Youth Shooting Sports & Outdoor Expo
The Youth Shooting Sports & Outdoor Expo was started with the goal of introducing kids to the enjoyment of shooting sports and outdoor activities with the hopes of them becoming lifetime sportsmen and sportswomen. The expo is an opportunity to introduce youth in the area to competitive and recreational shooting opportunities. This is a live fire event, that provides safe, fun live shooting experience for youth, and also introduces them outdoor opportunities in our community. The Youth Shooting Sports & Outdoor Expo is held at the WMFGA’s Deer Creek Shooting Center and is free to the public and kids of all ages are encouraged to attend. Activities include shooting sports, archery, fly casting, bear identification, and more.
You can pre-register for the Youth Expo below. Pre-registration is not required, but will save some time on the day of the expo.
Below are some frequently asked questions. Please feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions – 406-214-7296 or info@wmfga.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (click to view)
When is the Youth Expo?
The 8th annual Youth Shooting Sports & Outdoor Expo is on Saturday, May 16th from 10am - 3pm.
Do we need to bring our own equipment?
Nope! All equipment and ammunition will be provided for participants. To help ensure a safe and controlled environment, we ask that all personal firearms be left at home.
What should we expect when we arrive?
When you arrive, you’ll check in at registration. All participants are required to attend Station #1: Safety Orientation before participating in any activities.
During the orientation, we cover the four fundamental rules of firearm safety and emphasize that participants must never handle equipment without supervision and permission.
After completing the safety orientation, kids are free to visit activity stations in any order and participate at their own pace.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
We do not set a minimum age for participants. We believe that decision is best left up to parents, based on each child’s maturity and comfort level.
Children of all ages are welcome, and they are not required to participate in every activity. We encourage kids to try what they feel comfortable with.
Who can attend the Youth Expo?
Any child is welcome to attend—you do not need to be a WMFGA member to participate.
The Expo is primarily geared toward kids ages 5–14, but there is no formal age requirement. We believe parents are the best judges of their child’s abilities, and children are welcome to participate in activities on a case-by-case basis based on their comfort level.
What time should we arrive?
The Youth Expo runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and you may arrive at any time during the event.
You can visit as many or as few stations as you’d like. If you plan to participate in all activities, we recommend allowing 2–3 hours.
Do parents need to stay with their child?
Yes. A parent or responsible adult must remain on-site and supervise their child at all times.
Is the event safe for beginners?
Yes. Safety is our top priority.
Every shooting activity is supervised 1:1 by trained instructors and volunteers, and every participant must complete the required safety orientation before participating.
What types of activities will be available?
The Expo features a variety of shooting sports and outdoor activities designed to introduce kids to safe and responsible participation in the outdoors.
Activities may include stations such as live fish pond, archery, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, .223/17 rifle, air gun, shotgun, and other hands-on outdoor experiences.
What should we bring?
We provide eye and ear protection for both kids and adults.
However, if you have properly fitting gear—especially for younger children—we recommend bringing your own for comfort.
Eye and ear protection is required for everyone on the range.
What should my child wear?
- Closed-toe shoes
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Weather-appropriate layers
This is an outdoor event, so please plan for changing conditions.
Is there a cost to attend?
Entry to the Expo is free.
Food and drinks are available for purchase. We also have raffle tickets available for purchase for raffle prizes.
Will there be food and drinks available?
Food and drinks will be available for purchase on-site. You are also welcome to bring your own.
Do kids receive prizes?
Yes! Participants are eligible to put in for station prizes at every station they complete.
Do we need to register in advance?
Pre-registration is available but not required. It’s simply a way to save time when you arrive.
All participants must be registered and have a signed liability waiver on file before taking part in any activities. Registration will also be available on-site.
What happens if it rains?
The Expo will be held rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.
Can siblings or non-participating kids attend?
Yes! Families are welcome, even if not all children choose to participate in activities.
Youth Expo - Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Youth Expo?
The 8th annual Youth Shooting Sports & Outdoor Expo is on Saturday, May 16th from 10am – 3pm.Do we need to bring our own equipment?
Nope! All equipment and ammunition will be provided for participants. To help ensure a safe and controlled environment, we ask that all personal firearms be left at home.What should we expect when we arrive?
When you arrive, you’ll check in at registration. All participants are required to attend Station #1: Safety Orientation before participating in any activities. During the orientation, we cover the four fundamental rules of firearm safety and emphasize that participants must never handle equipment without supervision and permission. After completing the safety orientation, kids are free to visit activity stations in any order and participate at their own pace.Is there a minimum age requirement?
We do not set a minimum age for participants. We believe that decision is best left up to parents, based on each child’s maturity and comfort level. Children of all ages are welcome, and they are not required to participate in every activity. We encourage kids to try what they feel comfortable with.Who can attend the Youth Expo?
Any child is welcome to attend—you do not need to be a WMFGA member to participate. The Expo is primarily geared toward kids ages 5–14, but there is no formal age requirement. We believe parents are the best judges of their child’s abilities, and children are welcome to participate in activities on a case-by-case basis based on their comfort level.
What time should we arrive?
The Youth Expo runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and you may arrive at any time during the event. You can visit as many or as few stations as you’d like. If you plan to participate in all activities, we recommend allowing 2–3 hours.Do parents need to stay with their child?
Yes. A parent or responsible adult must remain on-site and supervise their child at all times.Is the event safe for beginners?
Yes. Safety is our top priority. Every shooting activity is supervised 1:1 by trained instructors and volunteers, and every participant must complete the required safety orientation before participating.What types of activities will be available?
The Expo features a variety of shooting sports and outdoor activities designed to introduce kids to safe and responsible participation in the outdoors. Activities may include stations such as live fish pond, archery, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, .223/17 rifle, air gun, shotgun, and other hands-on outdoor experiences.What should we bring?
We provide eye and ear protection for both kids and adults. However, if you have properly fitting gear—especially for younger children—we recommend bringing your own for comfort. Eye and ear protection is required for everyone on the range.What should my child wear?
- Closed-toe shoes
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Weather-appropriate layers