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 many communities look forward to every year. If your nonprofit or charity is looking for a fun and lucrative way to raise money, hosting a turkey shoot fundraiser is a great option. But what exactly is a turkey shoot?
Overview of Turkey Shoot Fundraisers
A turkey shoot is a shotgun shooting competition where participants pay an entry fee to take aim at paper targets for chances to win prizes – traditionally frozen turkeys. They have been popular charity fundraisers especially in rural areas since the late 1800s.
Turkey shoots are casual, luck-based contests that anyone, from novice to expert shooter, has a decent shot at winning The simple format and exciting atmosphere create an enjoyable event for all ages. While called a “turkey shoot,” prizes today include hams, roasts, and other meat products. Cash prizes may also be awarded.
How a Turkey Shoot Fundraiser Works
While rules can vary, here are the standard elements:
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Venue – Hosted at an outdoor shooting range or gun club with proper safety measures in place Indoor venues also work.
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Equipment – Shotguns (.410 20, 16 and 12 gauge) and ammo are provided or contestants can bring their own firearms.
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Targets – Simple paper targets with a bullseye are placed 25-35 yards downrange.
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Scoring – The contestant whose shot lands closest to the bullseye wins a prize for that round.
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Entry Fee – $2-$5 charged per round, with higher fees for special rounds.
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Prizes – Turkeys, hams, roasts, bacon, gift cards, and cash are awarded each round.
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Rounds – As many rounds as time allows, often 10-20 rounds.
Organizing a Turkey Shoot Fundraiser
Careful planning and promotion are key to executing a smooth and successful event:
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Pick a Date – Avoid major holidays and community events. October-December works well. Saturdays draw biggest crowds.
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Secure Location – Partner with a range or gun club with proper safety protocols and insurance.
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Acquire Equipment – Source shotguns, ammo, targets, eye/ear protection, signs, and other supplies.
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Purchase Prizes – Buy turkeys, hams, roasts, meat packs, gift cards, and raffle prizes in bulk ahead of time.
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Promote the Event – Advertise on social media, local media, posters, church bulletins, email, and word-of-mouth.
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Recruit Volunteers – Need range officers, ticket sellers, scorers, parking attendants, and more.
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Set Rules – Establish fair categories based on skill level, special rounds, scoring, ammo requirements, etc.
Costs and Revenue
A 500-person turkey shoot can easily generate $5,000-$10,000. Here are sample numbers:
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15 Regular Rounds at $5 Each: $37,500
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5 Special Rounds at $20 Each: $5,000
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Total Revenue: $42,500
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Facility, Insurance, Permits: $2,000
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500 Turkeys at $10 Each: $5,000
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500 Hams at $30 Each: $15,000
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Prizes, Supplies: $7,000
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Total Expenses: $28,500
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Net Profit: $14,000
Promoting Your Turkey Shoot
Effective promotion is crucial for maximizing turnout and revenue:
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Advertise on social media, local radio, newspapers, websites, email lists, posters, flyers.
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Promote the benefiting organization to draw community support.
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Share schedule of rounds, prizes and highlight family-friendly atmosphere.
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Follow up with reminders as the date approaches.
Ensuring a Fun and Successful Event
With proper planning and promotion, here are tips for smooth execution:
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Recruit dedicated volunteers to keep action moving smoothly.
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Use range officers to command safety and respect on firing line.
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Have multiple scoring judges to prevent shot disputes.
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Keep targets changed quickly between rounds.
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Announce rules, sponsors, winners via PA system.
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Play upbeat music during downtime.
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Sell food, drinks, raffle prizes for added revenue.
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Take lots of photos to promote during and after.
With this comprehensive guide, you have everything needed to host an exciting and profitable turkey shoot fundraiser that also provides great entertainment for your community!
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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 happens 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.
How far away is a turkey shoot target?
gmsa turkey shoots
Targets are numbered and set at a distance of 29 yards (87 feet) from the shooting bench.
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.
What are the rules for a turkey shoot in golf?
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.
What is a turkey shoot fundraiser?
Most modern turkey shoots incorporate various target-shooting competitions, raffles, refreshments and entertainment. Some turkey- shoot fundraisers forgo the shooting altogether to offer an evening exclusive to raffles and chance games. Participation increases the funds generated, so involving as many people as possible makes financial sense.
What prizes are offered at a turkey shoot?
Winners of turkey shoots may receive a variety of prizes, including cash, gift cards, or other items donated by event sponsors. The specific prizes offered at a turkey shoot can vary, depending on the event and the contributions of local businesses and organizations. Are there age restrictions for participating in a turkey shoot?
How many rounds is a turkey shoot?
The turkey shoot will be either a 5 round or a 10 round shot depending on the vote of the contestants. Each contestant is assigned a shooting line number, and each starting line number corresponds to a numbered target frame 27 yards away. What is the turkey shoot analogy?
How do you win a turkey shoot?
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. All it take is one pellet in the right location to win so anyone from beginner to veteran can win any game at any time.
What is a Hoosier Turkey Shoot?
But, most Hoosiers don’t have a clue what they are. WildIndiana is here to give you the 411 on this Hoosier tradition. 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.
What can you donate to a turkey shoot?
A local sporting-goods store may be willing to donate a gift certificate, gun, ammunition, hunting equipment or other prize in exchange for the opportunity to set up an advertising booth at the event. Turkey shoots are often in November to coincide with the Thanksgiving Day feast.