MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Aiming in downrange at a paper target 25 yards away, more than 500 service members, civilians and their families tested their shooting skills during the Rod and Gun Club's annual Turkey Shoot at the old skeet range Saturday.
At $1 per shot, relays of 20 participants lined up in front of the targets using a 410-, 12-, 16- or 20-guage shotgun in an attempt to shoot the paper turkey dead center for their chance to take home a real Thanksgiving turkey or ham of their own.
The Turkey Shoot, which started in 1941, is one of the club's most well-known annual events.
"We do it to give back to the community," said Darrell Hilton, chairman of the board of directors for the Rod and Gun Club. "There are a lot of young people that really love to come out and shoot. We have even had guys come up from North Augusta, [Ga.,] just to participate."
Some may have come just to try and win a turkey, but most participants came for the fun.
"It's about family tradition ... my family has been coming every year for six years," said Maj. Brian Bartholf, Air Combat Element operations officer for Marine Aircraft Group-31. "I love just coming out here and seeing people having a good time."
The shoot started at 7:30 a.m. and continued long after the sun went down, like it has in past years.
"Sometimes we have been out here so late, we had to shine a spotlight on the targets just to see," said Hilton.
Many shooters also brought their families to get a taste of the shooting experience.
"This is one of the few opportunities for families to enjoy shooting sports," said Navy Capt. Bill Butt, general dentist for MCAS Beaufort and father of two. "Last year we were very fortunate and won two turkeys. My boys had been looking forward to this for a long time."
For longtime members, the shoot helped club members continue the tradition that started for them more than 60 years ago.
For newcomers, it was an experience they can continue to share with family and friends year after year - whether they take home a turkey or not.
"Everybody just has a good time ... we have a lot of fun," said Hilton. "We're going to keep doing it every year."
All the money raised in the shoot will go toward funding future Rod and Gun Club events. To become a member of the club, all are invited to attend the bi-weekly meetings, which take place the first and third Monday of every month at 6 p.m. To learn more about future events, call Hilton at 252-2237.