Although most would not consider Vermont a destination when considering their season’s skeet schedule, registered skeet is alive and well in the Green Mountain State. In addition to hosting nearly 30 shooters at its 51st Vermont State Shoot in July, two Vermont clubs held two annual shoots in memory of local skeet legends; Jim Chapman and Jack Corse Sr..
The Jim Chapman Open was held at the Lamoille Valley Fish and Game Club, a two field club in Morrisville, VT. The shoot is held each year in honor of Jim Chapman. Jim loved the shotgun sports and devoted much of life to sport of skeet. Jim was instrumental in promoting the game in Vermont and spent much of his time on the field helping others better their game. For this who knew him, they remember his smile and laugh.
This year’s shoot attracted fifteen shooters who braved the unseasonably hot temperatures. 2012 Vermont State Champion, Lanny Benoit shot the only perfect score of the day to win 12 Gauge event. New Hampshire’s Steve Livingston shot a 99 to win Runner Up, Gordy Adams shot a 98 to win A1 and club host, Rob Boivin shot a 97 to win his class. The 20 Gauge event was won by Steve Livingston with a 99, followed by Lanny Benoit who shot a 96. The HOA title and perpetual trophy was taken home to NH by Steve Livingston who promised to return next year with more shooters from the Granite State. Junior Champ was Amanda Preston and the Lady Champ was Kristen Slade.
The Jack Corse, Sr. Memorial is a 200 X .410 shoot held in honor of Jack’s love for the small bore. The Underhill Rod and Gun Club hosted the shoot which drew in fourteen shooters from VT and NH. The winds and scattered showers humbled those who took on the challenge and at times had the shooters laughing and shaking their heads at the wild targets!
Club members Larry Litke won HOA CH, Gordon Adams took home the B-C-D Class HOA trophy and Linda Wright won the Lady Champ trophy. New Hampshire’s Steve Livingston won RU just one target shy of Larry. Underhill’s 2012 VT State .410 Champ, Terry Dunbar won A1 and NH shooters Dave Landry and Mike Keech took home B2 and D1 respectively.
Northwestern Vermont is home to six skeet clubs, all within an hour’s drive from Burlington. These clubs draw in recreational shooters all summer long. The Vermont Skeet Shooting Association is launching new efforts in 2013 to attract those shooters to the NSSA. If you enjoy the Green Mountain State in the fall, the Underhill Fall Foliage is returning next year! The popular shoot will be held in late September.
Lamoille Valley Fish and Game Club Jim Chapman Open - HOA Champ Steve Livingston
____________________
