The Illinois 4-H Shooting Sports Program held its State Shotgun Competition on Saturday, September 14, at the Brittany Shooting Park near Bunker Hill, Illinois.  Seventy-eight 4-H members from all over the state came to compete in this contest, which was only open to enrolled 4-H Shooting Sports members 14 and older.  Fulton County’s team placed fourth in the state, out of 16 teams.

Fulton County had five participants -- Kyle Spangler, Aden Chambers, Curtis Chambers, Cooper Nelson, and Jacob Yaste.  Kyle finished in 7th place, and Aden was in the top 15. Kyle shot 92 out of 100, and Aden shot 89. There was a tie for 7th, so Kyle and a 4-H member from Franklin County shot 10 more, were still tied, shot 10 more, were still tied, then on the third group of 10 more, Kyle came out in 7th place. He also finished high enough to be an alternate on the state team that will go to the national contest next June. Curtis, Cooper, and Jacob also did a fine job.

Fulton County’s Certified 4-H Shotgun Instructors Lonnie Van Pelt and Lee Roy Knuppel were present to encourage them, as were several family members and friends.

Fulton County 4-H Shooting Sports teaches young people safety and respect around firearms, as well as accuracy in shooting.   Camaraderie is also a great part of 4-H Shooting Sports, as the 4-H members meet new friends from around the county.

For information on the University of Illinois 4-H Program in Fulton County, call 547-3711.