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 a sizable population of turkeys reside in the wooded area that serves as the Boothbay Region Fish and Game Associations’ enclave. You can be certain that during a turkey shoot, none of these wild birds will be shot.
Turkey Shoots always involve shooting targets with shotguns, rifles, and occasionally handguns, though the format varies from location to location. There is a competition for every skill level of shooter, requiring either practiced shooting or pure luck.
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 every Sunday, with prizes including turkeys and other frozen foods going to the winners:
Card Shoot: A shotgun match in which participants fire at a 3″ by 5″ target from 50 feet away. Everyone has an equal chance of winning this contest, regardless of experience level with a gun. 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 are aimed five times at a 25-yard reactive target made of metal “spoons.” The shooter with the most “plinks” wins.
Skeet Shoot: A shotgun event. The mechanical throwing device that launches the clay pigeons aims 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: This event is only for larger caliber rifles that are typically used for hunting. It consists of two different shooting ranges: a bench rest range and a 100-yard range. 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. On the day of the competition, the entry fees for each event will be determined; however, they will be minimal because some events will include costs for food prizes and ammunition. Come on up to the club and join in, or just enjoy a juicy burger and watch!.
The term “turkey shoot” often conjures images of hunters aiming at live turkeys but the reality is far more nuanced. While the term’s origins may lie in such literal hunts, its meaning has evolved over time, encompassing various contexts from recreational shooting events to military scenarios. Let’s delve into the world of turkey shoots, separating fact from fiction and exploring its diverse interpretations.
From Hunting to Contests: The Evolution of the Turkey Shoot
The term “turkey shoot” likely originated from a hunting method where hunters would scatter a flock of wild turkeys and then wait for them to return individually, making them easy targets This practice, however, has largely been replaced by more humane and regulated hunting methods
In the modern context, “turkey shoot” most commonly refers to a shooting contest where participants aim at paper targets with shotguns, with frozen turkeys awarded as prizes. These events are popular in rural areas across the United States, offering a fun and competitive way for individuals to test their shooting skills and potentially win a delicious prize.
Beyond the Shotgun: Alternative Turkey Shoot Formats
While shotgun-based turkey shoots are the most common, alternative formats exist. In one such variation, the object of the prize is to shoot a turkey that is caged and has a protective wall around its head. This method, depicted in the 1941 film “Sergeant York,” emphasizes precision and skill.
The Military Context: When Turkey Shoots Turn One-Sided
A “turkey shoot” is the military term for a situation in which one side has a large advantage over the other and the battle is unbalanced. These situations frequently entail ambushing the adversary unawares or wielding overwhelming firepower, rendering the result virtually certain.
Famous Examples of Military Turkey Shoots:
History is replete with examples of military turkey shoots, including:
- Battle of New Orleans (War of 1812)
- Battle of San Jacinto (Texas Revolution)
- Charge of the Light Brigade (Crimean War)
- Battle of the Crater (American Civil War)
- Battle of the Philippine Sea (World War II)
- Battle of Longewala (Indo-Pakistani War of 1971)
- Operation Mole Cricket 19 (1982 Lebanon War)
- Highway of Death (Gulf War)
- Battle of Fallujah (2016) (Iraqi Civil War)
Beyond the Literal: Figurative Uses of Turkey Shoot
Additionally, the phrase “turkey shoot” has entered common parlance, frequently denoting circumstances in which someone or something is readily exploited. For example, a business arrangement that significantly benefits one party could be called a “turkey shoot” by the underprivileged party.
The term “turkey shoot” has evolved from its literal hunting origins to encompass various meanings, from recreational shooting contests to military scenarios and even figurative expressions. Understanding these diverse interpretations allows for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the term’s usage in different contexts.
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 a sizable population of turkeys reside in the wooded area that serves as the Boothbay Region Fish and Game Associations’ enclave. You can be certain that during a turkey shoot, none of these wild birds will be shot.
Turkey Shoots always involve shooting targets with shotguns, rifles, and occasionally handguns, though the format varies from location to location. There is a competition for every skill level of shooter, requiring either practiced shooting or pure luck.
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 every Sunday, with prizes including turkeys and other frozen foods going to the winners:
Card Shoot: A shotgun match in which participants fire at a 3″ by 5″ target from 50 feet away. Everyone has an equal chance of winning this contest, regardless of experience level with a gun. 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 are aimed five times at a 25-yard reactive target made of metal “spoons.” The shooter with the most “plinks” wins.
Skeet Shoot: A shotgun event. The mechanical throwing device that launches the clay pigeons aims 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: This event is only for larger caliber rifles that are typically used for hunting. It consists of two different shooting ranges: a bench rest range and a 100-yard range. 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. On the day of the competition, the entry fees for each event will be determined; however, they will be minimal because some events will include costs for food prizes and ammunition. 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 distance for turkey shoots?
What is turkey shot ammo?
What do you do with a turkey after you shoot it?
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?
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.
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.
Are turkey shoots a tradition?
Turkey shoots are a tradition in this country, but these events must be modernized if interest is to be maintained. This woodcut depicts a shoot in the 19th century. Closest center shot wins the turkey in the barrel. Image courtesy of Bettmann archives. This feature article appeared originally in the November 1953 issue of American Rifleman.