Some might think today’s hectic schedules, public perception and politics would create the kind of headwind that prevents most youths from considering the pleasures of the shooting sports. Judging by the record number joining clubs and teams, however, mass-media’s disinformation, peer pressure and political rhetoric are losing their luster with today’s youth. They are making time to head to the range, polishing discipline and practicing concentration while spending time with real friends.
Here’s a quick look at the growing trend. The figures are impressive and show no signs of slowing.
In 1976 4-H Shooting Sports began on a small scale in Texas. With the aid of the NRA, in 1979, it officially became one of the legendary organization’s national programs. Last June the 25th annual 4-H National Shooting Championships set a new all-time attendance record, with more than 730 participants from 40 different states.
The U.S. Clay Target League’s 2025 Annual Impact Report, released in December, includes more good news. It broke yet another participation record, for the 31st year in a row. John Nelson, president of the USA Clay Target League said, “Including the 13,200 new students in 2025, over 83,000 high school and college students took their first steps into clay target shooting sports since 2020. The League has helped hundreds [of] thousands of athletes and families discover a life-long outdoor passion though America’s safest and most popular youth clay target shooting sports programs.”
When the Scholastic Shooting Foundation held its 2025 National Championships late last summer, competitors from 39 states stepped up to the firing line in Ohio. Over the past decade participation nationwide in its clay target and action shooting programs has grown by 153 percent.
Some states are fueling the trend. Arizona, South Carolina, Georgia and others are either directly aiding organizations and clubs or encouraging youths to enroll in their programs. Add the hundreds of gun clubs, ranges and companies that routinely hold special youth trainings and competitions and the future is looking pretty bright for the industry.
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