EDGEFIELD, S.C. - Three new world records were set and five world champions were crowned last weekend during the 13th annual Outdoor Connection Inc. World Wild Turkey Still Target Championships at the National Wild Turkey Federation's headquarters in Edgefield, S.C.

The event requires still target competitors to shoot from a seated position, with a shotgun, at three-inch circles from 40 yards. The number of pellets shot into the circle determines winners.

During qualifying rounds of the event, Steve Conover, of Jamestown, Ky., set a world record with a score of 45 in the 12-gauge Hunter Division; Doris Bush, of Carbondale, Ill., set a world record with a score of 30 in the Ladies 20-gauge Hunter Division; and Luke Ponder of Altenburg, Mo., set a world record of 27 in the JAKES (juniors) division.

Conover also set a new world record in the 12-gauge Open Division prior to the World Championships at an NWTF sanctioned still target shoot, Aug. 26, 2006, in Rend Lake, Ill., with a score of 45.

Steve Conover, of Jamestown, Ky., won the 12-gauge Hunter division, shooting a Browning BPS with an Indian Creek .650 choke tube and Hevi 13 ammunition.

Mike Ponder, of Altenburg, Mo., won the 12-gauge Open division, shooting a custom-built shotgun, an Indian Creek .640 choke tube and Hevi 13 ammunition.

Byron Burrell, of Statesville, N.C., won the 20-gauge Open division, shooting a 210 Savage shotgun, a Tru Glo choke tube and Hevi 13 ammunition.

Karie Willis, of Harriman, Tenn., won the Women's 20-gauge division, shooting a Remington 870 shotgun, a Rhino .575 choke tube and Hevi 13 ammunition.

John Miles, of Statesville, N.C., won the JAKES (juniors) division, shooting a Remington 11-87 shotgun, an Indian Creek choke tube and Hevi 13 ammunition.

"This year's event was one of our best ever," said Rhett Simmons, NWTF special events coordinator. "We crowned some brand new champions, awarded titles to reigning champs, set three new world still target records and even had a JAKES shooter win an adult open division title. That's pretty special. This year definitely set the bar for years to come."

Once known as a "turkey shoot" for the prize awarded to the winner, the NWTF's version was conceived 15 years ago as a conservation effort.

"We had the idea to have a competition that would help turkey hunters become more effective with their turkey guns," said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. "There was, and still is, a need for turkey hunters to understand point of aim and point of impact of their turkey guns."

The Outdoor Connection, Inc. World Wild Turkey Still Target Championships is used to sharpen hunting skills, but it's also used as a fundraiser for Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF and for manufacturers to unveil new ammunition loads, choke tubes, firearms and sights to hunters.

"While the ultimate goal of the competition was to reduce crippling loss and misses in the field, we also thought it would be a great way for equipment manufacturers to improve their turkey hunting products," Keck said. "It worked. Manufacturer representatives continue to attend the Still Target competition to learn what turkey hunters want in their products."

Proceeds from the Outdoor Connection, Inc. World Wild Turkey Still Target Championship benefit Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF, an outreach program that provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through NWTF chapter events nationwide featuring hunting, fishing and shooting activities.

For more information about the Outdoor Connection, Inc. World Wild Turkey Still Target Championships, call (800) THE-NWTF.

13th Annual Still Target Championship Sponsors:
ATK/Federal, Avery Outdoors, Baron Technology, Inc., Bass Pro Shops, Briley Manufacturing Inc., Browning/Simpson Sales, Cabela's, Charles Daly, Chevy Trucks, ClayShooting USA, Evans Sports, Inc., Henry Repeating Arms, Knight Rifles, Low Country BBQ, Marlin Firearms/H&R 1871, LLC, MBNA, Miller Brewing Co./Macon Beverage, National Shooting Sports Foundation, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., Plano Molding, Pyramex Safety Products, Quaker Boy, Randy Ryan, Remington Arms Co., Inc., Sporting Clays Magazine, Marlin The Outdoor Channel, The Outdoor Connection Inc., U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, Walker's Game Ear, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester Ammunition

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