At just seven years old, Josephine “Jojo” Roberts of Titusville has achieved a rare and remarkable feat in the world of hunting: a triple trophy win. In just a few short weeks, Jojo successfully hunted down a black bear, a buck, and a wild turkey, completing what’s often seen as a lifetime goal for seasoned hunters. This young huntress is now among a select few who have achieved such a milestone within a single hunting season.
Jojo’s success story began with her father, Danny Roberts, who often joins her on hunting trips. Sometimes accompanied by her grandfather, the trio use these outings as an opportunity to bond and share in a family tradition. “I like spending time with dad and granddad,” Jojo shared with GoErie in an interview last month. Together, they set up hunting spots and wait for just the right moment, working as a team to achieve their goals.
The first of her three catches was the 185-pound black bear. Jojo recalls their preparation: “We walked in and got on our spot.” With other hunters helping by driving the bears toward their position, Jojo was able to take her shot. Her father noted the intense moment, describing how the bear stopped about 70 yards away. Jojo, with her .243 rifle in hand, aimed and fired, successfully bringing down the animal. “She was a little excited,” her father admitted, acknowledging the thrill of the moment for both of them.
Approaching her kill, Jojo’s excitement was mixed with a bit of caution. “I thought it was going to jump back up. I was excited,” she shared. Yet, it was her father who may have been even more overwhelmed. “I think I was shaking more than she was,” he confessed, adding, “You don’t understand what you just did. I said you’re 7 years old.” Reflecting on her accomplishment, Jojo simply said, “It made me feel good.”
Not long after the bear, Jojo turned her attention to deer hunting in Crawford County, where she successfully downed a buck with her crossbow. Recalling the tense minutes before the shot, Jojo watched as the animal circled close by. “It ran around in two circles and started tipping side to side and then it fell,” she said, describing her second major win of the season with pride.
Her final prize was a wild turkey, which she hunted with a .410 shotgun, using a tripod for stability. Jojo described the wait as long and suspenseful, but finally, three turkeys appeared. She recalled the moment clearly: “We waited a long time, the three turkeys came out, and Dad says they were like 22 to 24 yards maybe, and I shot at the first one that came out.”
When asked which of the hunts she enjoyed the most, Jojo didn’t hesitate: “The bear. Because we’re not sitting down. We moved around a bit to get the shot at the bear.” Her father couldn’t help but express his admiration for his daughter’s determination and dedication. “She impresses me. I’m really impressed with my kids. I can’t believe the time they put into it. It makes me feel good.”
Jojo’s impressive accomplishment hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Travis Lau, the organization’s communications director, reached out to congratulate her on the rare achievement. “I know plenty of bear hunters who are still awaiting their first opportunity at a Pennsylvania black bear, so that, in and of itself, is an accomplishment,” he said in an email. “A triple trophy is rarer still. And to put that kind of hunting season together, at such a young age, truly is remarkable. Many consider a triple trophy season the accomplishment of a lifetime, and this young hunter has already checked it off the list, while smiling from ear to ear, no doubt.”
For Jojo, this season’s hunt was about more than just the thrill of the chase; it was a time spent with family, filled with excitement, patience, and skill. At such a young age, she’s already achieved what many hunters only dream of, making memories that will last a lifetime.
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