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 longstanding American tradition that bring communities together for friendly shooting competitions and good old-fashioned fun. But if you’re unfamiliar with them, you may be wondering – what exactly is a turkey shoot?
This article will explain everything you need to know about these classic rural events. We’ll cover the history of turkey shoots how they work, the rules and strategies and why they remain popular today. Let’s take a shot at understanding this unique tradition!
A Brief History of Turkey Shoots
Turkey shoots have their origins in early America dating back to at least the early 1800s. They were a popular event around holidays like Thanksgiving Christmas, and New Years when fresh turkey was in demand for dinner tables.
In the original version, live turkeys were tied up behind barriers with just their heads exposed. Contestants paid a fee to take a single shot and whoever killed the turkey won it for their holiday meal. Rifles were typically used from around 100-200 yards out.
As time went on, some raised ethical concerns about killing live restrained animals. So alternative versions emerged using dead turkey heads or paper targets. The modern format where participants win turkeys and other prizes based on shooting paper targets became standardized in the early 1900s.
While the exact methods evolved, turkey shoots remain a beloved tradition in rural communities to this day The fun, accessible nature and incentive of winning prizes like holiday turkeys keep people coming back.
How Turkey Shoots Work
Modern turkey shoots have straightforward rules that level the playing field. They usually involve shooting shotguns at paper targets 25-35 yards away. Here’s a basic overview of how most turkey shoots run:
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Participants pay an entry fee, often just a couple dollars, to join a round.
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All shooters are provided ammunition, usually 12 or 20 gauge shells, and take positions at assigned shooting stations.
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On the signal, competitors fire one shot at the paper target in front of them.
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After retrieving the targets, judges determine whose shot hit closest to the bullseye. That shooter wins a prize!
The key is that accuracy doesn’t matter thanks to the scattered shotgun pattern. It comes down to luck whether a pellet hits the winning spot. This gives everyone an equal chance, which is part of the appeal.
Turkey Shoot Rules and Strategies
While winning is mostly based on chance, there are some basic rules and tips to keep in mind:
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Use the biggest gauge shotgun allowed, like 12 gauge, for more pellets per shot.
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Opt for a full choke barrel to concentrate the spread if permitted.
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Position yourself with sunlight at your back to see better.
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Study your shotgun’s patterns beforehand so you know what to expect.
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Relax and have fun! Skill plays little role so don’t stress about your technique.
Restrictions vary between events but generally include no modified chokes, scopes, or rifle use. The relaxed vibe and minimal barrier to entry keeps these shoots casual and enjoyable.
Prizes and Motivations
Of course, the prizes are a major motivation for joining a turkey shoot. While every event is different, popular prizes include:
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Frozen turkeys – The classic prize turkey shoots are named after.
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Hams, roasts, sausages – Smoked, cooked, and ground pork products.
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Baked goods – Homemade pies, cookies, and cakes are common.
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Hunting gear – Calls, decoys, and other equipment.
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Cash – Sponsors may donate money to top shooters.
The opportunity to win free groceries or spending cash keeps the entry fees low but competition fierce. For hosts, giveaways drive attendance and fundraising.
The Appeal of Turkey Shoots Today
While less common than their heyday, turkey shoots still hold an appeal in rural America. Here are some of the reasons they remain popular today:
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They offer an accessible entry into shooting sports with minimal skills or gear required.
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The prizes incentivize friendly wagers between competitors.
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Turkey shoots bring communities together and provide family-friendly entertainment.
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They preserve nostalgic cultural traditions.
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Anybody can participate and have a chance to win, regardless of age or ability.
Turkey shoots fill a unique niche unlikely to fade anytime soon. Their simplicity and luck-based format create an inclusive, fun environment perfect for some friendly competition.
Turkey Shoots Remain a Good Time
Turkey shoots have evolved from their live turkey origins but remain a beloved tradition across rural America. Their accessible, luck-focused format creates a level playing field where anyone can win prizes. If you ever see a turkey shoot sign pop up in your community, grab your shotgun shell of choice and join in the fun. With a bit of chance, you may just take home a tasty holiday bird along with memories of a great time.
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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?
Turkey shoots are still popular in the rural United States today. A modern derivation, sometimes more generically known as a meat shoot, is held using shotguns aimed at paper targets about 25–35 yards away. The winner is chosen according to the pellet hole closest to the target’s center.
What distance is a turkey shoot?
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.
What is a turkey shoot in golf rules?
Format: 4-person team, 3-Person Scramble + Turkey Ball. Turkey ball rotates among the members of the group every hole and that score is added to the 3-person scramble score for each holes team score. Lose your Turkey Balls and your team is DQ’d.