LAMOILLE VALLEY FISH & GAME CLUB

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

• Always keep your muzzle in a safe direction

• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire

• Always keep your firearm unloaded until ready to use

 

​Competition Rules

• Instructions of event officials must be observed at all times

• In the event of a question regarding rules, regulations or results, the decision of the organizers is final

• Participants must always traverse the course with their firearm unloaded

• Firearms shall only be loaded at shooting stations

• Clearing of fouling shots shall only be done at shooting stations

• Maintain safe muzzle control at all times

• Slings may only be used for carrying your firearm

• All shooting will be from a standing position

• No ‘shooting sticks’ or other external stabilization aids are permitted

• All participants must only follow the marked trail

• Registered competitors ONLY are allowed on the course; other visitors must be approved by event organizers to enter the course

• No time penalty for misfires

• Period dress is encouraged but not required

• 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

•  JACKETED BULLETS ARE PROHIBITED

• Single barrel traditional style muzzleloader rifles and handguns

• Round ball ammunition requested

• Please use reduced powder charges

• Traverse the course with firearm unloaded

• Traditional wooden snowshoes onlyBullet boards and paper cartridges are allowed

 

Medals will be awarded to Modern and/or In-Line muzzleloaders observing the following

• JACKETED BULLETS ARE PROHIBITED

• Lead projectiles only

• Use “target level” powder charges

• Shoot green painted targets only

• Traverse the course with firearm unloaded

• 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.