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.
