Oct 29, 2006 By Rod Schoener 2 min read

The area’s oldest and most prestigious rifle shoot is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 5 as Carmichaels Sportsmen’s Club hosts the 18th annual Tri-County Sporting Deer Rifle Shoot on that day. Sign-up starts at 11 a.m., and competition will take place from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

Entry fee is $10.

The shoot has been a local fixture for 28 years for it began in 1978 as the Greene County Deer Rifle Shoot, but the name and scope of the shoot were changed in an effort to attract shooters from surrounding counties.

What makes the shoot unique for this area is that each shooter fires a box of ammunition (20 rounds) through the course of the afternoon – more if he/she is involved in a shoot-off.

Four five-shot relays are held with shooters assuming a different position for each relay. The positions are prone; seated with a hay bale for support; kneeling and standing (offhand).

Shooters are not permitted to turn scopes above nine power, and slings cannot be used as a shooting aids.

Any deer hunting rifle can be used as long as it is at least .243 caliber or larger. Heavy barrel and varmint rifles are not permitted.

The shoot is as much about fellowship as shooting.

Most participants go just to have fun and renew old friendships.

The overall meet winner receives the championship trophy. The second best shooter is declared the Master Class champion and the third best Master Class runner-up.

The scores are then totaled and averaged, and a Sportsman Class trophy is awarded. In addition, trophies are awarded to the top junior shooters, and a trophy is given to the top female shooter.

For the three down positions, 100-yard, standard NRA bullseye targets are used. A full-size deer silhouette target is used for the offhand shooting with various vital areas scoring accordingly.

This type of shooting is not as easy as it may appear.

Over the years, the record has gradually crept toward that perfect 200, but to my knowledge, nobody has reached that plateau.

Some of the highest scores I could find came in 1996 and 1997.

If you want to sharpen your skills under a little pressure? Stop over and join the fun.

Ear protection is mandatory. Eye protection is optional but it is recommended.

Door prizes are awarded at the end of the shoot, and just about everybody wins something.

Food and refreshments are available all day.