Tom Knapp, one of the world's greatest exhibition shooters who for years amazed audiences at Game Fair in Anoka County, has died.
Knapp, 62, of Elk River, died Friday of pulmonary fibrosis at St. Marys Hospital at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. Among his trick-shooting exploits: He threw and individually shot 10 clay targets with his shotgun. He appeared on numerous TV shows and hosted "Benelli's American Birdhunter'' TV show for eight years.
"He was terrific shot, a great promoter and a nice human being,'' said Chuck Delaney, Game Fair owner, who knew Knapp for decades.
Knapp traveled the United States and world giving trick-shooting exhibitions for Winchester Olin, Benelli USA, Federal Cartridge and CZ-USA until his health issues forced him to retire in February. He had worked for what was then Hennepin County Parks for 25 years before becoming a sponsored exhibition shooter.
A real Bummer, always enjoyed his stuff.
Thanks for making us aware of this, as I hadn't heard of Tom's passing. A great man and a huge loss for the shooting and hunting industry for sure. I loved watching him and was amazed at his accuracy with a shotgun. :cross2:
Great guy,RIP TOM Knapp
Prayers sent for his Loved ones and friends
Great shot and a great guy. May he RIP.
RIP Tom. Thanks for the great entertainment you gave us.
He was amazing and always came across as a real classy guy. :mycross:
Definitely one of the good guys, and very entertaining too!