Ochopee
by Denise Wauters
Forget the couch. This weekend there are targets to hit, burgers to eat, and Bass Pro gift cards with your name on them.
The Everglades City Lions Club Annual Turkey Shoot is happening Saturday and Sunday at Mayberry Cypress Tower Camp out in Ochopee, and if you’ve never been to one of these, you are genuinely missing out.
So What Is a Turkey Shoot, Exactly?
You show up. You pay for a round. You shoot. Closest shot to center wins the pot — 50/50 cash straight to the winner. Simple, satisfying, and a whole lot of fun.
Rounds are $5, $10, or $20, and the Lions Club supplies all the ammo. All you need to bring is your shotgun and your competitive spirit.
No shotgun? They’ve got you covered. Show up anyway.
The Prizes Are No Joke
Beyond the 50/50 rounds, there are raffle prizes and door prizes throughout both days — including Bass Pro Shops gift cards worth $150, $250, and $500. You don’t even have to be the best shot in the field to walk away with something good.
A Few Things to Know
All shotguns stay unloaded and on the gun racks when you’re not on the line. You’ll sign a quick waiver before you shoot. That’s about it for the fine print — the rest is just showing up and having fun.
First-timers, don’t overthink it. Nobody out there was born knowing how to shoot. Half the crowd is just there to try it, laugh a little, and see what happens.
Make a Full Day of It
The Lions Club Chuck Wagon will be firing up burgers and hot dogs on-site, so stick around between rounds. Bring the kids. Bring the grandkids. Bring whoever needs to get off their phone for a few hours.
Saturday runs 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sunday is noon to 5:00 pm. Mayberry Cypress Tower Camp is at 18101 Cypress Tower Rd in Ochopee.
Bring cash. Wear comfortable shoes. Come hungry.
Questions or Want to Help?
To donate prizes or ask questions before the event, reach out to Lions Club President Cecil Barker at ccbarker612@gmail.com.
You may also be interested in Everybody in Everglades City Has Eaten Their Food – Not Everybody Knows Their Story or exploring everything there is to Hunt in the Everglades Region.
