Five members of the Tama County Young Guns 4-H Club competed Saturday, Aug. 29, at the 2026 Iowa 4-H Safety and Education in Shooting Sports State Shooting Competition in Searsboro. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

SEARSBORO – Iowa 4-H members from across the state showcased their skills, knowledge and discipline during the 2026 Iowa 4-H Safety and Education in Shooting Sports State Shooting Competition, held Saturday, Aug. 29, at Brownells’ Big Springs Shooting Complex in Searsboro.

The annual event brought together youth from communities across Iowa for a day of competition focused on marksmanship, outdoor education and responsible firearm and archery practices. Participants demonstrated their knowledge and abilities in six disciplines: archery, air rifle, shotgun, smallbore rifle, muzzleloader and wildlife.

Youth competed in Junior (grades 4-6), Intermediate (grades 7-8) and Senior (grades 9-12) divisions, showcasing skills developed through the Iowa 4-H Safety and Education in Shooting Sports program. Beyond competition, participants demonstrated the focus, responsibility and sportsmanship that are central to the 4-H experience.

“The State Shooting Competition highlights the dedication and discipline that Iowa 4-H members develop through the SESS program,” Graci Bedwell, 4-H agriculture and natural resources specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said. “Youth not only refine technical skills, but also practice responsibility, leadership, sportsmanship and safety, all of which are foundational to their growth and success.”

Five members of the Tama County Young Guns participated in this year’s State Shoot.

In the Smallbore Rifle competition:

-Daniel (Intermediate Age Division) placed 11th with a score of 415

-Harper (Junior Age Division) placed 9th with a score of 335

-Wyatt (Senior Age Division) placed 5th with a score of 530

-Luke (Senior Age Division) placed 8th with a score of 513

In the Muzzleloader division competition:

-Jeremiah (Senior Age Division) placed 6th with a score of 49

Enrollment for Tama County 4-H is now open, and the Tama County Young Guns 4-H Club is excited to welcome new members! Youth interested in making friends, learning new skills, and having fun are encouraged to join. The club’s next meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 6 p.m. at the Tama County Extension Office in Toledo. Come see what 4-H is all about and become part of a great group of local youth!

For more information on 4-H opportunities, please contact Jenny Hulme at the ISU Extension and Outreach Tama County office at jhulme@iastate.edu or 641-484-2703, or visit the Iowa 4-H website at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h.