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 popular outdoor shooting competition that has a fun, lighthearted spirit and accessible format. Despite the quirky name, no actual turkeys are shot! Turkey shoots have a long history in rural America and remain a beloved tradition today.
The Origins and Evolution of Turkey Shoots
Turkey shoots likely originated in the 18th or 19th century as a spirited shooting contest where live turkeys were tied up and shot at from around 25-35 yards away. If you killed the turkey you got to take it home as your prize for Thanksgiving dinner.
Another early version involved turkeys sticking their heads through slots in protective cages. Shooters had to carefully aim and shoot the turkey in the head in order to win the bird. Of course animal welfare concerns soon arose about these formats involving live captive targets.
The modern incarnation of turkey shoots emerged in the early 20th century as a way for clubs, churches, and civic organizations to raise funds by charging an entry fee and awarding frozen turkey prizes. Removing live birds created a more humane shooting competition focused on fun and fundraising.
While turkey shoots have evolved over the decades, they retain their accessible, luck-based nature and communal spirit. They bring people together for friendly shooting competition and good-natured bets on who will take home the bird.
How Turkey Shoots Work
Turkey shoots have simple rules designed to level the playing field between expert marksmen and novice shooters. They usually involve shotgun shooting at paper targets around 25-35 yards away. Here is the typical turkey shoot format:
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Participants pay a low entry fee, often just a few dollars, to join the competition.
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Shooters are assigned a numbered shooting lane on the range.
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All competitors load a single 12 or 20 gauge shotgun shell provided by the event.
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On the call, shooters fire at their paper target which has a bullseye or “X” marked.
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Range officers retrieve the targets and determine which shooter’s pellet struck closest to the bullseye center. That person wins a frozen turkey or other prize!
The scattering shot pattern makes accuracy and skill less important in turkey shoots. Winning comes down to sheer luck and putting just one pellet in the sweet spot. This gives everyone from kids to veteran marksmen an equal chance at each round.
Turkey Shoot Strategies and Tips
While turkey shoots are mostly about chance, there are some tips to slightly improve your odds:
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Use a 12 gauge shotgun – The higher pellet count spreads the probability across more projectiles.
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Choose a full choke barrel – This concentrates the shot pattern into a tighter area. However, some shoots ban modified chokes.
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Pattern your shotgun beforehand to understand its spread.
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Relax and have fun! Skill plays little role in winning.
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Arrive early to scout the lighting and your shooting lane.
Turkey shoots are designed for luck-based fun. Keep cool under pressure and victory may find you!
Prize Motivations and Community Appeal
More than bragging rights, the motivating factor in turkey shoots is the prize table. Popular turkey shoot prizes include:
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Frozen turkeys – The classic prize giving the competition its name.
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Hams, roasts, sausages – Pork and other meat products.
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Hunting gear – Calls, decoys, and outdoor equipment.
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Cash prizes – Donated by sponsors.
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Baked goods – Homemade cakes, cookies, and pies.
For a low entry fee, competitors have a decent chance at taking home a full holiday meal. For hosts, the shoots foster community and raise funds. The vibe is friendly competition for a good cause.
Beyond prizes, the tradition and inclusivity of turkey shoots also draws crowds. Everyone from serious shooters to first-timers can share in the experience. Turkey shoots offer:
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An introduction to shooting sports in a casual environment.
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Activities for the whole family and shooters of all ages.
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A way to carry on beloved rural traditions and customs.
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Fun weekend entertainment and a sense of community belonging.
The Timeless Appeal of Turkey Shoots
While their popularity has waned from their peak in bygone eras, turkey shoots retain a strong niche place in many rural areas. Their simplicity, accessibility and community-building qualities give these shoots an enduring appeal.
Don’t be surprised if you see banners for an upcoming turkey shoot around Thanksgiving or Christmas when the prizes become ideal holiday fare. Whether you’re a lifelong marksman or have never handled a firearm before, turkey shoots offer an enjoyable taste of traditional Americana.
Entity Frequency Analysis
Turkey shoot: 28
Shooting competition/contest: 7
Shotgun: 5
Rural America: 2
Bullseye: 2
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 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?
Even if you’re a great shot with the bow, you must remember that turkeys have a small kill zone that’s usually moving. There is no practice you can do that will perfectly replicate this, and that’s why keeping those shots inside 25 yards is always best.
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.
Is a turkey shoot gambling?
Such contests shall not constitute such gambling or lottery as otherwise prohibited in this chapter, or be subject to civil or criminal penalties. Such organizations must be organized for purposes other than the conduct of turkey shoots.