Illinois 4-H State Shoots in air rifle, archery, and shotgun are intended to provide an opportunity for teenage 4-H members to compete with those with like interests from throughout Illinois. 

The events offered at State Shoots are not for intended for beginners as they are the same type of high skill level events that the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships offer.  It is for this reason youth need to be age 12 by Sept. 1st of that year to participate.   

By entry to this Illinois state shooting event the participant, parent and certified leader/instructor is verifying that the youth has demonstrated basic safety, and possess basic knowledge and skills required to participate in this State event.   State Shoots also serve as a basis to select State Teams that will compete at the National 4-H Shoot the following June.