Shooting is one of the best family sports in Southern Arizona. Pima County ranges let youth 15 and under shoot free with an adult, and Tucson has 4-H clubs, scholastic teams, Scouting programs and college teams for every age.
Youth programs in Tucson
| Program | Ages | Disciplines |
|---|---|---|
| Pima County 4-H Shooting Sports | Youth | Archery, rifle, air rifle, shotgun |
| Scholastic Clay Target Program | 9 through college | Trap, skeet, sporting |
| Straight Shooters (SPP) | High school | Action pistol |
| UA WildGats | College | Action shooting |
| UA Shotgun Team | College | Trap, skeet, sporting |
| Scouting America, Catalina Council | Scouts | Rifle, shotgun, archery |
University of Arizona WildGats
The WildGats are the University of Arizona’s Scholastic Action Shooting Program team, and one of the most successful college action shooting teams in the country. Coach Bill Perkins and student shooters launched the team around 2015 with help from an NSSF collegiate grant, growing from four members to more than two dozen. WildGats shoot all-steel courses in rimfire rifle, rimfire pistol and centerfire pistol, have won a collegiate national title in rimfire irons rifle, and have brought home nine national trophies.
- Home range: Southeast Regional Park, practicing the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month
- Co-host free NSSF First Shots beginner sessions with Pima County Parks, often drawing 80 to 120 new shooters
- Students interested in joining can reach the team through the WildGats club page or WildGats on Facebook
Pima County 4-H Shooting Sports
Eleven clubs teach archery, smallbore rifle, air rifle, shotgun and hunting skills, with county shoots that lead to state competition. The county committee meets the second Wednesday of the month. Details through University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.
Scholastic Clay Target Program
Arizona Game and Fish supports SCTP teams statewide, from age 9 through college, with a season from October through May. Tucson Trap and Skeet hosts a youth program and SCTP events. More from Arizona Game and Fish.
Scouting
Catalina Council runs rifle and shotgun merit badges and archery, pistol and shotgun activities across Southern Arizona. See Catalina Council Shooting Sports.
Taking kids to the range
- Start with a .22 rifle or an air rifle and short sessions
- Fit eye and ear protection properly; kids need smaller muffs
- Reactive targets keep young shooters interested
- Pima County ranges require adult supervision for shooters under 16
- Archery at Tucson Mountain Park is a good first outing for younger kids
- Teach the four safety rules before the first shot
Hunter education starts at age 9; see Hunting Basics. Safe storage at home is covered by Gun Safe Buyers Guide.com, and beginner rifles by Rifle Buyers Guide.net. Read First Range Visit and Safety before the first trip.