Montana town boosts local economy with shooting contest inspired by a movie

A small Montana town, dubbed the City of Trees, sits along the Yellowstone River and is home to about 1,700 people. But the residents of Forsyth found an interesting way to boost the local economy, courtesy of Hollywood. Every Father's Day weekend, Forsyth hosts the Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match, a long-range shooting event utilizing old-style, high-caliber buffalo rifles that was inspired by the 1990 film "Quigley Down Under," reports Brett French of the Billings Gazette. (Gazette photo by James Woodcock: Shooters practice Thursday for this weekend's event)

Last year 635 shooters from 40 states competed alongside ones who traveled from across the globe, making it the largest event of its kind anywhere, reports French. Add in family members, and others who attend but don't compete, and the event, now in its 22nd year, brings in quite a bit of money to the small town. “It’s world renowned. We get customers from Germany, Australia, England and New Zealand.” said motel owner Colleen Hoppert, who said she books all 81 rooms for the event, sometimes getting reservations one year in advance.

Match director Buz Coker, a former scoutmaster, told French a vending site set up by the local Boy Scout troop makes enough money to fund a year's worth of scouting events.  The Forsyth Rifle and Pistol Club uses the event to fund $1,000 scholarships to local high school students. “It’s a great opportunity for some of the local organizations to raise some money,” said Tina Sears of the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce. (Read more)