
Muzzleloader Events and Information
Annual Primitive Biathlon
Every year during a cold winter weekend in January, the Lamoille Valley Fish and Game Club is host to a Primitive Biathlon challenging the skills of traditional muzzleloader shooters from New England and afar.
On snowshoes, participants test their marksmanship skills shooting targets along a scenic two-mile woodland trail in the spirit of the original Smugglers Notch event of years ago.
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Scoring is based on marksmanship as well as overall time to traverse the course. Awards are given in the categories of Men, Ladies, Elder (60+), Senior (70+), Junior (16 and under) Inline, Woods Walkers (not timed), Pistol and Smoothbore firearms.
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Afterwards, there are refreshments and hot coffee in the clubhouse as well as a big fire in the fireplace to warm up.
So, spread the word, bring your friends—or make some new ones—and join us for a fun, winter, black powder weekend!​
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Primitive Biathlon Rules
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Universal Safety Rules
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Always keep your muzzle in a safe direction
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Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire
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Always keep your firearm unloaded until ready to use
​Competition Rules
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Instructions of event officials must be observed at all times
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In the event of a question regarding rules, regulations or results, the decision of the organizers is final
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Participants must always traverse the course with their firearm unloaded
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Firearms shall only be loaded at shooting stations
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Clearing of fouling shots shall only be done at shooting stations
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Maintain safe muzzle control at all times
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Slings may only be used for carrying your firearm
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All shooting will be from a standing position
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No ‘shooting sticks’ or other external stabilization aids are permitted
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All participants must only follow the marked trail
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Registered competitors ONLY are allowed on the course; other visitors must be approved by event organizers to enter the course
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No time penalty for misfires
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Period dress is encouraged but not required
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Results will be emailed to competitors that provide their e-mail address
Medals will be awarded to Traditional Rifle and Pistol muzzleloaders observing the following
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JACKETED BULLETS ARE PROHIBITED
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Single barrel traditional style muzzleloader rifles and handguns
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Round ball ammunition requested
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Please use reduced powder charges
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Traverse the course with firearm unloaded
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Traditional wooden snowshoes onlyBullet boards and paper cartridges are allowed
Medals will be awarded to Modern and/or In-Line muzzleloaders observing the following
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JACKETED BULLETS ARE PROHIBITED
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Lead projectiles only
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Use “target level” powder charges
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Shoot green painted targets only
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Traverse the course with firearm unloaded
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Modern snowshoes allowed​
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The biathlon will be held regardless of weather; remember this is a primitive event. In the event that there is insufficient snow for snowshoes, please bring good walking boots.
Annual Vermont Territorial Muzzleloader Competition
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Join the Lamoille Valley Fish and Game Club every May for the annual Vermont NMLRA Territorial Muzzleloader Competition.
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With scoring classes for men, women, juniors and sub-juniors, this event is the perfect way for the whole family to burn some powder together and have some fun.
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There are aggregates for:
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Offhand
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Flintlock
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Bench
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Musket
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One Gun
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Cross Stick
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Ladies
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Junior
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Sub Junior
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Pistol
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Primitive Hawken, Free trapper and Rifle Frolic
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Hunter’s
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Sighted Smoothbore
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Unlimited Longhunter
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Smoothbore
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Light Bench
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Revolver
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Inline Bench
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The Territorial Muzzleloader shoot is a multi-day event held each spring in mid-May. The range opens for campers on Wednesday at noon. and the competition runs Thursday 9am-5pm through Sunday 9am-3pm.
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For more information about this NMLRA affiliated event, call Harland Blodgett at 802-899-3889 email at hfblodgett@yahoo.com.
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The Lamoille Valley Fish and Game Club is a National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association Sponsored Charter Club.





