Archery is the most ancient of shooting sports, with cave drawings depicting hunters in pursuit of game. It has moved into the age of technology, but it continues to be a sport involving hand-eye coordination, consistency, and the need for practice to become proficient. Archery involves a fascinating group of sports for people of all ages. The fundamentals are simple and the requirements are few.

Through the Alabama 4-H Shooting Awareness Fun Education (SAFE) program, members across the state can learn the basis knowledge and important safety considerations about archery. Knowledge of the sport and safety awareness are both necessary for safe, responsible, and fun participation in Alabama 4-H archery programs. Through these programs, members—coached by a trained 4-H SAFE archery coach—can be shooting well within a short time.

Competition through 4-H SAFE is a celebration of the life skills (teamwork and communication) and essential elements (mastery, independence, belonging, and generosity) that occur within the context of a club setting. Education and positive youth development, not competition, should drive 4-H SAFE clubs. Each shooting sports discipline offers a state championship event, and the first place senior team may be eligible to attend the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship. Alabama 4-H also offers a summer invitational tournament series as part of the Buckmasters Expo in Montgomery, Alabama.