• promotes the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior, including sound decision making;
• teaches safe and responsible use of firearms and archery equipment, self-discipline, and concentration, and ;
• develops participation in natural resources and related natural science programs by exposing participants to the content through shooting, hunting, and related activities.

All active North Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports members are eligible to compete in North Dakota 4-H shooting sports events, subject to limitations which may or may not be imposed by the specific event.

Contestant must have already passed his/her 8th birthday, and may not have passed his/her 19^th birthday as of January 1^st of the year in which the State/Regional 4-H Competitive Event is held.