PAWLET – Members of eight 4-H shooting sports clubs met in Pawlet for a weekend of friendly competition in several disciplines, culminating in an awards ceremony on Sunday, July 20, where medals and certificates were handed out.
There were two recipients of the Sean Tillotson award this year, Julian Mercy, Hardwick, and Isaac Osinchuk, Springfield. Mercy is a member of the Green Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club. Both 4-H’ers have qualified to compete on state teams at the National 4-H Shooting Sports competition in Nebraska in recent years.
The recipients of this award, chosen by jamboree participants, demonstrate good sportsmanship, enthusiasm and a willingness to assist and encourage fellow competitors at the annual jamboree. These are the qualities that were embodied by Sean, a National 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador and member of two Vermont shooting sports 4-H clubs at the time of his passing several years ago at age 17.
The 2025 Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports Jamboree, sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H, took place, July 18 to 20, at the Ross Gravel Pit. The Oxbow Mountain Shooting Sports Club, Pawlet and Pownal Valley 4-H Sharpshooters, Pownal, hosted the event.
The 4-H’ers competed by age group: Seniors (14 to 18), Juniors (11 to 13) and Novices (8 to 10) in several disciplines. These included archery, pistol, rifle, Seneca Run (timed events including fire starting, hawk and knife throw, longbow and black powder rifle), shotgun and hunting/wildlife skills. For the latter, competitors were tested on their knowledge of hunter safety; ability to identify animal furs, feathers, skulls, scat and tracks; and a timed compass course.
Gold, silver and bronze medals and certificates awarded to the three highest scorers in each discipline and overall. Fourth-place finishers received certificates.
Overall high scorers included, Senior, Julian Mercy, Hardwick (first); Archery, Senior, Julian Mercy, Hardwick (third); Hunting, Wildlife, Senior Julian Mercy, Hardwick (third); Pistol, Senior, Julian Mercy, Hardwick (first); Rifle, Senior, Julian Mercy, Hardwick (third); Shotgun, Senior, Julian Mercy, Hardwick (first).
