The term “Turkey Shoot” might conjure up visions of hunters roaming the woods hunting for these wily birds. Then you see a sign promoting a Turkey Shoot being held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the next several weeks. You might wonder: How many turkeys can possibly be up in those woods?
It turns out that there are more than a few turkeys roaming the wooded property that makes up the Boothbay Region Fish and Game Associations’ enclave. Rest assured — none of these wild birds are being shot, at the very least not during a Turkey Shoot.
Turkey Shoots can vary in format from region to region, but all involve some sort of target shooting using shotguns, rifles, and sometimes handguns. The contests can require blind luck or honed marksmanship, meaning there’s something for every level of shooter to enjoy.
The BRF&GA’s 2022 Turkey Shoots are being held starting the first Sunday in October (Oct. 2) and each Sunday through the first Sunday in November (Nov. 6) from 10 to 2 on the club property located at 447 Dover Road, Boothbay.
The following contests are held each Sunday, and the winners will win a variety of frozen food prizes, including turkeys:
Card Shoot: A shotgun event where participants shoot at a 3” x 5” target from a distance of 50 feet. Whether you’re a grizzled marksman or a first time shooter you have an equal chance of winning this contest. The shooter with the pellet closest to the “X” in the middle of the target wins the prize.
Mechanical Target: Shooters use .22 rimfire rifles at a distance of 25 yards to take 5 shots at a reactive target of metal “spoons”. The shooter with the most “plinks” wins.
Skeet Shoot: A shotgun event. Clay pigeons are launched from a mechanical throwing device, and the object is to shoot both clays before they land. This shoot often takes multiple rounds to determine a winner, making for a great spectator event.
100-Yard Shoots: These events consist of two types of shooting – a bench rest shoot and an offhand (standing) shoot, both at a distance of 100 yards, This event is reserved for larger caliber rifles generally used for hunting. The object is simply to have the most accurate shot in the bullseye.
All events are open to the public and all ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Hearing and eye protection are required. Food and refreshments will be served for nominal prices. Entry fees per event will be determined on the day of the competition, but will also be nominal given the cost of food prizes and ammunition costs which are provided for some of the events. Come on up to the club and join in, or just enjoy a juicy burger and watch!
A turkey shoot refers to an extremely one-sided battle or contest where one side has a dominant advantage over the other. This idiomatic term likely originates from a method of hunting wild turkeys. When a hunter comes upon a flock, they intentionally scatter the birds. The flock then returns individually, making them easy targets for the waiting hunter. While the term has violent origins, today turkey shoots are commonly friendly shooting competitions with prizes like frozen turkeys.
The Hunting Origins of Turkey Shoots
As mentioned, the term turkey shoot likely comes from a method of hunting wild turkeys Here’s how it worked
- A hunter encounters a flock of wild turkeys.
- They intentionally scare the birds and cause them to scatter in different directions.
- The hunter then sets up and waits patiently.
- The scattered turkeys start returning to the area individually or in small groups, unaware of the hunter’s presence.
- This makes the returning turkeys very easy targets for the waiting hunter.
By scattering the flock and shooting the birds as they return, the hunter creates a one-sided turkey “shoot” greatly stacked in their favor. The helpless turkeys fall victim to this clever hunting method.
Modern Turkey Shoots as Shooting Competitions
Nowadays, turkey shoots refer to shooting competitions rather than actual turkey hunts. Shooters compete using shotguns to try and win prizes like frozen turkeys, hams, and other meat. Here’s how a modern turkey shoot competition usually works:
- Participants pay an entry fee, often $10-$20.
- Shotguns, ammunition, and paper targets are provided. Common gauges are 12, 16, or 20.
- Shooters stand about 25-35 yards from the paper targets.
- The goal is to shoot the target as close to the center “X” as possible.
- After each round, the targets are scored. The best shot wins a prize like a frozen turkey.
- There are usually many rounds, with prizes awarded each round.
- The element of randomness from the shotguns helps level the playing field.
While skills like proper aiming help, luck plays a big role. That’s why turkey shoots are popular with both novice and experienced shooters. Anyone can get lucky and take home a prize!
Turkey Shoots in Military Conflicts
The term turkey shoot is also used to describe lopsided military battles where one side severely overpowers the other. Some examples include:
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Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812): American forces inflicted over 2000 causalities on the British with only 70 of their own.
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Battle of San Jacinto (Texas Revolution): General Sam Houston’s army defeated Mexican forces in just 18 minutes, inflicting about 700 causalities with only 9 of their own.
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Battle of the Philippine Sea (WWII): American planes and ships decimated the Japanese fleet, shooting down over 500 planes while only losing 29. This huge imbalance coined the term “The Great Marianas Turkey Shoot.”
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Highway of Death (Gulf War) Fleeing Iraqi convoys on the highway north of Kuwait suffered devastating air strikes, with thousands of vehicles destroyed The lopsided destruction was compared to a “turkey shoot.”
In these examples, the turkey shoot analogy represents how a dominant military force can rout their opponent due to massive technological, strategic, or numerical advantages.
Key Takeaways on Turkey Shoots
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It refers to a very one-sided contest or battle where one side has a clear advantage.
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The term likely comes from a hunting method where wild turkeys are intentionally scattered then shot as they return.
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Today turkey shoots commonly refer to friendly shotgun shooting competitions with prizes.
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Luck plays a big factor, so anyone has a good chance at winning a prize.
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The analogy is also used in military contexts when one force severely overpowers another.
So while the terminology has violent roots in hunting practices, modern turkey shoots are fun shooting events open to anyone. The next time you see a turkey shoot advertised, feel free to stop by and test your shotgun skills! With a bit of luck, you may even win a prize and partake in this classic American tradition.
Serving Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport & Edgecomb since 1876
The term “Turkey Shoot” might conjure up visions of hunters roaming the woods hunting for these wily birds. Then you see a sign promoting a Turkey Shoot being held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the next several weeks. You might wonder: How many turkeys can possibly be up in those woods?
It turns out that there are more than a few turkeys roaming the wooded property that makes up the Boothbay Region Fish and Game Associations’ enclave. Rest assured — none of these wild birds are being shot, at the very least not during a Turkey Shoot.
Turkey Shoots can vary in format from region to region, but all involve some sort of target shooting using shotguns, rifles, and sometimes handguns. The contests can require blind luck or honed marksmanship, meaning there’s something for every level of shooter to enjoy.
The BRF&GA’s 2022 Turkey Shoots are being held starting the first Sunday in October (Oct. 2) and each Sunday through the first Sunday in November (Nov. 6) from 10 to 2 on the club property located at 447 Dover Road, Boothbay.
The following contests are held each Sunday, and the winners will win a variety of frozen food prizes, including turkeys:
Card Shoot: A shotgun event where participants shoot at a 3” x 5” target from a distance of 50 feet. Whether you’re a grizzled marksman or a first time shooter you have an equal chance of winning this contest. The shooter with the pellet closest to the “X” in the middle of the target wins the prize.
Mechanical Target: Shooters use .22 rimfire rifles at a distance of 25 yards to take 5 shots at a reactive target of metal “spoons”. The shooter with the most “plinks” wins.
Skeet Shoot: A shotgun event. Clay pigeons are launched from a mechanical throwing device, and the object is to shoot both clays before they land. This shoot often takes multiple rounds to determine a winner, making for a great spectator event.
100-Yard Shoots: These events consist of two types of shooting – a bench rest shoot and an offhand (standing) shoot, both at a distance of 100 yards, This event is reserved for larger caliber rifles generally used for hunting. The object is simply to have the most accurate shot in the bullseye.
All events are open to the public and all ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Hearing and eye protection are required. Food and refreshments will be served for nominal prices. Entry fees per event will be determined on the day of the competition, but will also be nominal given the cost of food prizes and ammunition costs which are provided for some of the events. Come on up to the club and join in, or just enjoy a juicy burger and watch!
What is a Turkey Shoot?
FAQ
What kind of gun do you use at a turkey shoot?
What do you shoot a turkey with?
What ammo for turkey shoot?
What is the turkey shoot analogy?
What is a turkey shoot?
A turkey shoot in many cases is just that, a shooting contest to win a turkey. In many cases the club or organization also gives out hams, sausage, roasts, and other cuts of meat. Occasionally they award cash prizes. Before you feel defeated without even trying, a turkey shoot in ten-percent skill, ten-percent equipment, and eighty-percent luck.
Do you shoot real turkeys?
At our modern turkey shoot we don’t shoot real birds, but we still win them. Prizes for this match are always frozen turkeys, with most shooters going home with a bird for Thanksgiving.
Are turkey shoots a tradition?
Turkey shoots are a tradition in this country, but these events must be modernized if interest is to be maintained. This woodcut depicts a shoot in the 19th century. Closest center shot wins the turkey in the barrel. Image courtesy of Bettmann archives. This feature article appeared originally in the November 1953 issue of American Rifleman.
How do turkey shoots work?
The whole family has fun. Turkey Shoots are a Hoosier tradition for the whole family. Here’s how most games are ran: Shooters pay the game fee of a few bucks and pick a numbered position on the range. The shooters receive a token with the game and positon number. An attendant places the targets on the range.