Wes Hartley Memorial Shoot

The Wes Hartley Memorial Shoot is an original event of the Annual Fort Vallonia Days Festival which began in 1969 after the local Lions Club rebuilt a historical replica of the original fort. The shoot has been held every year since 1969 making the 2024 edition the 56th Annual match. 

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The competition's namesake comes from muzzleloading rifle builder, Wes Hartley, that made numerous muzzleloading rifles for many years in the area. He passed away in 1968, but the shoot still honors him and his legacy within the muzzleloading community.

 

Thomas Cooley has won the match a record 5 times with Don Neal, Lowell Crane, Gilbert Speer Jr., and William Crump tied for second most all-time each with 4 wins.