Arkansas
Youth Shooting Sports Program (AYSSP)
Shooting sports are educational and fun.
They also help today’s youngsters become tomorrow’s seasoned sportsmen.
The Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program (AYSSP) aims to bring the joy of the outdoors and the rewards of safely learning to shoot to young Arkansans. Have you ever considered competing in the Olympics or a national shooting championship? This program from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission could be a start.
Team Support Packages
A shooting team may apply for an AYSSP grant. A team must have at least five members and must practice at least six times. A grant will provide a basic team support package which includes:
- targets
- ammunition
- shell pouches
- protective glasses
- ear protection
Competition
 Let’s start with terms. A shoot is a competition between at least two teams. A regional meet is a competition among shooting squads from a geographic area that are trying to qualify for the state championship.
Any type of shotgun action is allowed, as long as the bore is 12 or 20 gauge. Release triggers are not allowed. Trap machines that throw targets at unknown angles are used. The state coordinator may specify models of trap machines for AYSSP events. All shooters and coaches must wear appropriate eye and ear protection.
Only registered AYSSP participants are allowed to compete and practice. All teams must register by March 1. Only coaches may register teams. Click here for information about becoming an AYSSP coach.
The Basics
- The AYSSP has two divisions: junior and senior. The junior division is for grades 6-8 and the senior division is for grades 9-12.
- Home-schooled students compete in the division they would be in if they were in public school. Home-schooled students 15 or older must compete in the senior division.
- Trap shooting is the sanctioned sport of the AYSSP.
- The season begins February 1 and ends July 31.
Team Terms
Each AYSSP participant must be on a team. Teams commonly represent schools, 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church youth groups and other organizations, although anyone may form a group. Each team must have a coach 21 or older and must meet these requirements:
- A team must have at least five members.
- Teams shoot in squads of five members.
- A team may field as many squads as it can fill.
- Participants must take part in at least six team practices.
- Practices must be held on different days.
- Regional and state competitions do not count as practice.
- Each participant must shoot at least 25 targets at each practice.
- Each team must register with the AYSSP state coordinator.
Information Request Form
If you are interested in the Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program, please download and print the following brochure or handbook. Send your completed Information Request Form to the address below. We will contact you soon.
Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program Brochure
Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program Handbook
Participant/Student Information Forms
Consent, Applications, and Release Forms
Other Links
Amateur Trapshooting Association
For more information about grants and competition, contact:
Chuck Woodson, Shooting Sports Coordinator
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Education and Outreach Division
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501)978-7326
Contact Us
Regional Education Coordinators Area Map
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