Lizella Baptist puts on Easter turkey shoot

It may not be the typical Easter outing, but the men of Lizella Baptist Church are inviting area men, women and children to their first Easter Turkey Shoot.

“We’ve had turkey shoots in November and December for years and this year decided to add one for Easter,” said Damon Lawson, who leads Lizella Baptist’s men’s ministry.

Lawson admits a turkey shoot isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Easter, but said its intent is fully in the Easter spirit.

“It’s a chance to get out, have a little fun and enjoy some fellowship together,” he said. “It’s also a chance to make sure our friends and neighbors have the opportunity to learn what Easter is all about and hear about the Gospel and Jesus’ Resurrection. Plus, if you shoot well you can take home a frozen turkey or a cooked ham. We’ll be cooking the hams all night before the shoot so they’ll be fresh, hot and ready to go.”

Lawson said the event is April 15, the Saturday before Easter, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lizella Baptist Church on S. Lizella Road in Lizella. From U.S. 80, Lawson said turn south on S. Lizella Road or enter the property directly from U.S. 80. He said there will be signs.

“Cost is $5 per shot and we furnish the ammo and the targets,” Lawson said. “People bring their own shotguns, which are laid out on a table where participants can choose any shotgun on hand to compete with. In fact, one of the big attractions of our shoots is getting to see all the guns — some are antiques and some just really good shooters. It doesn’t take long for people to learn which ones are winning and start picking those first. But seeing some of them, it’s almost like going to a museum. A lot of guys just enjoy showing off their shotguns.”

Lawson said the competition works in rounds with winners in the various rounds. He said there will be 10 hams and 10 turkeys to give away.

He said the church’s other turkey shoots draw good crowds and he hopes this one will do the same.

“It’s just a good time,” he said. “People come on their own or parents can bring their sons and daughters and make a day of it. We have some women who are really fine shots. As far as age, if kids can hold the gun and shoot safely, they can enter. In fact, one year there was a boy who held the gun to his shoulder and his father had to hold the barrel up — and he won a turkey!”

Lawson, who is a lieutenant with the Macon-Bibb Fire Department, said the church’s other holiday turkey shoots this year will be Nov. 11 and Dec. 16. He also said he is a member of the Gideons International ministry and that there will be free New Testaments available at the Easter shoot for those who want them.

“Come on out and shoot,” he said. “We’re a real friendly group and there’ll be some free snacks and drinks. The Easter shoot is $5, instead of $3 like our other two, because it costs more adding the hams as prizes at Easter. We price it to just cover costs. We want people to come, have fun and to hear why there is an Easter.”

This story was originally published April 7, 2017 at 7:02 AM with the headline "Lizella Baptist puts on Easter turkey shoot."