(STATE FAIR EXHIBIT)
The 4-H shooting sports project teaches safe operation of firearms and archery equipment.
State Fair Entries
3 per county; one per level.
Live ammunition is not allowed to be exhibited (no powder or primer). Firearms or ready to shoot bows are not allowed to be exhibited. Unstrung bows are permissible.
An arrow with its arrowhead attached must be displayed in a secure case. An arrowhead without the arrow attached must be displayed in a secure case. An arrow may be displayed unsecured if its arrowhead is removed. Modern broadhead arrows are not allowed to be exhibited.
Displays involving firearms or bows may be exhibited as a photographic display on a poster or in a notebook following grade level guidelines. Handmade items must include information explaining how the item was made and its intended use. Photos are encouraged.
Judges evaluating exhibits should recognize individual differences and creativity, therefore using information in this document as a guide rather than a requirement.
Contact Us
Lauren Fenneman, Youth Development Educator
Purdue Extension Dubois County
505 W 5th Street
P.O. Box 588
Jasper, IN 47547
812-482-1782
lhaase@purdue.edu
Exhibit Class Guidelines
Dubois County 4-H Shooting Sports In-person Instruction:
Third grade participants will participate in an Explore Shooting Sports program. This program will feature a variety of activities in the areas of natural resources, wildlife, and firearm safety.
It is recommended that all new 4th grade and up participants complete a Hunter Safety Education course.
First year participants in fourth grade and above will participate in round robin of the 4-H Shooting Sports disciplines which allows you to experience each of the shooting sports (Archery, Black powder, Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun) offered. Each discipline is taught by state certified instructors. All equipment is provided for all third and fourth grade participants. Participation in Round Robin must happen before moving into a shooting discipline.
After participation in Round Robin and when re-enrolling in a separate discipline, first preference will be given to 4-Hers who have been in a discipline two years or less.
Create an educational poster, notebook or display about a shooting sports topic of choice that is age/grade appropriate.
Create an educational poster, notebook or display about a shooting sports topic of choice that is age/grade appropriate. Another option is to create an item to be used when developing shooting sports skills.
Create an educational poster, notebook or display about a shooting sports topic of choice that is age/grade appropriate. Another option is to create an item to be used when developing shooting sports skills. Youth can also design and complete an independent study activity.
Poster Guidelines
All poster exhibits must be 22" x 28", displayed horizontally, and have a stiff backing (corrugated cardboard or foam core board preferred) and be covered with clear cellophane, plastic or in poster bag unless otherwise stated in project requirements. Quiz Boards are not considered posters and do not require a clear covering. Leave space in the lower right hand corner of poster for project label affixed outside of covering. (Poster board, foam core board, and poster bags are available at the Extension Office at cost.)
Leave space on exhibit for label. Label size is 2 7/8” wide x 5 ½” long and will be attached in readily visible position.
References: All posters, notebooks, display boards must include a reference list indicating where information was obtained, giving credit to the original author, to complete the 4-H member’s exhibit. This reference list should/might include web site links, people and professionals interviewed, books, magazines, etc. It is recommended this reference list be attached to the back of a poster or display board, be the last page of a notebook, or included as part of the display visible to the public. The judge will not discredit an exhibit for the manner in which references are listed.
All pictures and wall hangings, etc. should be ready to hang or display. Use strong hangers (not can tabs) attached with nails or screws (not glue or tape) or provide a suitable stand. Label the stand with your name.
Exhibit labels supplied by the office are to be attached securely. There may be specific other instructions for certain projects. See individual project requirements for these instructions. Be sure all exhibit items can be identified with 4-H member name and 4-H club. i.e. notebooks, exhibits with multiple items, etc. Be sure all parts of your exhibit have your name on them.
Secrets of a Successful Poster
A successful poster will:
· Catch the eye of the passerby
· Be simple and clear
· Impress an idea or a fact upon the viewer
· Stimulate the viewer to support your idea, get more information, or take appropriate action.
· Have space left over—Posters that are uncluttered are easier to read.
An effective poster: attracts attention, focuses on a main interest or idea, and motivates you.
Planning A Poster
A poster should have one main idea. Have the reason clearly in mind before you start.
· Consider who your viewer will be
· Decide what you want them to know
· Decide what you want them to do
· Think of a clever theme or slogan
· Limit your effort to one main idea
· Make a small rough sketch
· Visual communication is an aid to what you are trying to teach with your project.
Choosing Colors
Color combinations affect how easily the message is read and the overall appearance of the poster.
· Consider the Contrast: This means you use dark letters on a light background, and light letters on a dark background.
· Let the most important items be the most important color.
· Colors that are close to the background shade will not show up well and cannot be read at a distance.
· Avoid using too many different colors. Two or three should be sufficient. You don’t want to overwhelm your main point!
· Avoid putting red and green next to each other—this is hard to focus on if a person is colorblind.
· Avoid bright neon colors—they may catch the eye, but they are hard to focus on.
Lettering
· Lower case letters are easier to read than all CAPITALS. Use capitals only for emphasizing an important phrase or word to give variety.
· Save fancy or script lettering for catching the attention of the viewer.
· When hand lettering, always use guidelines. Using a ruler, lightly pencil in straight lines that can be erased when your poster is complete.
· Letters may be cutout and glued on, or precut letters may be purchased.
· Keep written material to a minimum. Use only headings, captions and signs necessary to tell the story.
Use different size lettering for items of varying importance.
· Allow margins to keep things from running together and looking too cluttered.
· Below is a table of letter sizes and their effectiveness:
*Ask your parents, 4-H Leader, or older 4-H member to look at your poster and tell you what they think.
Revise-Re-Do-Rearrange
1. Cut out all your letters, pictures and graphics.
2. Draw guidelines and place or draw in letters.
3. Lay all your pieces of your poster out on the poster board.
4. Ask yourself, “How does it look?”
5. Revise and rearrange as needed. Re-Do anything that should be a different size or color.
6. Move things around until you are happy with the overall effect and message of your poster.
7. Glue everything in place.
9. Remember—NEATNESS COUNTS!