Texas 4-H partners with the Tommy Allmand Foundation for an annual competitive youth shotgun program known as “Whiz Bang.” Each year, 4-H members compete in Whiz Bang events and accumulate points based on the position in which they finish. These events are held throughout the state each year with one even hosted here in Polk County. Over 1,200 Texas 4-H youth competed in the Whiz Bang competitions during the 2025-2026 4-H year.
At the end of each 4-H year, points are tallied and the top five competitors in each age bracket are invited to compete in the Whiz Bang Finals at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio. This year, Polk County will be represented by four competitors in the Whiz Bang Finals.
This is the first time that Polk County has had more than one competitor invited, so the club is very excited.
“I am really excited for our club and our county,” Club Officer and District 5 Council Member Eddie Turk said. “Each of our finalists represents one of the top five competitors in their age group at the state level. That’s a big accomplishment and something to be proud of.”
The four competitors from Polk County, along with their age group and school are: Ace Evans, Junior Open, Big Sandy Junior High; Allie Evans, Junior/Intermediate Lady, Big Sandy Junior High; Tessa Jones, Senior 1/Senior 2 Lady, Tarkington High School; and Eddie Turk, Senior 2 Open, Texas Tech K-12 High School.
Youth age eight and older in grades third through 12th are eligible to be 4-H members. An informational meeting about the Polk 4-H shotgun team will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21 in the 4-H meeting room in the county annex located at 602 E. Church St. in Livingston. For more information, please call 936-327-6828.
