2018 Hootin an Hollarin Shotgun and archery will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday
Robert Merriman and a group of other competitors prepare to take their shot at a target during the 2017 Hootin an Hollarin shotgun shoot as MDC agent Jerry Kiger watches.
Three archers watch as MDC agent Tom Leeker, right, works to remove arrows from a deer target during the 2017 Hootin an Hollarin archery competition.
Hootin an Hollarin sportsmen and sportswomen can show off their shooting skills at the annual Hootin an Hollarin gun and archery shoot, which begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. The event, sometimes referred to as the “turkey shoot,” is always well attended by spectators as well as participants. It’s held across Highway 160 from the Gainesville square in the grassy area near the Barney Douglas Bridge.
The event, managed by Missouri Department of Conservation agents Jerry Kiger and Tom Leeker, features shooting competitions in shotgun and archery categories. In the shotgun competition, shooters test their skill by taking aim at paper targets. For the archery portion, competitors shoot 3D targets (generally three different animals and one block target). Multiple matches in each category will be held to involve all participants who want to compete. Competitors can choose to compete in one or both categories.
Those wishing to participate should register just before 9 a.m. at the competition site. Participants in the archery category should bring their own bow and at least four arrows. Participants in the shotgun competition should bring their own firearm; shotgun ammunition will be provided. The event generally takes less than an hour to complete.