2023 NWTF Turkey Shoot
More than 370 shotgunners compete in the 2023 NWTF Turkey Shoot in middle Georgia, promoting the shooting sports, our outdoor lifestyle and raising funds for wild turkey conservation work.
The Meadows Clay Sports in Forsyth, Georgia, played host to the National Wild Turkey Federation’s annual Turkey Shoot Aug. 10-13, raising critical funds for wild turkey conservation efforts and hunting heritage events nationwide.
“The NWTF Turkey Shoot is always a great event,” said Rhett Simmons, NWTF Palmetto Shooting Complex manager and long-time Turkey Shoot organizer. “It’s good to see everyone, enjoy the challenging targets, participate in the shooting sports we love, all in the name of helping to further the NWTF’s conservation efforts.”
The highlight of the three-day shoot was the 200-target main event, won by Mike Benton, who fired a 193 to top runner-up Kevin Demichiel. Demichiel shot a final-day 99 but came up one target short of Benton during the two-day main event. Clint Hinton shot a 191 to place third, while also winning the Super Sporting, 20-gauge and 28-gauge divisions.
“I’ve been shooting at the NWTF Turkey Shoot about 20 years now, mostly for the camaraderie, and have gotten close to winning a couple of times,” Benton said. “With fellow shooters like Gary Pyron just one target out starting Sunday and Kevin DeMichiel shooting a 99 on day two, it came as a surprise I was able to pull out a win. I appreciate all the sportsmanship, congratulating calls, texts and conversations from all my fellow shooters. This win was for my dad, Sony, who passed away in October. Rest in peace, Pop.”
A Saturday night social event featured a dinner, raffles, auctions and the chance to win other awesome NWTF gear. The NWTF Turkey Shoot was sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, Benelli, Federal, Sportsman’s Guide, TETRA and TriStar.