Putnam 4-H’er receives Top Honors at State Shooting Sports Jamboree
by: Melissa Henry, 4-H Agent
One of the largest programs in Tennessee 4-H is the shooting sports program. In Putnam County, youth receive training in the archery discipline, learning about safety and shooting techniques. Putnam County 4-H members recently competed in the state shooting sports jamboree held at Hyder-Burks Ag. Pavilion in Cookeville. Youth competed in target shooting in the open compound archery discipline and air rifle discipline. Over 50 youth from across Tennessee competed in the event.
In the compound archery discipline, youth may use any type of bow. Sights, stabilizers, and other equipment is allowed and the youth purchase their own bows based on their wants and needs. Participants shoot from 20 meters, 30 meters, and 3D targets. Ruby Young, Kinley Arms, Noah Jones, Carter Randolph, and Gracey Hurst all participated in the contest.
In the air rifle discipline, participants shoot in the standing, prone, and kneeling positions at 10 meter distances. Mallory Johnson competed and was named the State Champion in air rifle. She has now qualified to represent Tennessee at the national contest next year in Nebraska.
The Putnam County U.T. Extension Office offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability. For more information about the 4-H shooting sports program or to help sponsor Mallory in the national contest, please contact the Putnam County 4-H Office at 526-4561.
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Photo Captions
Air rifle: Mallory Johnson was named the state champion at the 4-H Air Rifle Jamboree. She has qualified for the national contest to be held in June 2021 in Nebraska.
Archery practice: Gracey Hurst (left) and Ruby Young practice on the 3D range.
Archery group A: Archery participants (L to R) Ruby Young, Gracey Hurst, Carter Randolph
Archery group B: Archery participants Kinley Arms (left) and Noah Jones