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'Meat Shoots': Examining A Rural Tradition

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A sign for a meat shoot in Natick, Mass. (Alex Ashlock/Here & Now)

If you drive off the interstate and head down a county road, in many parts of the country you’ll often see signs for “meat shoots” at local VFWs or American Legions.

It’s a sport some may not be familiar with, but meat shoots are an integral part of rural culture — and often serve a purpose.

Civic organizations, conservation groups and individuals will hold meat shoots as fundraisers for people in need, for example after someone suffers a house fire or a devastating illness.

From the Here & Now Contributors Network, Maria Altman of St. Louis Public Radio visited a shoot at Elks Lodge 23-16 in the suburb of Florissant to find out more.

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