Pumpkin Chunkin’ 2020

COVID Style

Grab your family, friends, classmates, co-workers and let’s have some fun with catapults, trebuchets and ballistas!

Pumpkin Chunkin competitions typically are held on the Eastern side of the country. It’s time to bring this test of engineering, creativity and, let’s face it, fun destruction of a gourd to Montana.

The Rocking Tree Farm Pumpkin Chunkin is a fun salute to our talented men and women that serve in the armed forces, past and present. Military precision is key. Can you hit the target? Bigger doesn’t mean better as we are looking for accuracy. Can your team hit all the scarecrows in the field? Target scores will be posted for each category and age group.

The Pumpkin Chunkin will have three age divisions as well as three classifications of siege weaponry.

Squash Toss

Age: Majority of team members are ages 12 and under with at least one adult

Projectile: gourds/pumpkins 1-4 pounds maximum

Weaponry options: ballista, catapult, trebuchet

Gourd Horde

Age: Majority of team members are ages 13-18 with at least one adult

Projectile: pumpkins 4-8 pounds maximum

Weaponry options: ballista, catapult, trebuchet

Pumpkin Chunkers

Age: Open to all ages, must have one person over 18

Projectile: pumpkins 8-10 pounds maximum

Weaponry options: ballista, catapult, trebuchet

General Rules

All teams are comprised of 3-10 members.

Teams must bring their own siege device and approved projectiles.

All projectiles used for competition will be weighed and inspected. Pumpkin must be whole. No alterations can be made to the pumpkins including, but not limited to, hollowing out the core, air ducts, wings, fins, or lubrications.

All teams must have at least one member over the age of 18.

No-one is allowed in front of or behind weaponry while they are launching. Advisors/Team Captains are responsible for ensuring safety.

All team members on the field must have a waiver on file. If under 18, waiver must be signed by appropriate legal guardian.

No drugs, alcohol, smoking or vaping permitted.

Here’s how it works:

·        Gather your team of 5-10 people.

·        Select your medieval siege device. Choose a ballista, catapult or trebuchet (all equipment must have a footprint no larger than 4 foot by 8 foot rectangle on the ground). See link to safety guidelines below under resources.

·        Register and reserve your private party date and time. Dates are available from October 10-Nov 8. Each group will be allowed to shoot as many gourds as they bring along in a two-hour period – including setup and tear-down. Due to COVID restrictions, your private party is limited to 30 people and must sign in as you enter the farm. You can bring your own food and beverages.

No drugs, smoking, vaping, or alcohol permitted.

You must take your garbage with you.

·        $60 fee is non-refundable donation at time of reservation.

$50 donation fee for those with at least one veteran or service member on the team. This event is a fundraiser to support the suicide prevention efforts of The Rocking Tree Farm.

·        We encourage you to Livefeed video or Facebook Live your Pumpkin Chunkin efforts. Be sure to have permission from your private party attendees.