooting sports event is prohibited.
Dress Code
Fully-enclosed sturdy shoes or boots required. No sandals, flip-flops, Crocs, or Keens allowed on the range. Parents included!
Jewelry, clothing, and long hair that may interfere with the shooting equipment must be removed or secured.
Observe the 4-H Dress Code as listed in the Larimer County 4-H Shooting Sports Policies and Procedures.
Contract for Archery
Attendance at any Larimer County 4-H Archery event requires that members, parents, and guardians agree to abide by the 4-H Code of Conduct as follows:
Conduct themselves in a courteous, respectful manner; Use appropriate language; Exhibit honesty and good sportsmanship; and act as a positive role model;
Learn and live by the principles of the 4-H pledge, 4-H Motto, and 4-H Slogan;
Abstain from the use of illegal drugs, alcoholic substances, or tobacco products (These are NOT allowed at any 4-H sponsored program, event, and/or activity.);
Respect the rights and authority of Members, Leaders, Parents, and Extension Agents;
Respect the property owner by refraining from purposely damaging the property;
Adhere to individual program rules, policies, and guidelines;
Fully participate in scheduled activities;
No physical or verbal abuse;
Apply rules of safety to individuals, groups, and property.
Dress in a team shirt for state and activities as a member of the archery program is preferred but under no circumstances may an individual wear a shirt promoting drugs, alcohol, tobacco use, sex, profanity, or anything else not conforming to the 4-H Code of Conduct (Pants, jeans, or short may be of any color but must NOT be “worn or holey” unless coming from work);
On the shooting line, no jewelry may be worn except stud earrings without dangles; hair should be tied back;
Fully enclosed sturdy shoes or boots are required by all;
Accept personal responsibility for behavior.
Conduct not in keeping with high 4-H standards will not be tolerated. Safety rules and appropriate behaviors must be observed at all times. Consequences may range from being removed from the line and sitting out two end to being removed from the program completely, depending on the severity of the violation and include immediate expulsion from the activity including the state fair and forfeiture of any awards. Issues, concerns, or feedback about the archery leadership should be reported to the key leaders. Issues, concerns, or feedback about the key leaders should be reported to a CSU Extension agent.
Parents or guardians are responsible for the transportation of their child or children and must remain at the activity site as long as the child or children is/are on site.
Competitions
County Shoot Requirements
Members compete in two age groups: Juniors = 4-H age 8–13, Seniors = 4-H age 14–18.
Register for the Shooting Sports project and Archery discipline by the March deadline.
Attend a minimum of 4 Larimer County practices.
Informational meetings, orientations, safety meetings, and workshops do NOT count as practices.
Members do NOT have to compete at the county shoot to complete the project.
Competition Specifics
Juniors:
FITA: Juniors will shoot 3 arrows per distance for a total of 12 shots and a possible 120 points. Juniors shoot one practice round at 20 yards, and then their competition distances in order: 40 yards, 30 yards, 20 yards, 10 yards.
3D: Juniors will shoot 2 arrows per 3D target at 4 targets for a total of 8 shots and a possible 80 points. Targets are placed at unknown distances.
Seniors:
FITA: Seniors will shoot 5 arrows per distance for a total of 20 shots and a possible 200 points. Seniors shoot one practice round at 20 yards, and then their competition distances in order: 50 yards, 40 yards, 30 yards, 20 yards.
3D: Seniors will shoot 2 arrows per target at 10 targets for a total of 20 shots and a possible 200 points. Targets are placed at unknown distances.
Scoring
FITA Scoring
Do not touch arrows until scoring is completed.
Seniors shoot 5 arrows per target/distance (20 total arrows) for a maximum possible score of 200 on the FITA round. Juniors shoot 3 arrows per target/distance (12 total arrows) for a total possible score of 120 on the FITA round. All participants shoot a practice round at a 20-yard practice target.
Scoring on 10-Ring Targets at 20 Yards, 30 Yards, 40 Yards, 50 Yards – 10X, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
10-Yard, Single-Spot Target (Juniors Only) – 10X, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6.
Target Sizes: 50 yard (122 cm target), 40 yard (122 cm target), 30 yard (80 cm target), 20 yard (60 cm target), and 10 yard (40 cm target).
Pass-through and rebounds must be witnessed.
Mark all holes in the target as arrows are pulled.
Seniors and Juniors will score themselves in groups. Final scoring instructions will be provided immediately prior to shooting the warm-up round. All scoring disputes will be decided by a range officer before arrows are removed from the target, and those decisions will be final.
Competitors have a maximum of 5 minutes to shoot each distance in each round.
3D Scoring
Do not touch arrows until scoring is completed.
10 – Heart ring
8 – Vitals area
5 – Body
0 – Miss (hooves, horns/antlers, turkey fan)
Seniors shoot 2 arrows at 10 targets for a maximum total score of 200 on the 3D round. Juniors shoot 2 arrows at 4 targets for a maximum total score of 80 for the 3D round. Archery have a maximum of 2 minutes to shoot per target.
A 3-minute time limit will be imposed on searching for lost arrows.
Orion Scoring System
Larimer County Shooting Sports uses the Orion Scoring System for county competitions. This tool greatly streamlines both the scoring process and tabulation of results.
For Archery, standard scorecards are used to record scores and then scanned to be scored and totaled by the software. We have scorecards available for members to look over and use for practice, so you can become familiar and comfortable with them.
Click to view and download scorecards here:
Here is a quick example of how to mark the scorecards. Fill in the inside, smaller portion of the correct bubble.
If you make a mistake or need to change a score, DO NOT cross it out. Leave the original, incorrect bubble and fill in the larger, oval bubble for the correct score. Then initial next to the shot.
County Shoot Information
Dates
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Location
5280 Arena Circle
Loveland, CO 80538
State Shoot Requirements
Place in the top 6 in your chosen classes at the county shoot.
Complete hunter safety and upload a picture of your hunter safety card to 4HOnline or email it to info@lc4hss.org before July 1.
Complete a project and record book, and earn at least a blue or red ribbon at the county fair.
Pay the state shoot registration fee ($20 per participant plus $5 per class, except shotgun which charges $15 per class).State Shoot Information
Dates
Saturday, August 17, 2024 for Juniors
Sunday, August 18, 2024 for Seniors
Location
5000 Cuerno Verde Blvd
Colorado City, Colorado
Bring sunscreen, lots of water, snacks.
Concessions are often available, but we recommend bringing your own snacks and/or lunch.
Pop-ups and chairs are helpful.
National Shoot Information
The 2025 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships will be held June 22–27, 2025 in Grand Island, Nebraska at the Heartland Public Shooting Park. 4-H youth from across the country compete in compound archery, recurve archery, air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, shotgun, muzzleloading, and outdoor/hunting skills.
Colorado 4-H’s team members are determined based on standings at the 2024 Colorado 4-H State Shooting Sports Championships.
Click here to learn more about the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships.
Projects and Record Books
Visit the Projects page for information that applies to all Shooting Sports disciplines.