Name: Dawson Swaffar, 13
Parents: Doug and Tammy Swaffar
Hometown: Farmington, Ark.
4-H: Washington County 4-H Shooting Club
What is your 4-H project?
“My project is with the Washington County 4-H Shooting Club. It involves keeping stats on practices and competitions including ratings as well as all of the costs such as mileage, guns and ammunition.”
What do you like about your project?
“I like the shooting part, but the bookkeeping isn’t so great. Also the shooting club provides a good bonding opportunity among members so we become good friends.”
How did you get started with 4-H?
“When I was around 5, I wanted to get into the big chicken shows, and 4-H was the way to do that. The cool thing is that starting with the chickens led to my shooting, which is what I love best.”
What are some of your awards?
“My first year I won grand champion in the boiler category for the first time. In all, I’ve had five grand champions and two reserves. Last year I was an alumni shooter and got third in the state in the BB gun competition.”
What are you competition plans for this year?
“I plan on showing chickens and a pig, a Durock. I also plan on competing in Little Rock, Ark., in a range of shooting events including shotgun, archery, muzzleloader and 22s.”
What do you do to help on the farm?
“In the summer I help my grandpa in the hayfield. In addition, I always take care of my animals. I feed them, wash them and even clip the pig hair.”
Story and Photo by Terry Ropp
