BUNKER HILL, Ill. — The best teenage 4-H shotgun shooters from Illinois gathered to shoot a full 100 rounds of trap shooting at Brittany Shooting Park near Bunker Hill on Sept. 23. A crowd of nearly 250 gathered for this event.

Seventy shooters were on hand for this year’s competition.

The individual results of the 2023 State 4-H Shotgun Shoot for Illinois are:

Jakeb Paul, Wayne County, first; Nathaniel Kern, Franklin County, second; Gianni Zanelli, Macoupin County, third; Morgan Tracey, Fulton County, fourth; Alex Paul, Wayne County, fifth; Lucas Walker, Piatt County, sixth; Casey Dugan, Macoupin County, seventh; Benaiah Bremer, Madison County, eighth; Lily Simpson, Wayne County, ninth; and Remington Barnhill of Pope-Hardin County, tenth.

During the competition, each competitor exhibits grit and determination as they build towards skill mastery.

“The Agricultural Sciences Department at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale sent official recruiters to this State 4-H shoot,” says Sinclair. “I believe that they know Illinois 4-H helps grow great young people full of potential and they know where to find them.”

In addition to individual placings, county scores are also tallied and top counties named.

“A county score is tallied from the top four shooters from one county,” says Sinclair. “County scores are highly coveted as a sense of pride and accomplishment by a county 4-H program.”

The top counties for 2023 included Piatt County 4-H in first, Franklin County 4-H in second, Fulton County 4-H in third, Macoupin County 4-H in fourth, and Madison County 4-H in fifth.

The competition received financial support from Illinois Ducks Unlimited. This year marks the first year of an event sponsorship partnership for the two organizations.

"We are immensely grateful for the generous support of Illinois Ducks Unlimited, whose commitment to our youth shooting sports program is truly commendable,” says Sinclair. “Their support helps us to empower and support these youth in mastering their lifelong hobby of shooting sports as they enjoy the outdoors.”

Those interested in learning more may contact their local Extension Office.

Source: Curt Sinclair, 4-H Youth Development Specialist sinclair@illinois.edu

Writer:  Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu

About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.