BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension 4-H is accepting applications for the hunting skills and recurve archery teams that will compete at the 2026 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships.
Applications are due Sept. 1, 2025, to State 4-H Office Attn: John, Berg Agricultural Hall 112 Box 2207E, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Applicants must be currently enrolled in 4-H. For complete requirements and to apply, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “hunting”.
The applications will express interest in being selected to the team that will compete at the national contest on June 21-26, 2026, in Grand Island, Nebraska. Hunting team applicants must also complete a test at 1 p.m. CDT on Sept. 6, 2025, at the Mitchell Shotgun Range.
Hunting skills is a skill- and knowledge-based contest including animal identification, orienteering and map reading and hunting knowledge, as well as shooting ability. The 2025 hunting contest included archery, sporting clays (shotgun) and rifle.
Recurve archery participants will participate in three days of archery events. The participants will shoot a FITA round, field archery event and a 3-D contest.
If selected for either team, competitors are expected to attend and participate in practice sessions when scheduled. The national trip is self-funded, except for registration, trading pins and shirt provided by the state committee.
For more information, contact John Keimig, SDSU Extension 4-H Shooting Sports and Safety Field Specialist.
