When you think of slingshots, you might think of the David and Goliath story or Dennis the Menace. Slingshots often got a bad wrap for causing mischief in the original Dennis the Menace comic strip and its adaptations. Once seen only as a childhood toy, slingshots are experiencing a global popularity resurgence, driven by innovations in materials, a passionate online community, and a wide variety of practical and recreational uses. Beyond a toy, people are using modern slingshots for target shooting, small game hunting, and in Mississippi, as a new competitive sport.
The Mississippi 4-H program launched the first state-level slingshot competition in the nation. The program’s success has garnered interest from other states, and there are efforts underway to make the slingshot discipline available nationally.
Reid Nevins, Mississippi University Extension 4-H Environmental Science & Education Specialist, coordinates all of the shooting sports for Mississippi’s 4-H, which include disciplines like .22 rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzleloader, and now slingshot.
“Almost two years ago, Jim McAdorey, a Winston County Extension Agent, came into my office at MSU and asked if we could add the discipline of slingshot to the shooting sports,” shared Nevins. “It took some convincing, for safety concerns, certifying instructors, and such, but finally we felt comfortable with adding to our program.”
Championship held Sept. 27, 2025, at the Jimmy Bryan 4-H Youth Complex in West Point, Mississippi, takes aim at a target during the event. (Photo by MSU Extension Service/Kevin Hudson)
Jim McAdorey, a MSU Extension Agent in Winston County and avid promoter of the 4-H program, envisioned a shooting sport that could be more inclusive.
“At MSU Extension, we are always looking for ways to pull more youth into 4-H, because it is such a positive experience,” shared McAdorey. “But the expense of 4-H can be an issue, especially in shooting sports. I wanted to find a way to make the shooting discipline more accessible and inclusive to everybody. We don’t want any obstacles, especially expense, to get in the way of youth in Mississippi being a part of the 4-H program.”
For target shooting, slingshots are affordable, with options ranging from less than $20 for basic models to over $100 for high-end professional sets. The price primarily depends on the quality of the frame and bands, as well as any extra accessories included. The added benefit of being allowed to practice in the city limits helps youth get in reps without as many restrictions as archery or firearms.
Safety is the number one goal, especially in the shooting disciplines. Nevins and his team took time to develop safety standards for the slingshot discipline and didn’t start the sport until they certified coaches to teach it. Scott Yeatman, Webster County 4-H Volunteer, was one of the first to get certified in slingshot.
“At first I was a little reluctant about slingshots,” shared Yeatman. “But after my wife and I went to the first slingshot training, we dove in headfirst. Watching young people pick up the discipline quickly and excel in their confidence makes it all worth it.”
The inaugural Mississippi 4-H Slingshot State Championship was held Sept. 27, 2025, with 49 competitors. The competition had three components: a written quiz, a trail course, and a speed range. The trail course featured 20 steel targets that ring audibly when struck by a clay pellet. The participants had five opportunities to hit each target from a set distance. The speed range had five targets that were to be struck in a minute or less.
“Our ultimate goal with 4-H is to teach youth critical life skills such as responsibility, sportsmanship, and self-discipline,” shared Nevins. “From the livestock programs, to the shooting disciplines, to even public speaking, from ages 8 to 18. Mississippi 4-H is there for any student, public, private, homeschooled, and beyond in all 82 counties in Mississippi.”
Learn more about joining 4-H in your Mississippi county on their website.
