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NWTF Turkey Shoot: An Event for Family and Fun

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Six hundred professional and recreational shooters will get the chance to break up to 350 registered targets during the NWTF’s 15th annual Turkey Shoot at The Meadows National Gun Club in Forsyth, Ga. Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, 2008.

FORSYTH, Ga. — There’s nothing quite like a day at the shooting range to strengthen a marriage and make new friends – at least that’s the case for Jeff and Lynn Montjoy of Greenwood, S.C.

Jeff Montjoy, an avid hunter and longtime member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, introduced his wife to sporting clay shooting after learning about the sport from a friend. What began as a hobby quickly turned into an obsession the couple credits with helping them meet new friends and make their 20-year marriage better than ever.

“Shooting sporting clays is mine and my husband’s shared obsession, and we are great friends because we spend so much time together on the shooting course,” Lynn Montjoy said. “If we don’t head to the range every weekend and shoot at least 100 clays, we just don’t feel right. Thanks to shooting, Jeff’s and my marriage is even stronger than before.”

The Montjoys, along with other professional and recreational shooters, will get the chance to break up to 350 registered targets during the NWTF’s 15th annual Turkey Shoot at The Meadows National Gun Club in Forsyth, Ga. Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, 2008.

The Turkey Shoot is one of the largest sporting clays events in the country for men, women and youth of all skill levels. Six hundred shooters will vie for $100,000 in cash and prizes, including a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe that contestants can enter to win through a donation.

Sporting clays is a form of clay pigeon shooting in which clay targets are thrown to simulate hunting scenarios. Some enthusiasts have referred to the challenging sport as “golf with a shotgun.”

Hard-nosed competition and the chance to meet new friends with the same interests draw the Montjoys to the Turkey Shoot each year. Jeff Montjoy has competed in the event for the past five years, and Lynn Montjoy has competed for three years.

“Jeff and I always make a point to attend the Turkey Shoot because there is no other event like it,” Lynn Montjoy said. “I love competing against some of the nation’s top shooters, and I really enjoy socializing with folks who share the same interests as we do.”

Added Jeff, “Sporting clay shooting has helped us meet great people we never could have met otherwise, and there is not a better group of people than the group at Turkey Shoot. We love to gather together after a long day of shooting to talk about the targets we shot and laugh with each other over the birds we missed. That kind of camaraderie is hard to find.”

The Montjoys’ hobby also has helped them get youth in Batesburg, S.C., and Saluda, S.C., involved in the shooting sports through the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Scholastic Clay Target Program. They say the sport offers good, clean family fun, and emphasize the importance of teaching youth about gun safety.

“Involving youth in shooting sports teaches the safest and best way to handle firearms, and also encourages perseverance,” Lynn Montjoy said. “Although I didn’t grow up shooting or hunting and I only broke nine out of one hundred clays the first time I went to the shooting course, I’ve kept practicing and having fun. I am proof that trying a new hobby may lead to meeting great new friends and enjoying fun events like the Turkey Shoot.”

The NWTF’s 2008 Turkey Shoot is separated into two divisions – the highly competitive National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) Class for professional shooters and the Hunter Class for recreational shooters. In addition to the tournament, fun games are available for all shooters in a competitive but friendly atmosphere. Other shooting competitions include a sub-gauge event, NSCA-registered 12-gauge preliminary and a five-stand competition.

“We’ve got a great weekend lined up for everyone,” said Rhett Simmons, director of special events for the Federation. “The Turkey Shoot is one of the NWTF’s most popular events every year. This is a fun, challenging and safe event for shooters of all skill levels.”

Proceeds from the 2008 Turkey Shoot benefit Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF, an outreach program that provides people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy the outdoors through NWTF chapter events nationwide.

The Meadows National Gun Club is located on Interstate 75, Exit 181-Rumble Road/Smarr. Turn west 200 yards; the entrance is on the right.

2008 NWTF Turkey Shoot Sponsors:

  • ATK/Federal
  • Bad Boy Buggies
  • Bank of America
  • Baron Technology, Inc.
  • Bass Pro Shops
  • Benelli USA
  • Bibb Distributing Co.
  • Briley Manufacturing Co.
  • Browning/Simpson Sales
  • Cabela’s
  • Chevy Trucks
  • ClayShootingUSA
  • Evans Sports, Inc.
  • Gamaliel
  • Henry Repeating Arms
  • Knight Rifles
  • Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
  • Low Country BBQ
  • National Shooting Sports Foundation
  • O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.
  • Outdoor Channel
  • Plano Molding
  • Pyramex Safety Products
  • Randy Ryan
  • Remington Arms Co., Inc.
  • Sarge Knives
  • Schrade Knives
  • Sporting Clays Magazine
  • The Marlin Firearms/H&R 1871, LLC
  • U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
  • Walker’s Game Ear
  • Wild Turkey Bourbon
  • Winchester Ammunition

Kevin Paulson

Kevin Paulson is the Founder and CEO of HuntingLife.com. His passion for Hunting began at the age of 5 hunting alongside of his father. Kevin has followed his dreams through outfitting, conservation work, videography and hunting trips around the world.

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