FORSYTH, Ga.— Shooters from around the country are chomping at the bit to shatter clay targets at the National Wild Turkey Federation’s 15th annual Turkey Shoot, held Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, 2008 at The Meadows National Gun Club in Forsyth, Ga.
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.”
For tips on how shooters can bust more clays at this year’s Turkey Shoot, the NWTF recently spoke with expert shooter Rick Hemingway. The humble Georgetown, S.C., native has won more than 150 shotgun tournaments during his career, and estimates that he’s shot an astounding 350,000 to 400,000 shells during practice and competition.
Hemingway is the current National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) South Carolina state champion, a two-time NSCA southeastern regional champion and has also finished as high as seventh place in the NSCA national championship.
The first piece of advice Hemingway offered was for shooters to make sure their shotgun fits their body.
“Think of your shotgun as an extension of your body,” Hemingway said. “Everyone’s body is different, and if holding your gun doesn’t feel comfortable and natural to you, you will be fighting it every step of the way and most likely shooting off target,” he explained. To get the best possible fit from your shotgun, Hemingway noted that having a gun shop customize the stock and shoulder pad of your gun can work wonders on a shooter’s hit ratio.
Hemingway also said that spending just an hour with a professional shooting coach can reveal flaws in a shooter’s form that he or she may not recognize.
“It really helps to have a trained professional evaluate your shooting stance,” Hemingway said. “Doing so will help eliminate bad habits that could keep you from shattering more targets.”
Hemingway also suggests using an improved cylinder choke instead of a modified choke. The improved cylinder choke gives a wider pattern than the modified choke, he says, and a wider shot pattern improves the chances of seeing the target explode into a cloud of dust.
When choosing shot shells, Hemingway says he prefers a low-power, #8 shell with a 2 ¾ to 3 dram rating. “I’ve seen a lot of people use high-powered shells and flinch due to fear of the recoil,” he said. “By using 2 ¾ or 3 dram shells, I can calmly zero in on the target and pull the trigger instead of flinching due to anticipating recoil. Plus, by using shells full of #8 shot, I get more pellets in the air to improve my odds of crushing the target.”
Hemingway’s final tip was to have a great time; something he says is very easy to do at the NWTF’s Turkey Shoot.
“The NWTF Turkey Shoot is always one of the premier events on my list,” he said. “It’s a fun-loving crowd, and the prizes the NWTF offers are some of the best for the money that you’ll find anywhere. I always have a great time,” Hemingway added.
The total prize package for the Turkey Shoot totals more than $100,000, including a raffle for a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Rhett Simmons, NWTF director of special events, noted that the Turkey Shoot offers a competitive but friendly environment for shooters of all skill levels. Proceeds from the NWTF Turkey Shoot will benefit Wheelin’ Sportsmen NWTF, an outreach program that provides opportunities for men and women with disabilities to enjoy outdoor recreation activities.
“This is an exciting event the whole family can participate in, and we welcome everyone to come out and join us for an action-packed weekend as we help raise money for a great cause,” said Simmons.
Entries for the 15th annual NWTF Turkey Shoot are going fast. To register, visit http://www.nwtf.org/special_events/turkey_shoot.html.
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
