Welcome back, outdoor people.

The turkey shoot season opened on Oct. 15 at the Bronco Rod & Gun Club outside Franklin.

The cost of shoots ranges from $3 to $10, depending on the prizes offered. Proceeds go toward maintenance of the club and support of the club’s many activities.

Shooters won hams, steaks and other food items plus sporting equipment. While most events use shotgun targets, there are .22 rim fire events and special relays for juniors. The shoots are staffed by a dozen club members.

Turkey Shoot Chairman Jimmy Holland said the shoots will start every Friday at 7 p.m. and last until about 11, depending on the number of participants. The last shoot will be on Dec. 10.

A turkey shoot on a Friday night is a good place for hunters to gather and gain, or share information with friends without missing a day in the field. I would encourage everyone to come out. You should have a great time doing so.

The Bronco Rod & Gun Club has been in around 60 years and is owned, maintained and operated by 120 regular and 80 retired members. The group provides the use of its facilities for about 30 area organizations each year.

The Friday night turkey shoots have been a tradition for 25 years.

The club is on Delaware Road near Route 258. Formerly a company-owned property of Union Camp and International Paper employees, it was donated to the membership this year by International Paper Co.

Contact Joe Stutts at 562-7939 for additional information regarding the turkey shoot. Keep reading The Tidewater News for more information regarding this organization.

Another turkey shoot

Severn Volunteer Fire Department will hold a turkey shoot every Thursday night in November at the Severn ball field on Highway 35 in North Carolina. The turkey shoots will start at 7 p.m., and a concession stand will be available with hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecue, homemade chili, slaw and other hand-prepared items.

There will be a $100 drawing at the end of each turkey shoot. The winner must be present. For more information, call (252) 585-0411.

Hunting with the boys

Ok, about my trip to North Carolina with my 16-year-old twins, Robert and David. David started the day soaking himself with buck lure because of a loose cap. I told him I prefer putting it on the ground around my stand, but everyone has their own methods that work for them.

Robert learned a hard lesson about patience. He picked a stand where a nice 8- point had been spotted several times this fall, but around 10:30 in the morning, he decided to move.

At 4 p.m., that very deer was seen within the shooting lanes of the stand he had given up on. As I said before, I have been there for the lessons learned as well as the success.

Next weekend Robert has recommitted himself to that stand for the day.

One additional lesson was taught by Mother Nature. Wind is a difficult thing to overcome, but it was still a beautiful day in the outdoors. We did see numerous deer and bear, but no shooters, and everyone went home safe with all of their fingers and toes.

Once again, if you have news or a good story about the outdoors, please e-mail the information to greyhound77@cox.net. Please be safe while enjoying the outdoors, and just like your Momma says, pick up after yourselves.

BOB RUDZIK is a Newsoms resident. His e-mail address is greyhound77@cox.net.