All worksheets / Shotgun Shooting
Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Shotgun Shooting
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Shotgun Shooting is about rhythm, swing, lead, and hitting fast-moving clay targets in flight. Under a certified NRA/BSA shotgun instructor, you will study gauge sizes, shot patterns, and shotgun safety rules. Requirement 2 is the range challenge: achieving a minimum qualifying score of broken clay targets out of 50 shots.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Shotgun Safety Rules & Range Etiquette
- Shotgun Gauges, Chokes & Shotshell Anatomy
- Stance, Gun Mount & Leading Flying Targets
- Trap or Skeet Qualifying Target Rounds
6Printable Pages
3Requirements
2026Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Shotgun Shooting Requirements
Every requirement for the Shotgun Shooting merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Gun Safety and the Law
Do the following:
- a Explain what a projectile is, and why any device that shoots a projectile at high speed must be handled with care and respect, and used only in approved locations.
- b Explain the basic rules of safe gun handling that apply to all firearms.
- c Describe how you would react if a friend visiting your home asked to see your or your family's firearm.
- d Explain the need for, types, and use of eye protection and hearing protection.
- e Explain the main points of the laws for owning and using guns in your community and state.
- f Explain how hunting is related to the wise use of renewable wildlife resources.
- g Successfully complete a state hunter education course, or obtain a copy of the hunting laws for your state, then do the following:
- h Explain to your counselor the proper hygienic guidelines followed while shooting.
- i List and explain three shotgun sports. Identify places in your community where you could practice these sports, and explain how you can join or be a part of range and target activities.
- j Discuss with your counselor a list of sources you could contact for information on firearms and their use.
2Option Selection
Working under the supervision of a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) Shotgun instructor and a certified range safety officer, at a nationally authorized camp property or at a commercial firearm range (as defined in the Scouting America National Range and Target Activities Manual), do ONE of the following options:
- Option A—Shotgun Shooting (Modern Shotshell Type). Do ALL of the following
- Option B—Muzzleloading Shotgun Shooting. Do ALL of the following
3Careers
Identify how you could apply the skills and knowledge of safe and responsible use of firearms you learned in this merit badge to pursue a career or personal hobby. Research the additional training and experience you would need, expenses you may incur, and the affiliation with organizations that could help you maximize the positive impact and enjoyment you gain from it. Discuss what you learned with your counselor, and share what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Shotgun Shooting requirements in 2026. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/shotgun-shooting/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
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