Lumberjack Competition

Back by popular demand!

Let the wood chips fly at the 2nd Tri-County Fair Lumberjack Competition. Lumberjacks, logs, axes, and saws make this event you won't want to miss. Come watch as competitors from all across the region compete to be the best in this woodsman's competition.

Saturday, August 8 8:00 pm

Download Competitor Entry Form

Events:

CROSS CUT (Two Man Bucking)

Time begins when the emcee's cadence reaches "G0", and ends when the "Disk" is completely severed. Contestants may have a helper to wedge the disk away from the block and to lubricate the saw. The helper should stand on the log side of the saw when possible. The helper must not touch the "Disk" at any time during the event other than with the wedge. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.
The height of the block is dependent upon the size of the wood but should fall within these guidelines: the top of the block should be between 30 and 36 inches from the ground and the bottom of the block should never be less than 10 inches from the ground (preferably 12+ inches). The exception to these guidelines would be 30 inch wood the top of which would be 40 inches from the ground.
"Starting cuts" may be allowed with block sizes of 16 inches and larger. The size of the starting cut is determined by the contest organizers and is based on the diameter of the log and measured by the length of an arc on the top of the log. For 16 inch wood the arc should be no larger than 8 inches. For 18 inch wood the arc should be 10 inches. For 20 inch wood the arc should be 10-12 inches. For wood sizes over 20 inches the arc should be 12-14 inches.
Contestants may question the location of starting cuts (if given) designated on or near obvious knots. Alternative location of the starting cut will be decided by the head judge. Knots encountered thereafter will be considered luck of the draw. Cutouts will disqualify the cut. Slabs of half inch or more must be severed before time stops, if not severed, the cut will be disqualified.

JACK AND JILL BUCKING

Same as the Two Man Bucking, except requires the participation of a male and female competitor.

HORIZONTAL CHOP (Underhand Chop)

The axe must remain on the wood until the count of "one" in the count down, time begins when the axe hits the wood and customarily ends when the block is severed. Contestant may stand on top of the block or on the ground. Judges will determine if the block has been completely cut. If the block is moved, kicked or disturbed before inspection by a contest official, the contestant will be disqualified. Slabbing of the block or the cutting of an established foothold will also disqualify the contestant.

STANDING BLOCK CHOP

Time begins when the axe hits the wood and customarily ends when the block is severed or when it hits the ground. Block is to be fastened in an upright stanchion or dummy supplied by the contest organizers. It is the responsibility of the contestant to make sure that their block is properly secured to the top of the dummy. Running of a chip to the top of the block (slabbing), without proper precautions, will be grounds for disqualification. The first hit on each side should be in an upward direction.

AXE THROW

The center of the bull's eye is to be exactly 60 inches from the ground. The foul line is 20 feet straight out from the bull's eye then down.
Points will be scored in the highest point ring into which the axe has penetrated. If both points stick there should be no points given for that throw. The axe must stick in the target until the Judge removes it or instructs the contestant to do so.
Contestants must stand behind the foul line. The axe must be released before either foot crosses the foul line.
The axe must be double bitted of at least 2-1/2 pounds and have an overall length of no less than 24 inches and no greater than 40 inches (as measured from the top of the eye to the end of the handle). The blade width should not exceed 6 inches. The single sticking edge of the axe will be the scoring edge.
One practice throw and a minimum of 3 throws for score. If the contestant does not wish to have a practice throw it is his/her responsibility to inform the judges before starting his/her first throw.As noted earlier in Safety Precautions, the area behind the target must be kept clear of people in an area of at least 30 feet deep by 20 feet wide. If at all possible a "backstop" should be used.It is up to the judge to carefully "back-out" the axe head if the axe is on the borderline of a higher scoring ring. The contestant should not be allowed to touch the axe handle until the judge has scored the throw.
Note that there is a lot of variation in targets throughout North America. The following should only be considered as a guideline. The target should be approximately 36 inches in diameter with five scoring areas, 4 inch bull's eye with 4 inch width rings. The bull's eye shall score 5 points, the next outside area 4 points, the next 3 points, the next 2 points and the next 1 point. Alternatively the target could be 20 inches in diameter with a four inch bull's eye and 2 inch rings. This option will decrease the number of ties to be thrown off. Ties for placement should be broken by a one throw, "sudden death" format.