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 is a fun shooting competition where participants try to win a turkey as a prize by shooting at targets. Turkey shoots have a long history in America, dating back to at least the early 1800s. Here’s a quick overview explaining what a turkey shoot is all about.
A Brief History
Turkey shoots originated as a way to provide fresh turkeys for holiday meals like Thanksgiving Christmas and New Year’s. In the original version, live turkeys would be tied up behind a barrier with just their heads exposed. Shooters would pay a fee to take turns firing from around 100-200 yards away trying to hit the turkey’s head. If they succeeded, they won the bird as their prize.
This practice led to the term “turkey shoot” being used idiomatically to refer to any lopsided battle or contest where one side has a huge advantage.
Over time, ethical concerns arose about harming live animals this way. So alternative versions developed using already dead turkeys, just their severed heads, or paper targets instead. However, live turkey shoots persisted into the 20th century before paper targets fully took over.
How Turkey Shoots Work Today
Modern turkey shoots still offer turkeys as prizes but participants shoot at paper targets rather than live birds. Here’s a quick rundown of how a typical competition works
-
Shooters pay an entry fee, usually just a few dollars, and are assigned a firing position.
-
They receive a numbered token matching their position.
-
Targets are set up downrange, often around 25-35 yards away.
-
When their number is called, shooters take their position and receive one shotgun shell.
-
On the range officer’s command, they fire at their corresponding target.
-
After all shooters fire, the targets are collected and scored.
-
The shooter whose shot is closest to the center “X” wins a prize turkey!
Shotguns are generally used, with 12 gauge being most common. However, smaller gauges like 16 or 20 are also allowed. Shoot organizers often supply ammunition to keep things fair.
Tips for Turkey Shoot Success
While turkey shoots rely heavily on chance, there are some things you can do to increase your odds:
-
Use a 12 gauge over a smaller gauge – more pellets mean more chances to hit the X.
-
Choose a tighter choke like full or turkey choke – it concentrates the pattern in a smaller area.
-
Get familiar with your shotgun and practice to improve aim.
-
Pattern your shotgun beforehand to find the center of impact.
-
Adjust sights if possible to bring the center on target.
-
Listen closely and follow all range commands. Safety first!
-
Relax and have fun – anyone can win at any time!
So grab your 12 gauge, dial in that turkey choke, and head out to a local turkey shoot. With a bit of skill and a lot of luck, you could be taking home a free holiday bird! It’s a fun way to get into shooting sports and carry on an historic American tradition.
Sub menu 2 header
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 gun do you shoot a turkey with?
- Gauge: 12 and 20 gauge shotguns are both effective. 20-gauge shotguns are lighter and have a smaller recoil.
- Type: Pump-action shotguns are affordable and easy to use. Semi-automatic shotguns are softer and more comfortable to shoot.
- Barrel length: A shorter barrel (18–24 in) is easier to maneuver in dense woods.
- Choke: An extended turkey choke is ideal.
- Ammunition: Modern turkey loads and turkey chokes make a variety of ammunition effective.
Is a 4 or 6 shot for a turkey?
A dense pattern of #6 shot, well placed, will cleanly kill a turkey at 40 yards. Having said all of that, there is no substitute for range time to determine exactly what works best in a particular gun-choke.
What’s the best thing to shoot a turkey with?
The firearm most turkey hunters use is a shotgun, which is the only firearm allowed on most wildlife management areas (WMAs) during spring turkey season.
What shot is best for turkey?
-
Shot density:Newer, high-density options like Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) can offer better penetration and tighter patterns even at smaller pellet sizes.
-
Hunting conditions:Dense brush may require a larger shot size for better penetration, while open areas might benefit from a smaller shot for a denser pattern.
-
Always pattern your gun:Before hunting, test different loads to find the best shot size that produces a tight pattern with your specific shotgun and choke.