4-H Trap Shooters Blast Away In Putnam County

Shots constantly rang out as hundreds of talented kids demonstrated their incredible abilities in the 4-H Modified Trap competition held May 8-9 in Putnam County. The youth shotgun competition was one of a number of 4-H shooting events that have occurred since February under its Project S.A.F.E. (Shooting Awareness Fun and Education) program.

During the Modified Trap event, each contestant shot at 25 clay targets with the goal of hitting as many targets as possible in order to advance in the competition.

This may seem like a difficult task to most, but to some of these kids, it was a piece of cake. Multiple shooters were able to get near-perfect scores, which caused the hundreds of tents filled with supportive family, friends and coaches to burst with excitement. The competition and determination of the competitors were so intense that several of the titles up for grabs had to be decided through shoot-offs, which only emphasized the amazing talent these kids have.

As the day of competition came to a close and teams packed up to make their long trips home, the sounds of the shotguns were drowned out by the sounds of nervous heartbeats of the hopeful and anxious finalists. As the winning names were called, the smiles on those kids’ faces were priceless. All their hard work and dedication had paid off.

Brock Mixon, who competes on the Bulloch County 4-H Shotgun Team, won the overall Senior Individual competition.

“It feels great to have won and to have gone out with a bang,” said Brock. “I have had great coaches since the beginning, especially my dad, who has been my biggest support.”

Brock was able to pull out an incredible win after an intense weekend of competition against other top shooters in the state. Brock is attending Georgia Southern University after graduation in hopes of becoming an orthodontist. He also plans to return as a coach for the Bulloch County 4-H Shotgun Team.

“I want to return as a coach one day, so that I can help younger kids be successful and reach their full potential,” said Brock.

Alongside Brock in the winner’s circle was the Junior Trap Individual winner, Dawson Pyron, of Monroe County, as well as the top Senior and Junior teams, both from Jones County.

Overall, the weekend was full of fun, fellowship and fierce competition. If you are interested in this event or any other event associated with the 4-H Project S.A.F.E. program, call your county extension office, or go to www.georgia4h.org/safe to learn more.

Results and photos from other 4-H shooting events from this spring will be posted in the June issue of GON.