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Muzzleloader Events and Information

Biathlon Rules

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. 

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:

  • Offhand

  • Flintlock

  • Bench

  • Musket

  • One Gun

  • Cross Stick

  • Ladies

  • Junior

  • Sub Junior

  • Pistol

  • Primitive Hawken, Free trapper and Rifle Frolic

  • Hunter’s

  • Sighted Smoothbore

  • Unlimited Longhunter

  • Smoothbore

  • Light Bench

  • Revolver

  • 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.

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