Youth
Youth
The WMFGA firmly believes that in order to protect our hunting heritage, we need to promote youth shooting sports and provide youth shooting opportunities.
Below are some of the Youth Shooting Programs and Opportunities provided at the Deer Creek Shooting Center.
WMFGA’s Youth Shooting Sports & Outdoor Expo – 5/16/2026
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.
For more information and the pre-register for the event visit www.wmfga.org/youth_expo (pre-registration is not required).
Ten Ring Junior Shooters:
Ten Ring Junior Shooting Program is a youth-focused precision shooting club dedicated to developing safe, responsible, and skilled marksmanship in young shooters. Based out of Western Montana Fish and Game Association’s Liberty Center Youth Shooting Sports Complex in Missoula, MT, they offer structured training and competitive opportunities for youth ages 10-18, combining education, discipline, and fun in a supportive team environment. Read more about Ten Ring Juniors and request more information at https://tenringjuniors.com.
4H Archery & Air Rifle:
The 4-H archery program teaches kids how to properly and safely shoot bows and air rifles and provides young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics. The Blue Mountain 4-H is open to kids ages 9 and older and has loaner equipment available for those who need it.
For more information or how to register for 4H visit – www.bluemoutain4h.org
Big Sky S3DA (Scholastic 3D Archery):
Big Sky S3DA is a Scholastic 3D Archery youth-based Archery Club in Missoula, MT for youth aged 7-18.
For more information visit – www.montanas3da.org/montana-clubs
Missoula Speed Steel: https://mash406.org/SpeedSteel
The Missoula Speed Steel Match is an easy and fun monthly steel match held at the Deer Creek Shooting Center (schedule on the Speed Steel website). This match is geared towards new competitors and youth, as well as families, experienced competitors, and everyone else. You don’t need to be a range member to participate. All are welcome, and we have a great community of young families and a high number of junior shooters who join us for matches.
A bit like Steel Challenge (but with our own flair), the Speed Steel match consists of 5 “stages” of about 5 steel plate targets, and has a bare minimum count of 100 rounds, so it’s suggested that shooters bring at least 150 rounds per gun. Experienced shooters and competitors will have fun at this match, but it’s ideal for bringing your kids, grandkids, spouse, family, and friends who might be interested in trying out competitive shooting, but don’t yet have the skills, equipment, or ammo budget for full-scale competitive matches. Entry is $10 per division.
Events
Learn more about the various events, classes, programs and competitions around WMFGA.
Become a Member
Membership can offer significant value for both you and WMFGA by encouraging exclusive access, supporting WMFGA and building community with fellow members.
Additional Youth Resources
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) Hunters Safety Programs
Hunter education courses cover basic information and skills related to the safe handling of firearms as well as basic instruction in wildlife management, game identification, landowner/hunter relations, hunter ethics, and Montana hunting laws and regulations. Who needs Hunter Education? To purchase or apply for a Montana hunting license, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must complete a hunter education course issued by Montana, any other state, or any Canadian province.
To Find a Hunters Safety Class near you – visit https://register-ed.com/programs/montana/32-montana-hunter-education-classroom-course
Gun Sense for Kids (“Be Safe” Program) – https://gunsenseforkids.us/launch.php?id=montana
Gun Sense for Kids is an interactive video curriculum designed to teach kids a gun safety framework that’s culturally relevant in communities with higher-than-average rates of gun ownership, where many families participate in shooting sports such as hunting and target shooting. We recommend this curriculum for approximately grades 1-3, but it’s never too late or too early to learn about safety. The program runs about 15 minutes. Gun Sense for Kids has its roots in Montana’s Be Safe program, which was adopted by the Montana Legislature and has been deployed in-person for over 30 years. Today, we use an interactive video format to explain two sets of rules to kids:
When you’re alone or with your friends:
- Don’t touch a real gun.
- If a friend is touching a real gun, leave and tell an adult.
If you’re invited to go shooting with your parents or another trusted adult:
- Treat all guns like they’re loaded.
- Never point a gun at anything it wouldn’t be OK to put a bullet hole in.
- Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’ve decided to shoot.
- Always wear good eye and ear protection while shooting.
Donate to WMFGA
The WMFGA firmly believes that in order to protect our hunting heritage, we need to promote youth shooting sports and provide youth shooting opportunities.