Shotgun shooting involves placing a cloud of shot where a target will be when the shot reaches that location. Timing and pointing are the keys to consistent shotgun shooting. The process involves several fundamental steps for successful target hits.

Through the Alabama 4-H Shooting Awareness Fun Education (SAFE) shotgun programs, members across the state learn critical knowledge about this sport as well as proper firearms handling and safety practices. This is done so so everyone learns, participates, and has fun in a safe setting. Through these programs, members—coached by a trained 4-H SAFE shotgun coach—can be shooting well within a short time. These coaches match youths to equipment that is best for them to reduce recoil and improve their performance. Because youth development is the foundation of Alabama 4-H, these coaches keep positive youth development in mind at all times. Also, safety is always a primary consideration, and coaches are trained to maintain the highest standards of safety at all times for participants and all assistants.

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.