NO, A REDNECK DOESN'T SHOW UP IN A PICKUP TRUCK AND TURN A BUNCH OF BIRDS LOOSE!
Baldwin American Legion Post 99 began holding Turkey Shoots in the 1950's (exact month and year not known) and the contestants shoot at individual targets (see picture. Originally, the targets were placed on ten (10) individual posts at different heights. The object was and is to get a shot (BB) to hit the cross hairs in the center of the target or get as close a possible to become the WINNER. This is a fund raiser for the Post and the Son's of the American Legion in current days. One shoot = (10) contestants competing for a prize, usually meat, (hams, steaks, chops, frozen turkey, Boston butts, etc.) The cost when it began was $2.00 for each shoot. The value of the Winner's prize was an is still in the $10.00 to $15.00 range. Current shoot entry fee is $3.00 per shot. When it began, Post 99 furnished the ammunition, which is primarily 12 GA, with 1-1/8 oz or No. 8 shot. The post had at the beginning, ammunition in 12, 16 and 20 GA shells. Today, Squadron 99 provides ammunition, 12 GA, with 1-1/8 oz or No. 8 shot to insure each shooter has the same type and load of ammunition. The shooter brings his own shotgun. If he or she does not have a shotgun, they are allowed to use anyone that is in the rack. When it began, the shooting range had ten (10) individual shooting stations. That was reduced to one due to modifications made in the 1990's to the post parking lot. A new Target pit with back top was constructed surrounded by logs or poles on three sides. Provisions were made to hang two (2) targets in the pit in an alternating fashion. The distance then and now from the shooter to the target is 100 feet.
The Turkey shoots are an ongoing activity at Post 99. They normally run from October through April the following year. When a Full slate is going to be run, it is set up by the following schedule: 1) Legion and Son's (SAL) Shoot, 2nd Sunday each month. Special: Boy Scouts, set up on 4th Sunday of the month (twice a year). The shoot is open to everyone who wants to participate, whether they own a shotgun or not.
