Annual “turkey shoot” popular with kids and adults at AMA Sportsmen Club

Jesse Heaton assists Casey Wilton at air rifle during the Jan. 21 turkey shoot at the AMA Sportsmen’s Association.

The annual “turkey shoot” at the AMA Sportsmen’s Association was once again a hit with children, youth and adults.

The event was held recently at the club with people of all ages picking up an air rifle, being given guidance from an instructor and trying to score points on a grid superimposed on a drawing of a turkey on a paper target.

Ken Tytgat, who is the club’s vice president, said the event was open to the entire community just like it is every year.

“It’s a fun night where everyone shoots,” said Tytgat.

Prizes were awarded for all age groups with hot dogs, pop, chili and chips available for free.

“There’s no cost to anyone,” said Tytgat. “You can be a member or a non-member. It’s a free night.”

Archery is Monday nights at 7 p.m. at the AMA Sportsmen’s Club during the fall, winter and spring with air rifle on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. 

Tytgat said the “turkey shoot” is a way to expose the sport to more people and to attract new members to the club. 

It was estimated by Tytgat upwards of 150 people came through the doors of the club that night.

“We all shoot and have fun,” he said.

Tytgat said he has been a member of the AMA Sportsmen’s Association for approximately 30 years and the “turkey shoot” has been happening every year since he became involved.

Gord Meloche coaches Pam Rupert at the event.

Archery is seeing strong numbers, Tytgat stated, with 25-30 kids per night and 20-25 adults participating after the youth finish up. Air rifle is also seeing strong numbers this year, with about 20-25 youth every Wednesday, some as young as four-years-old.

“Most four-year-olds do a really good job with it,” he said. “The kids just love it.”

The next event for the AMA Sportsmen’s Association is inviting youth to help construct new wood duck boxes. That is scheduled for Feb. 8 starting at 11 a.m.

The AMA Sportsmen’s Association is located at 468 Lowes Side Road in Amherstburg. For more information, visit www.amasportsmen.com, e-mail info@amasportsmen.com or call 519-736-5706.

Annual “turkey shoot” popular with kids and adults at AMA Sportsmen Club

By Ron Giofu