A Comprehensive Guide to Hosting a Successful Turkey Shoot Fundraiser

Turkey shoots are a time-honored fundraising tradition for many non-profit organizations and charities. These shotgun shooting contests offer family-friendly entertainment while raising money for important causes. If done right, a turkey shoot fundraiser can be highly lucrative and become an annual tradition for your organization. This comprehensive 1899 word guide will walk you through everything you need to host a fun and successful event.

What is a Turkey Shoot Fundraiser?

A turkey shoot is a shotgun shooting competition where participants take aim at paper targets for chances to win prizes, usually frozen turkeys. Turkey shoots have been popular charity fundraisers since the late 1800s, especially in rural areas. The contests are casual and rely more on luck than skill. The simplicity allows anyone, from novice to expert, a decent chance to win.

While called a “turkey shoot,” prizes today include hams, roasts, and other meat products. Cash prizes may also be awarded. An entry fee is charged per shot, with proceeds going to the host organization. Turkey shoots are lively events full of friendly competition suitable for all ages.

Benefits of a Turkey Shoot Fundraiser

Hosting a turkey shoot offers many advantages for non-profit fundraising

• Lucrative – These events can generate thousands in revenue from entry fees. Prizes are donated or purchased at wholesale costs.

• Entertaining – Shooting contests appeal to a wide demographic. The competitive, luck-based format creates an exciting and casual environment.

• Tradition – Turkey shoots have strong roots in many communities People are eager to participate in and support this nostalgic pastime

• Family-Friendly – These contests attract all ages and shooting skill levels It’s an inclusive event the whole family can enjoy,

• Promotion – A novel fundraising event spreads awareness of your organization and mission to new audiences.

• Repeat Revenue – Annual turkey shoots allow you to profit year after year from an established event.

With the right plan and promotion, a turkey shoot fundraiser can become a highly anticipated tradition for your non-profit or charity.

How a Turkey Shoot Fundraiser Works

While rules vary, here are the standard elements of a turkey shoot competition:

• Venue – Host at an outdoor shooting range or gun club with proper safety precautions. Indoor venues work too.

• Equipment – Provide shotguns (.410, 20, 16, and 12 gauge) and ammunition. Or allow contestants to use their own.

• Targets – Simple paper targets with a bullseye are placed 25-35 yards away.

• Scoring – The contestant whose shot lands closest to the bullseye wins a prize.

• Entry Fee – Charge per round, usually $2-$5. Increase for special rounds.

• Prizes – Award turkeys, hams, roasts, sausage, bacon, cash, and more.

• Rounds – Run as many rounds as time allows. 10-20 rounds is common.

The easy format makes turkeys shoots accessible and enjoyable for all attendees.

How to Organize a Turkey Shoot Fundraiser

Hosting a successful event takes careful planning. Here are tips for organizing your turkey shoot:

Pick a Date

• Avoid major holidays and community events.
• October-December is ideal for promoting holiday meals.
• Saturdays draw the largest crowds.

Secure a Location

• Partner with a gun range or shooting club. Consider liability insurance.
• Ensure proper backstops and safety protocols are in place.
• Alternate indoor and outdoor options for weather issues.

Acquire Equipment

• Source shotguns or allow contestants to use their own.
• Stock up on a variety of 12, 16, 20, and .410 gauge ammo.
• Provide ear and eye protection, shell bags, and markers.

Purchase Prizes

• Buy frozen turkeys and hams in bulk well in advance.
• Get donated or discounted meat from local farms, butchers, and processors.
• Have small meat packs for round prizes and large roasts, whole hams, and turkeys for special rounds.
• Offer gift cards or cash for top prizes.

Promote the Event

• Advertise in local media outlets, social media, posters, church bulletins, etc. several weeks prior.
• List the organization benefiting to draw community support.
• Provide a schedule of rounds and prizes to attract competitive shooters.

Recruit Volunteers

• Need range officers, ticket sellers, prize handlers, and more.
• Ensure volunteers are properly trained on equipment and range rules.
• Have liability waivers for all attendees and volunteers to sign.

Turkey Shoot Rules and Formats

The simple format of a turkey shoot makes for easy rule setting:

• One round equals one shot per contestant.

• Supply ammunition, or require factory loads for consistency.

• Standard targets are paper with a three-inch bullseye.

• Distance is typically 25-35 yards.

• Closest shot to the bullseye wins the round.

Have clearly defined shooting categories for fairness:

• Novice – Hunter-style shotguns, no accessories

• Open – Custom firearms allowed, optics permitted

• Youth – Ages 12-17, adult supervision required

Special rounds add excitement and revenue:

• Money Round – $20 entry, winner takes half the pot.

• High Score Round – Best total score over 5-10 rounds wins $100+ prize.

• Decoy Challenge – Hit a small turkey paper decoy for prize.

Your creativity helps make your turkey shoot unique. Offer multiple prize levels, fun competitions, and special categories to attract all skill ranges.

Turkey Shoot Fundraiser Budget, Pricing and Revenue

A 500-person turkey shoot can easily generate $5,000-$10,000 for your organization. Here are estimates on pricing and expenses:

Revenue

• 500 Attendees
• 15 Regular Rounds Per Attendee at $5 Each = $37,500
• 5 Special Rounds at $20 Each = $5,000
• Total Revenue = $42,500

Expenses

• Facility Rental – $500
• Insurance and Permits – $1,500
• 500 Turkeys at $10 Each = $5,000
• 500 Hams at $30 Each = $15,000
• 500 Meat Packs at $10 Each = $5,000
• Promotion and Supplies = $2,000
• Total Expenses = $28,500

Net Profit = $14,000

This nets an impressive $14,000 for your non-profit while providing a fun community event. Scale your pricing and rounds as needed to meet your fundraising goals.

Promoting Your Turkey Shoot Fundraiser

Effective promotion is key to attracting crowds and maximizing revenue:

• Social media – Leverage your organization’s Facebook page and other platforms to promote the event. Ask followers to share.

• Posters/flyers – Blanket the community, focusing on high-traffic areas like churches, schools, stores, etc.

• Radio ads – Run 30-second promotional ads for 2-3 weeks leading up to the event.

• Newsletters – Include details in organization and community newsletters.

• Website – Prominently promote on your organization’s website. Include a photo gallery from past events.

• Press release – Send to local media outlets. Follow up with calls to encourage attendance.

• Email blasts – Send event details and reminders to your email list.

• Word of mouth – Ask supporters to spread the word to friends and family.

The right mix ofpromotion channels will ensure community-wide awareness and high participation at your turkey shoot fundraiser.

Ensuring a Fun and Successful Event

With the proper plan and promotion, here are tips for smooth execution:

• Recruit dedicated volunteers to keep the action moving smoothly.

• Have range officers ensure safety and command respect on the firing line.

• Keep multiple scoring judges to prevent disputes over closest shots.

• Stage volunteers to quickly change targets between rounds.

• Use a PA system to announce rules, prize sponsors, and round winners.

• Play upbeat music during downtime to keep the energy fun.

• Sell concessions like BBQ, hot chocolate, sodas, and baked goods for added revenue.

• Raffle donated prizes from local businesses between rounds.

• Have a vendor area for community groups to set up displays.

• Take lots of photos to promote during and after the event.

Your passion and preparation will shine through to make your turkey shoot an engaging event participants will eagerly return to year after year.

Hosting a creative, well-run turkey shoot fundraiser takes work but pays huge dividends. The right planning and promotion ensures a safe, smooth event that provides great family entertainment while raising thousands for your organization. Consider making it an annual tradition! With this comprehensive guide, you have everything needed to run an exciting and lucrative turkey shoot that fosters community while funding your mission.