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!
Turkey shoots are a long-standing tradition in many rural parts of the United States, especially in the Midwest and South. But if you’re not familiar with them, you may be wondering – what exactly is a turkey shoot?
In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about turkey shoots – what they are, how they work, their history, and why they remain popular today. Whether you’re considering attending your first turkey shoot or just curious to learn more about this unique tradition, read on!
The Basics of Turkey Shoots
At its core, a turkey shoot is a shotgun shooting competition where participants try to hit a target to win prizes – traditionally a frozen turkey. Despite the name, no live turkeys are shot!
Here are the key facts about how most turkey shoots work
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Shotguns, usually 12 gauge or 20 gauge, are used to shoot at paper or cardboard targets from around 25-35 yards away.
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Participants pay an entry fee, often $10-15, to join the competition. This buys you a certain number of shots, usually 15-20 rounds.
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The shotgun shells are provided by the organizers This ensures everyone uses the same ammunition
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Each round, shooters aim at a target with their assigned number on it Targets are scored to see who hit closest to the center.
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Prizes like frozen turkeys, hams, or gift cards are awarded to the top shooters in each round. There are also prizes for 2nd and 3rd place.
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It’s mostly a game of chance, since the shotgun pattern is random. Anyone can win!
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Most shoots are held as fundraisers for clubs or charities. There’s a fun, community atmosphere.
Turkey shoots usually take place outdoors at sportsmen’s clubs on weekends in the fall, like autumn Sundays. The competition format keeps the action lively, while providing multiple chances to win.
Historical Origins
Turkey shoots have been part of American tradition since at least the 1800s. They originated as a form of marksmanship practice before the era of game birds like turkeys being protected.
One early version involved live wild turkeys tied up in pens as targets. If you killed the turkey, you won it as a prize. However, this fell out of favor long ago.
Using paper targets and awarding store-bought turkeys became more popular around the late 1800s-early 1900s. Shooting frozen turkeys as prizes was a thrifty way to raise funds during the Great Depression.
The random chance involved made turkey shoots appealing to all skill levels. They became a staple at gatherings like county fairs.
Why Turkey Shoots Remain Popular
While not as common as they once were, turkey shoots retain a strong following in many parts of middle America. Here are some of the main reasons they continue to thrive after hundreds of years:
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Community Bonding: Turkey shoots bring friends and neighbors together for fun competition and camaraderie. The informal, social atmosphere keeps people coming back.
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Tradition: For many rural Americans, attending turkey shoots is an annual family tradition passed down for generations. Parents take their kids like their own parents did.
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Prizes: A free turkey or ham is a nice bonus around the holidays. Even if you don’t win, tickets are inexpensive.
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Supporting Local Causes: Most turkey shoots act as fundraisers for volunteer fire companies, American Legions, conservation clubs, churches and other community organizations.
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Sharpening Skills: The shoots provide a low pressure environment for shotgun practice before hunting seasons.
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Sheer Enjoyment: There’s just something fun about gathering with your shotgun for a day of friendly competition and good old-fashioned shooting!
So the next time you drive past a sign pointing the way to a turkey shoot, consider following it. You just may discover a new favorite tradition.
Turkey Shoot Styles and Variations
While the basic premise is the same, not all turkey shoots are identical. There are some regional variations in how they are conducted and the specific games involved.
Here are some of the different types of turkey shoots:
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Card Shoot: Shooters aim at paper target cards marked with their number from 25-30 yards away. The card with a shot closest to the center X wins. This is the most common format.
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Splatter Board Shoot: A large piece of cardboard is marked off in a grid. Shooters randomly choose or purchase squares and fire one shot at the board. The square with the closest shot wins a cash prize.
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Pattern Board: Shooters fire a round at a blank cardboard square from around 40 yards out. The tightest pellet pattern wins, testing their shotgun’s choke and skills.
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Rolling Disc: A circular target on a pivot is rolled across in front of the shooting line. Shooters track the target and try to hit it as it moves left-to-right or right-to-left.
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Running Deer Target: A steel silhouette target with a deer shape moves along a wire in front of shooters who try to hit it on the move.
There are also many creative ways the prizes are awarded beyond turkeys. Some shoots offer hams, roasts, steak boxes, or even cash payouts for the winners.
Turkey Shoot Tips and Etiquette
If you want to maximize your luck at winning a turkey shoot, keep these tips in mind:
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Use a 12 gauge shotgun for a wider spread. Many shoots don’t allow slugs or buckshot.
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A tighter full choke will concentrate your shot pattern. Modified or improved cylinder chokes spread pellets too much at short range.
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Take time to pattern your shotgun at the shoot distance and aim accordingly.
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Lead moving targets like rolling discs or running deer targets slightly.
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Follow all range safety rules and cease fire commands carefully.
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Arrive early to sign up as shooter numbers are limited.
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Bring cash for entry fees, concession stands, and raffles.
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Be polite and sportsmanlike. No sore losers allowed.
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Thank the shoot organizers who volunteer their time.
Most of all, embrace the turkey shoot for what it is – a lively community get-together meant for fun. Enjoy some friendly competition and making new friends. After all, you might just win a turkey to take home!
How to Find a Turkey Shoot Near You
If you want to find an upcoming turkey shoot in your area, here are some tips:
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Search online for “turkey shoot [your town or region]”
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Check Facebook events for local sportsmen’s clubs and shooting ranges
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Look for signs or flyers posted at feed stores, gun shops and country gas stations
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Contact American Legion halls and volunteer fire companies
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Search event listing sites like Eventbrite
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Check newspapers and radio stations for ads and announcements
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Ask around! Chances are someone will know about any turkey shoots in your rural community.
Turkey shoots primarily take place in the autumn leading up to Thanksgiving. But some organizations hold special spring shoots around Easter too. With over 100 years of tradition, turkey shoots are here to stay, so join in the fun at one near you.
Be sure to share this article explaining the uniquely American tradition of turkey shoots with your friends!
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 do they do at a turkey shoot?
What is the meaning of the idiom turkey shoot?
How does a turkey shoot fundraiser work?
What is a turkey shoot American Legion?
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.
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.
What is a frozen turkey shoot?
It may also refer to a shooting contest in which frozen turkeys are awarded as prizes, sometimes more generically known as a ” meat shoot .” The shoot is most commonly held using shotguns aimed at paper targets about 25–35 yards away. The winner is chosen according to which target has a shot closest to its center crossmark.
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.