The National Wild Turkey Federation's Turkey Shoot sporting clays tournament is one of the largest competitions of its kind in the nation.
Hundreds of shooters are scheduled to participate in the event, which will be held Aug. 13-16 at the Wild Turkey Federation's new Palmetto Shooting Complex.
The Complex is part of the organization's $18-million Hunting Heritage and Outdoor Education Center, which is under construction and scheduled for completion in 2017.
The general public is invited to attend the Turkey Shoot and, for nominal fees, can try out several shooting games, including Make-A-Break and Wobble Trap.
The Turkey Shoot "has developed an incredible following and offers a family-type atmosphere," said Wild Turkey Federation CEO George Thornton. "People return year after year to see friends and join in the fun."
The Turkey Shoot's former site was the Meadows National Gun Club in Forsyth, Georgia.
This year, $100,000 in cash and prizes will be available.
There will be a 200-target main event, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, on both Aug. 15 and 16, and a 50-target FITASC event is on the Turkey Shoot's schedule each day. Among the competitions set for Aug. 14, 15 and 16 are pump and side-by-side, 5-stand and sub-gauge.
"Golf with a gun" is a popular description of sporting clays. The course typically has shooting stations laid out on natural terrain in a large area. It is designed to offer many different types of shots and targets.
For more information about the Turkey Shoot, go online and visit www.nwtf.org/events/turkey-shoot.
The Wild Turkey Federation is at 770 Augusta Road. The organization's telephone number is 803-637-3106.
Dede Biles is a general assignment reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been with the newspaper since January 2013.