Hootin an Hollarin shotgun and bow shooting competitions are Saturday morning

Hootin an Hollarin sportsmen and sportswomen can show off their shooting skills at the annual Hootin an Hollarin shotgun and archery shoot, which begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. 

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.

Missouri Department of Conservation agent Tom Leeker will oversee the shoot with help from MDC’s Mark Henry again this year. 

The event features shooting competitions in 12- or 20-gauge shotgun and bow 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. 

It costs $3 each to enter each round of competition (per shot for shotgun and per four targets on archery), and there is a 100 percent payout in Town and Country gift certificates for the winners.

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.