(SC) Guns, beer, fun mix at turkey shoots

Drizzt · December 28, 2001, 10:31 AM

Guns, beer, fun mix at turkey shoots
Some in Lexington County are exploring controls after Nov. 24 death

By JOEY HOLLEMAN Staff Writer

The Friday night turkey shoot at Gertie's Private Lounge in Edmund is one of those events your mama warned you to avoid.
It's long-necked beer bottles and long-barrel rifles. It's plenty of profanity and no prohibitions. In a roundabout way, it's gambling and grocery shopping simultaneously.

It's also a blast, which explains why dozens of people gather outside the honky-tonk on S.C. 302 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in November and December. Hundreds more gather at similar establishments throughout the state, combining their passions for firearms and fellowship in a South Carolina tradition. But no one knows exactly how many turkey shoots there are.

The death of Riley Jeffcoat Jr. at a Gilbert turkey shoot Nov. 24 has some officials calling for restrictions on the events.

According to police reports, Jeffcoat, 20, was shot by Mark Damon Anderson, 33, during a dispute about bringing a handgun into Wessinger's turkey shoot. No charges have been filed.

Lexington County Council members have asked county zoning officials to work with the Sheriff's Department to find ways to improve turkey shoot safety. The county has no rules aimed specifically at turkey shoots.

Charlie Compton, the longtime county planning director, said turkey shoots had never posed a problem for planning officials before Jeffcoat's death.

Possible regulations could set closing times or seek to limit alcohol consumption.

"Firearms and alcohol do not go well together," said County Councilman Jacob Wilkerson at a recent council meeting. "I teach a (high school) hunter safety class, and that's one of the No. 1 things you teach them is don't hunt and drink."

Law enforcement could put a crimp in turkey shoots. By state law, firearms taken from a vehicle to a place of business should be unloaded and in a lockable case. Most people arrived at Gertie's with rifles in hand, not in a case.

State law also forbids shooting a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Many at Gertie's appeared to be violating that regulation.

Greg Branton of Gaston said he doesn't drink at turkey shoots, but worries that tighter regulations could make it more difficult to run a turkey shoot.

"With what happened in Gilbert, they're going to try to shut them down," Branton said.

Jimmy Boone of Lexington said his dad first brought him to turkey shoots many years ago. He said authorities have cracked down before. It didn't work.

"If you make it illegal, it'll go underground, and it's been underground before," Boone said.

These days, turkey shoots couldn't be any more above-board. Signs advertise them in front of bars and social clubs on rural roads throughout the state.

Some offer high-class facilities, indoors with clothesline-type pulleys to send and retrieve paper targets. Most, such as Gertie's, are low-tech.

The turkey shoot at Gertie's is run out of an unfinished-looking plywood and two-by-four structure about 10 feet from the concrete-block building. Two naked light bulbs hang from what could have been the ceiling. Participants and onlookers keep warm around a fire in an old oil drum.

Michael Ray runs the turkey shoot for bar owner Al Kimble. Shooters pay him $2 for a chance to win a frozen turkey, ham or pork roast. For their money, they get a wooden block with a number that corresponds to one written on the back of a paper target.

The bull's-eye is tacked on a wooden pole about 60 feet away. Ray gives the shooter a 12-gauge shotgun shell packed with high-velocity game load.

Then, it's aim and shoot. Some take their time. Some shoot quickly. Some bend over and use the two-by-four frame for support. Others just spread their feet for a firm stance. Some use a shotgun provided by the bar. Most use their own rifles. Handguns aren't allowed.

The pellets in the shell scatter, making it nearly impossible to miss the target. But that also makes it a game of chance. The winning target is the one with a pellet hole closest to the target cross hairs.

After a round of shooting, Ray spreads the targets on a table and everyone helps determine a winner. One target with 10 holes in its smallest circle could lose to another that has only one hole right on the cross hairs.

"It's about 50-50 - 50 percent skill and 50 percent luck," Branton said.

Branton, one of the few not drinking at the shoot, makes himself look like a liar. He and Lee Spires wear camouflage hunting gear and carry shiny rifles. They seem to be professional shooters. Most of the rest look like they came for the beer and the laughs.

Branton wins the first round in which he competes.

"He comes down here with camo and a choke about two feet long on his gun; he ought to win," said Dan Essel of South Congaree. The comment, like most at the shoot, prompts loud laughter.

Winning isn't a priority here. Everyone loves to tell about a turkey-shoot novice who came out the previous night and beat the veterans.

"He never shot a gun before," said Ron Gay of Gaston. "He wanted to know where the turkey was. He thought we had a real turkey to shoot.

"And then he won!"

Essel said he and his teen-age son "won five pieces of meat last weekend. I'm unemployed right now, so I'm filling my freezer up."

Drinking-age males make up most of the crowd, but women and boys get in a few shots. State law allows children younger than 18 to use rifles under their parents' supervision. The youngest, 3-year-old Alex Kimble, pulls the trigger after his father, Kevin, aims the rifle.

"Did you win Mommy a turkey?" asks Alex's mother, Shellie Kimble. He didn't, but his disappointment lasts only a few seconds before he is running circles in the parking lot.

Throughout the night, the effects of alcohol begin to show on some of the shooters. They slur their words and wobble on their feet. But every time they take a shot, they hit the target.

Ray said the only precaution he takes is to stand behind the shooters, ready to steady them if they need help. He said he's never had any problems at the Gertie's turkey shoot.

"They've had some problems inside," he said, pointing toward the bar. "Out here, they're just having a good time."

http://web.thestate.com/content/colu...eyshoot27a.htm

....... and we wonder why so many have such a skewed opinion of firearms enthusiasts?

SkySlash · December 28, 2001, 10:46 AM

Interesting contest...

First I've ever heard of a "Turkey Shoot."

-SS

Doug444 · December 28, 2001, 11:10 AM

Anyone who brings a rifle to a turkey shoot, then trys to shoot a 12 ga. shotshell throught it, shouldn't have a gun. Obviously, the writer doesn't know the difference. No surprise there

Doug444

Lennyjoe · December 28, 2001, 11:18 AM

I've been to quite a few turkey shoots in the past. I can tell you this, if I see someone out there drinking beer or any liquor for that matter then I'm outta there. Im a firm believer in the fact that ALCOHOL AND GUNS DONT MIX!!!

yankytrash · December 28, 2001, 11:40 AM

We booze it up at our local turkey shoots here in Tidewater Virginia, but I like the way the turkey shoot promoters and hunt clubs do it - we get the shooting part out of the way early, and the boozin goes on at night with the guns locked back up in the trucks.

Fact of the matter is, most turkey shoots are the way the hunters wind down from a long week of huntin and/or workin. No matter how much some of us may protest, the boozin is always going to be a big part of it for most (although, there are quite a few local churches around here that have tea-toteler turkey shoots).

Maybe instead of turning away from the boozin turkey shoots, you could do what I do - start a few conversations with the guns-n-liquor mixers about the erosions of the 2nd, and the anti's perception of "rednecks with guns". You might find that quite a few would rather set down their drink, as opposed to their gun, for the evening. You might even sign up a few new recruits for your local gun group.

Sharing stories like the one in this thread is a good place to start one of those conversations. Educate, rather than condemn. Remember that we're all on the same side.

Showing fear and disgust of your fellow gun enthusiast is exactly what tears apart the pro-gun movement.

Lennyjoe · December 28, 2001, 08:09 PM

I agree with boozing it up after the shooting is over and the weapons are secure.

Yankytrash, I'll have a Tecate and a shot of Jose Cuervo please

G23CT · December 28, 2001, 08:56 PM

Go ahead - have an empty can in your car at one of our turkey shoots and see how long we let you stay...

Hippie · December 28, 2001, 09:10 PM

While Im not in favor of drinking and shooting at the same time one point jumps out and hits ya. These matches have been going on for years and years with no problems. One death is now and excuse for the state to take over and regulate it, simply because guns are involved. Seems to me that compared to most other types of entertainment turkey shoots have a pretty good record, booze or not. I wonder why the state doesnt outlaw mountian climbing...after all folks get killed every year doing that dont they?
I've shot at a few turkey shoots, and there was perhaps a few beers downed, but not a big deal as far as I was concerned.
One thing they don't seem to go into, was this an accident or a murder?? Did the guy with the pistol shoot someone or did someone with a shotgun shoot the pistolero?? Just wondering.
Regardless, I'm not anxious to have a few more laws on the books. What good would 'closed cases' have done anyone in this situation?? Was the shooter or the shootee actually drunk, or was there just alcohol present? Again its not real plain to me.
To heck with any more meddling in folks business. I hate a guy got shot, but life by its very nature can be a risk....and in fact it wouldn't be very liveable if there wasnt.

jBrian · December 28, 2001, 09:59 PM

Jeffcoat apparently pointed a loaded pistol at someone after they refused to let him participate in the turkey shoot with a pistol (doh!). Shortly thereafter he received a load of birdshot at close range. Booze or not, the guy probably got what he deserved.

Bob Locke · December 29, 2001, 01:47 AM

Quote:

First I've ever heard of a "Turkey Shoot."

And you live in TEXAS?!? What's wrong with you, boy?

I don't have any problem with them boozing, but I'd really rather them do it AFTER they're done shooting. The thought of someone getting liquored up and THEN taking several potshots just doesn't give me a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Shoot. Drink. In that order, without repeating any steps.

Guyon · December 29, 2001, 12:16 PM

Well, that settles it... Next time I head to a turkey shoot, I'm going to take my .22. I'm pretty sure I can take out the crosshairs with it. Screw the 12 gauge. That's just for the gamblers.

Waitone · December 29, 2001, 12:56 PM

Quote:

First I've ever heard of a "Turkey Shoot."

You are kidding, right?

Maybe you guys in Tejas shoot possum on the half-shell. In my corner of the world during the fall, you can skip a rock off turkey shoot signs. Fire departments use them to raise funds.

Tell me you jest!

freeride21a · December 29, 2001, 03:55 PM

alchehol makes me aim me gun better. i am much more stedie. j/k

there is even a famous gary cooper movie with a big scene about turkey shooting, "Sgt. York"

David Park · December 30, 2001, 09:23 AM

I agree that, unless someone mistook him for a turkey, Jeffcoat's death has nothing to do with the safety of turkey shoots.

BTW, I only recently learned of turkey shoots, and that was from an issue of National Geographic!

Charmedlyfe · December 30, 2001, 11:04 AM

Discharging a firearm while underthe influence of alcohol is ALREADY illegal in SC (have made that charge myself). This is simply a scum-sucking jerk of a Sheriff (DOCtah James Metts) trying to grandstand and get in the papers.

December 28, 2001, 10:31 AM	#1
Drizzt Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: Going Out of My Head at a Rapid Pace..... Posts: 2,511	(SC) Guns, beer, fun mix at turkey shoots Guns, beer, fun mix at turkey shoots Some in Lexington County are exploring controls after Nov. 24 death By JOEY HOLLEMAN Staff Writer The Friday night turkey shoot at Gertie's Private Lounge in Edmund is one of those events your mama warned you to avoid. It's long-necked beer bottles and long-barrel rifles. It's plenty of profanity and no prohibitions. In a roundabout way, it's gambling and grocery shopping simultaneously. It's also a blast, which explains why dozens of people gather outside the honky-tonk on S.C. 302 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in November and December. Hundreds more gather at similar establishments throughout the state, combining their passions for firearms and fellowship in a South Carolina tradition. But no one knows exactly how many turkey shoots there are. The death of Riley Jeffcoat Jr. at a Gilbert turkey shoot Nov. 24 has some officials calling for restrictions on the events. According to police reports, Jeffcoat, 20, was shot by Mark Damon Anderson, 33, during a dispute about bringing a handgun into Wessinger's turkey shoot. No charges have been filed. Lexington County Council members have asked county zoning officials to work with the Sheriff's Department to find ways to improve turkey shoot safety. The county has no rules aimed specifically at turkey shoots. Charlie Compton, the longtime county planning director, said turkey shoots had never posed a problem for planning officials before Jeffcoat's death. Possible regulations could set closing times or seek to limit alcohol consumption. "Firearms and alcohol do not go well together," said County Councilman Jacob Wilkerson at a recent council meeting. "I teach a (high school) hunter safety class, and that's one of the No. 1 things you teach them is don't hunt and drink." Law enforcement could put a crimp in turkey shoots. By state law, firearms taken from a vehicle to a place of business should be unloaded and in a lockable case. Most people arrived at Gertie's with rifles in hand, not in a case. State law also forbids shooting a firearm while under the influence of alcohol. Many at Gertie's appeared to be violating that regulation. Greg Branton of Gaston said he doesn't drink at turkey shoots, but worries that tighter regulations could make it more difficult to run a turkey shoot. "With what happened in Gilbert, they're going to try to shut them down," Branton said. Jimmy Boone of Lexington said his dad first brought him to turkey shoots many years ago. He said authorities have cracked down before. It didn't work. "If you make it illegal, it'll go underground, and it's been underground before," Boone said. These days, turkey shoots couldn't be any more above-board. Signs advertise them in front of bars and social clubs on rural roads throughout the state. Some offer high-class facilities, indoors with clothesline-type pulleys to send and retrieve paper targets. Most, such as Gertie's, are low-tech. The turkey shoot at Gertie's is run out of an unfinished-looking plywood and two-by-four structure about 10 feet from the concrete-block building. Two naked light bulbs hang from what could have been the ceiling. Participants and onlookers keep warm around a fire in an old oil drum. Michael Ray runs the turkey shoot for bar owner Al Kimble. Shooters pay him $2 for a chance to win a frozen turkey, ham or pork roast. For their money, they get a wooden block with a number that corresponds to one written on the back of a paper target. The bull's-eye is tacked on a wooden pole about 60 feet away. Ray gives the shooter a 12-gauge shotgun shell packed with high-velocity game load. Then, it's aim and shoot. Some take their time. Some shoot quickly. Some bend over and use the two-by-four frame for support. Others just spread their feet for a firm stance. Some use a shotgun provided by the bar. Most use their own rifles. Handguns aren't allowed. The pellets in the shell scatter, making it nearly impossible to miss the target. But that also makes it a game of chance. The winning target is the one with a pellet hole closest to the target cross hairs. After a round of shooting, Ray spreads the targets on a table and everyone helps determine a winner. One target with 10 holes in its smallest circle could lose to another that has only one hole right on the cross hairs. "It's about 50-50 - 50 percent skill and 50 percent luck," Branton said. Branton, one of the few not drinking at the shoot, makes himself look like a liar. He and Lee Spires wear camouflage hunting gear and carry shiny rifles. They seem to be professional shooters. Most of the rest look like they came for the beer and the laughs. Branton wins the first round in which he competes. "He comes down here with camo and a choke about two feet long on his gun; he ought to win," said Dan Essel of South Congaree. The comment, like most at the shoot, prompts loud laughter. Winning isn't a priority here. Everyone loves to tell about a turkey-shoot novice who came out the previous night and beat the veterans. "He never shot a gun before," said Ron Gay of Gaston. "He wanted to know where the turkey was. He thought we had a real turkey to shoot. "And then he won!" Essel said he and his teen-age son "won five pieces of meat last weekend. I'm unemployed right now, so I'm filling my freezer up." Drinking-age males make up most of the crowd, but women and boys get in a few shots. State law allows children younger than 18 to use rifles under their parents' supervision. The youngest, 3-year-old Alex Kimble, pulls the trigger after his father, Kevin, aims the rifle. "Did you win Mommy a turkey?" asks Alex's mother, Shellie Kimble. He didn't, but his disappointment lasts only a few seconds before he is running circles in the parking lot. Throughout the night, the effects of alcohol begin to show on some of the shooters. They slur their words and wobble on their feet. But every time they take a shot, they hit the target. Ray said the only precaution he takes is to stand behind the shooters, ready to steady them if they need help. He said he's never had any problems at the Gertie's turkey shoot. "They've had some problems inside," he said, pointing toward the bar. "Out here, they're just having a good time." http://web.thestate.com/content/colu...eyshoot27a.htm ....... and we wonder why so many have such a skewed opinion of firearms enthusiasts? __________________ "That a free citizen should have to go before a committee, hat in hand, and pray for permission to bear arms - fantastic! Arm your daughter, sir, and pay no attention to petty bureaucrats." Robert Heinlein - Red Planet

December 28, 2001, 10:46 AM	#2
SkySlash Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2001 Location: Mansfield, TX Posts: 496	Interesting contest... First I've ever heard of a "Turkey Shoot." -SS __________________ There's no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. When there aren't enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws.

December 28, 2001, 11:18 AM	#4
Lennyjoe Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2001 Location: Sunny Tucson Arizona Posts: 1,097	I've been to quite a few turkey shoots in the past. I can tell you this, if I see someone out there drinking beer or any liquor for that matter then I'm outta there. Im a firm believer in the fact that ALCOHOL AND GUNS DONT MIX!!! __________________ If you see a Military man or a Vet, stop him and say "Thanks".

December 28, 2001, 11:40 AM	#5
yankytrash Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2001 Location: Farnham, Va Posts: 2,176	We booze it up at our local turkey shoots here in Tidewater Virginia, but I like the way the turkey shoot promoters and hunt clubs do it - we get the shooting part out of the way early, and the boozin goes on at night with the guns locked back up in the trucks. Fact of the matter is, most turkey shoots are the way the hunters wind down from a long week of huntin and/or workin. No matter how much some of us may protest, the boozin is always going to be a big part of it for most (although, there are quite a few local churches around here that have tea-toteler turkey shoots). Maybe instead of turning away from the boozin turkey shoots, you could do what I do - start a few conversations with the guns-n-liquor mixers about the erosions of the 2nd, and the anti's perception of "rednecks with guns". You might find that quite a few would rather set down their drink, as opposed to their gun, for the evening. You might even sign up a few new recruits for your local gun group. Sharing stories like the one in this thread is a good place to start one of those conversations. Educate, rather than condemn. Remember that we're all on the same side. Showing fear and disgust of your fellow gun enthusiast is exactly what tears apart the pro-gun movement. __________________ Right turn, Clyde.

December 28, 2001, 08:09 PM	#6
Lennyjoe Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2001 Location: Sunny Tucson Arizona Posts: 1,097	I agree with boozing it up after the shooting is over and the weapons are secure. Yankytrash, I'll have a Tecate and a shot of Jose Cuervo please __________________ If you see a Military man or a Vet, stop him and say "Thanks".

December 28, 2001, 11:10 AM	#3
Doug444 Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2001 Location: Draper, UT Posts: 254	Anyone who brings a rifle to a turkey shoot, then trys to shoot a 12 ga. shotshell throught it, shouldn't have a gun. Obviously, the writer doesn't know the difference. No surprise there Doug444

December 28, 2001, 08:56 PM	#7
G23CT Member Join Date: November 9, 2000 Posts: 77	Go ahead - have an empty can in your car at one of our turkey shoots and see how long we let you stay...

December 28, 2001, 09:10 PM	#8
Hippie Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2001 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 203	While Im not in favor of drinking and shooting at the same time one point jumps out and hits ya. These matches have been going on for years and years with no problems. One death is now and excuse for the state to take over and regulate it, simply because guns are involved. Seems to me that compared to most other types of entertainment turkey shoots have a pretty good record, booze or not. I wonder why the state doesnt outlaw mountian climbing...after all folks get killed every year doing that dont they? I've shot at a few turkey shoots, and there was perhaps a few beers downed, but not a big deal as far as I was concerned. One thing they don't seem to go into, was this an accident or a murder?? Did the guy with the pistol shoot someone or did someone with a shotgun shoot the pistolero?? Just wondering. Regardless, I'm not anxious to have a few more laws on the books. What good would 'closed cases' have done anyone in this situation?? Was the shooter or the shootee actually drunk, or was there just alcohol present? Again its not real plain to me. To heck with any more meddling in folks business. I hate a guy got shot, but life by its very nature can be a risk....and in fact it wouldn't be very liveable if there wasnt.

December 28, 2001, 09:59 PM	#9
jBrian Junior Member Join Date: July 20, 2001 Location: Athens, Ga Posts: 7	Jeffcoat apparently pointed a loaded pistol at someone after they refused to let him participate in the turkey shoot with a pistol (doh!). Shortly thereafter he received a load of birdshot at close range. Booze or not, the guy probably got what he deserved.

December 29, 2001, 12:16 PM	#11
Guyon Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2000 Location: Over the Hills and Through the Woods, Tennessee Posts: 1,207	Well, that settles it... Next time I head to a turkey shoot, I'm going to take my .22. I'm pretty sure I can take out the crosshairs with it. Screw the 12 gauge. That's just for the gamblers. __________________ Gun control should just be about hitting your target.

December 29, 2001, 03:55 PM	#13
freeride21a Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2001 Location: occupied state of kommiefornia Posts: 274	but but ubt.... alchehol makes me aim me gun better. i am much more stedie. j/k there is even a famous gary cooper movie with a big scene about turkey shooting, "Sgt. York"

December 30, 2001, 09:23 AM	#14
David Park Senior Member Join Date: June 29, 2001 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 1,225	I agree that, unless someone mistook him for a turkey, Jeffcoat's death has nothing to do with the safety of turkey shoots. BTW, I only recently learned of turkey shoots, and that was from an issue of National Geographic!

December 30, 2001, 11:04 AM	#15
Charmedlyfe Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2000 Location: SC Posts: 799	Discharging a firearm while underthe influence of alcohol is ALREADY illegal in SC (have made that charge myself). This is simply a scum-sucking jerk of a Sheriff (DOCtah James Metts) trying to grandstand and get in the papers.