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. 24. Sixty-four participants competed at this year’s event.

While fall is a busy season for most youth, competitors prioritized the event for the fun and fellowship it provides.

“These youth all have busy lives and they have to make tough decisions on how to prioritize what precious free time they do have,” says Curt Sinclair, University of Illinois 4-H youth development specialist. “To that point, many of these youth have Homecoming events this weekend and yet they’ve chosen to fit this 4-H State Shoot into their busy schedules because they love this event that much. A young lady from White County was getting her hair done as scores were being tallied.”

The results of the 2022 State 4-H Archery Shoot for Illinois are:

In Individual Shotgun Trap, first place went to Jacob Yaste of Fulton County, second place went to Byron DiPrima of Hancock County, third place went to Jonathan Barbee of Piatt County, fourth place went to Carson Stuckel of Fulton County, and fifth place went to Morgan Tracey of Fulton County.

In the County Shotgun Trap division, where scores are assessed by combining up to four top individual scores, first place went to Fulton County, second place went to Piatt County, and third place went to Madison County.

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

“Shooting sports is about being willing to put the time in and practice every single chance that you get. Being able to listen to and apply instruction is very important,” says Gloria Bremer, National Shooting Sports Ambassador and event competitor from Madison County. “If you miss one and pull a shot, it’s important to refocus your mind and continue on and keep trying your best and not give up in the middle of a competition.”

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.