Turkey Shoot Rules

SAFETY FIRST

First and foremost, no one walks in front of the shooting line when there's a shell in a gun! The best way to find that out is to yell "CLEAR?" before you even head in that direction! If you hear that question and you have a shell in your gun or know that someone else does, don't hesitate! Yell "NO" right back at them and yell it quick! Let the shooters take their shots and yell "CLEAR?" again! If you think it's clear, that's when you yell "GOING OUT!", then you hesitate for a few seconds and watch the line to make sure no one is taking aim! During a match you should have two 'target runners', one to hang 'em and one to pick 'em up. It should be drilled into their heads that they never run targets until they've made sure there are no live shells in any guns.

Shooters should be told and reminded that after they've taken their shot they should step back from the line so that there is no confusion about who still needs to shoot. There should be one 'shell man' in sole charge of handing out shells. The shell man will NOT hand out any shells until he sees that the 'target runners' are back behind the shooting line. Only the number of shells needed for one round is handed out at a time.... shooters should be standing away from the line so that the 'shell man' may quickly place a shell (or two for dots) only at each post that has a target to shoot (at major events some houses will even load the shells in the guns to make sure no one slips in their own shells!). The 'target runners' and 'shell man' play a major role in keeping your event running smooth. They should be watching to see when all the targets have been shot so that the next set can be hung, shooters want to shoot, not wait.

If there's a target that hasn't been shot and there doesn't seem to be a shooter on the line for that target then a courtesy call for that target number is appropriate. He shouldn't need more than one reminder that everyone is waiting on him. Shooters should be able to take their time when shooting but they should be on the line when the cards are hung! When the 'runners' think the targets have all been shot, that's when they yell "CLEAR?" and make sure everyone is done. This is when they earn their name, 'runners'! If you're smart, you'll have a 'target runner's tip can' at the judges counter so that the shooters who notice good runners can show their appreciation.

THE SET UP

Benches or counters (where you shoot from) are typical for Outlaw shoots as the guns are heavy. Usually about 4 ft. high and 3 ft. from front to back allowing a 12 inch wide (left to right) 'post' (shooting area) for each shooter, although most of us wish they were wider! Length totally depends on the space you have to work with. Some times a simple rail is all you have to rest your gun on.

Targets (cards or boards) are spaced the same as the shooting posts.... go figure!!! Many places stagger the targets. Alternating them high and low accommodates more targets and more shooters. Shooters may need to take turns to allow elbow room but the setup works well. Both indoor and outdoor ranges are used. Paper targets very in size and weight from heavy card stock to simple copy paper and cost varies depending on the weight. Size is typically anywhere between 8 1/2" X 7" to 5" X 5". Some places even use cut 2" X 4" boards as targets. Depending on the type of shoot X's, circles or dots are printed or drawn on the targets.

Target holders can be either slotted metal racks open at the top to slide the card in or 4 nails (one for each corner of the card) welded to a support, pointy end out, that cards are pushed onto. Distance of the targets from the shooting bench depend on what your your shooting. Movable or portable target holders are excellent, allowing you to host unlimited types of shoots.

Judges should do just that, judge the cards and nothing else. A table or counter used by the judge should be in plain sight of shooters, it shouldn't be too high or too low. It should be wide enough that everyone isn't leaning over the judge while he's doing his job, but they should be able to see what the judge is doing. Judges should never hesitate to call a tie. If there is any hesitation or question at all as to who was the closest or took out the most then those cards should be sent back to the line for a shoot off. The judge should never ask for a second opinion, it is his job alone. There are two tools extremely helpful to a Judge, a swing-arm magnifying light and a small measuring magnifier. Ideally, there should be at least one other person behind the counter who takes care of the sign-up sheets, keeps track of which targets are good, makes up and sends out the targets for the next round.

Target Runner / Shell Man are the back bone or your shoot. If they aren't running, your shooters aren't shooting and nobody is making any money. Runners work best in pairs. One should remove the shot targets and get them to the judge, the second will be right behind him loading the fresh targets. When both runners have cleared the range, the 'shell man' will pass out the shells, making sure only those posts with targets hanging receive shells. One of the target runners can also serve as the 'shell man'. See the above 'Safety First' for more details on target runners.

Fair & Honest is the only way to run a shoot. It is highly suggested that the judge, or anyone that works for the house, does not shoot in events while they are working....... Although there's been many a time that, due to a low turn out, shooters have agreed to allow the judge or it employees to participate. But it should be entirely up to the shooters, otherwise it only raises questions about how fair and honest a shoot is. Nothing ruins a shoot faster than a question of fairness. Once the rule have been laid down don't change them without prior notice to shooters and getting their opinion! No one likes it when the rules keep getting changed.

STOCK MATCH, MEAT SHOOT, GAUGE GUNS - There are usually limits set for the guns, you may need to check to make sure a gun is 'legal. A 20ga shell slipped into the end of the barrel is an easy way to gauge a 12 gauge shotgun for a stock match.. If the shell doesn't fit, the gun goes back to the truck. These events vary the most from one shoot to the next. 'An 'X', a 5" circle or 5" circle with an 'X' in it or through it, a dot the size of a pin head - professional printed, computer or hand drawn and photo copied, scratched into a piece of wood with a nail or razor... any of these are typical targets for a stock shoot. 'X' targets are judged closest to the center of the 'X'. Circles are judged by counting the number of shot in the circle. Circle with an 'X' through it - alternate, one round it's judged as a circle, one round as an 'X' (two targets in one). A dot can be judge by whether it has been completely taken out or just been 'touched'. The more you shooters in a round the better, better profit and better payout. If you only have shooting posts for say 10 shooters, don't be afraid to let a second or third line of shooters shoot in the same round. Let each line shoot and then judge all cards in the same round. (Ringer Rule) If any shooter(s) wins two events using the same gun, then that gun is retired and the shooter(s) must use a different gun for any other events.

Shooting distance varies greatly but generally is somewhere between 25 and 35 yards. The shells you use may determine yardage shot. Shells might be #7, 7-1/2, 8 or 9, the cheapest you can find at Walmart or elsewhere. You must figure the cost of shells in to what shooters must pay to participate. The going rate is $1.50 to $3 per shot depending on whether it's a meat or money shoot.

Ties - when you don't have a clear winner! Shooters who tied in a round get another chance. At most matches this is done by hanging new cards for the tie shots. But there are places that use the circle target and just hang the same card... saves on targets if you don't mind counting.

Guns must be stock

Original, un-altered factory built barrels and chokes