Boomershoot^[1] is a long-range precision rifle event held near Orofino and Idaho each year in late spring. The targets are filled with explosives at ranges from 375 to 700 yd (343 to 640 m). Shooters are allowed to engage as many targets as they are able during the all-day event. A centerfire rifle capable of delivering accuracy of at least one minute of angle with velocity at the target of at least 1,500 ft/s (460 m/s) is required to reliably detonate the targets.

The smallest and closest targets are 4 in (100 mm) square boxes, about the size and thickness of a common brown rodent poison container, with more immediate results if a rodent ventures near it during this event. The longer range targets are similarly shaped and are 7 in (180 mm) with more explosive. The farthest targets are shot with higher power guns including .50 cal shooters from what is referred to as the ".50 Caliber Ghetto" at the lower/eastern end of the firing line.^[2] In 2019, over a ton of explosives were mixed on site and used in the three day event. Individual shooters have an opportunity to shoot personal fireballs^[3] on Friday evening. A "High Intensity Event"^[4] features hundreds of targets about 25 yards away which disappear in a thunderous cloud of smoke, dust, and sometimes mud in a matter of a few minutes. A huge, 50 to 75 ft (15 to 23 m), explosive fireball less than 100 feet from the spectators opens the long range event on Sunday.

On the two days prior to the main event a precision rifle clinic is held at the same location using steel as well as exploding targets.^[5]

Coverage

The Boomershoot has been covered by magazines such as Newsweek^[6] and Outside Magazine,^[7] and TV shows such as KING-TV's Evening Magazine^[8] and the Outdoor Channel's Shooting Gallery.^[9]

References

46°32′36″N 116°23′28″W / 46.54333°N 116.39111°W / 46.54333; -116.39111