Shotgunners Have a Blast at Turkey Shoot

Credit: (NWTF)

Email to a Friend  Print this Article

FORSYTH, Ga. — When the smoke cleared at the National Wild Turkey Federation's 16th annual Turkey Shoot, Kevin DeMichiel from Macon, Ga., had broken 187 out of 200 targets to win the National Sporting Clays Association division. Close at his heels were Brandon Powell from Comer, Ga., who scored 181, and Wendell Cherry from Red Boiling Springs, Tenn., with a score of 180.

In the Hunter division, Ray Ricketson from Douglas, Ga., was crowned champion after breaking 167 targets, while Ronald Lindsey from Albany, Ga., took second with a 158.

The winners were part of a group of more than 475 competitive shotgunners who descended on The Meadows National Gun Club in Forsyth, Ga., Aug. 14 to Aug. 16 for a weekend of intense competition and non-stop action. The Turkey Shoot is separated into two divisions -- the highly competitive National Sporting Clays Association Class for professional shooters and the Hunter Class for recreational shooters.

Sporting clays is often described as "golf with a shotgun" and requires lightning quick reflexes and sharp mental focus. Clay targets are thrown at various angles and speeds from different shooting stations to simulate hunting scenarios.

There were many other winners this weekend besides the shooters. Proceeds from the NWTF Turkey Shoot will benefit Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF, an outreach program that provides opportunities for outdoor fun, especially hunting, fishing and shooting, to people with disabilities.

While participants competed for more than $100,000 in cash and prizes in a number of shooting events, many people tried to hit the mark through raffles. For a donation, participants could enter to win a 2010 4-wheel-drive Chevrolet.

Chevrolet is the official vehicle of the NWTF, and the 4-wheel-drive Chevrolet delivers plenty of power to get the lucky winner Harold Smith of Summerhill, Pa., back and forth to his favorite hunting spots and future NWTF events.

"It was another great year for the Turkey Shoot, and we're already looking forward to 2010," said Rhett Simmons, NWTF special events director. "Sporting clays enthusiasts are some of the most welcoming, friendly people you'll ever meet, and I urge anyone who hasn't been to one of these events to come out and join in the fun."

The 17th annual event will be held Aug. 20 to Aug. 22, 2010.

Reader Comments

Would you like to comment?

Sign up for a free account, or sign in (if you're already a member).