About 40 people participated in the Meeker Sportsman’s Club’s annual Turkey Shoot on Sunday. It was the first official event at the new range location on Sulfur Creek Road. Club members had hoped to see higher numbers, but believe people are still getting used to the change in location from the old site south of town along Highway 13.
The new range — on property owned by the Club instead of leased — is about 1.4 miles after the pavement ends on Sulfur Creek Road. It provides a safe environment for target practice, sight-ins, and events for club members and hunters coming in from out of the area at the start of each season.
Turkey Shoot competitors participated in pistol and rifle events, and took home turkeys for Thanksgiving dinner. The winner of the rifle raffle was a Trappers Lake Lodge wrangler from Arizona.
According to Club President Scott Nielsen, 22 turkeys went home with participants and eight were donated to the Meeker Food Bank just in time for the holiday.
On behalf of the Club, Nielsen thanked Meeker Sand & Gravel, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Rio Blanco County, Corky Bradfield, Chris Lockwood, Todd Lewis and Alan Nielsen for their labor and donations to install shooting benches and a roof at the new range.
A Meeker Sportsman’s Club membership is $100 annually per household. Apply locally at Backcountry Outpost or Parts City, or on the website at www.meekersportsmansclub.com (application form is under Applications and Rules). The Club is open to members year-round except during hunting season and special events. Club meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at Kilowatt Korner (WREA building) at 7 p.m. Members are encouraged but not required to attend meetings and volunteer opportunities are available.
For questions about the Club, please contact Scott Nielsen at 970-878-4841.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
