Mike Garrett of Hood River takes aim at one of the 3-D targets scattered along a course above Tygh Valley in the White River Wildlife Management Area May 16.
Mike Garrett of Hood River takes aim at one of the 3-D targets scattered along a course above Tygh Valley in the White River Wildlife Management Area May 16.
Archery was an important military and hunting skill in the Stone Age, when bows and arrows replaced spear-throwers as projectiles. For thousands of years, warriors used bows in battle and hunters took down big game to feed their families with a steady aim. Although guns eventually replaced archery as the weapon of warfare, thousands of archers are still hunting the forests of the U.S.
Several times each year, archers are on the move to find turkeys, deer and elk. However, in modern society they are just as likely to be on the lookout for a grizzly, lion or buffalo target made from a special self-healing foam.
Celilo Bowmen in The Dalles hosts several 3-D shoots each year, the most recent on May 16 and 17. Chad Walter, a member, said archery remains popular for many people because it affords people an opportunity to get exercise in a recreational setting that can be social or solitary and test their hand and eye coordination.
“You can compete or go on your own,” he said. “It’s an easy way to get outdoors, but with some structure to it.”
He said another advantage of archery is that it is something that all ages can do, so it is a great way for families to spend quality time together.
“You can devote as little time, or as much, as you want to it,” he said. “Archery is a very flexible sport and once you’ve made the initial investment, a bow will last for 10 or 15 years of active use so there is not a lot of expenditure.”
The cost to join the Bowmen and have unlimited access to the private home range on Hawley Road is $40 per year for a family and $35 for singles. There are additional charges to participate in a 3-D shoot for both children and adults, who can earn cash and trophies for their marksmanship.
Participants can grab a hot meal or beverage from the cook shack when it is break time, because it takes several hours to get through the course where “wild animals” lurk at every turn.
Celilo’s next advertised event is the “Hunter’s Warm-Up Shoot” Aug. 8 and 9 at the home range. Prizes will be awarded to top-place finishers in several different categories.
Walter said the home range has two courses, the more challenging on a hill, and is in a natural setting that makes for a pleasant hike.
“It’s nice to be out on the range by yourself or with a group,” he said.
Because archery is such a proactive activity, Walter said leaders of the club regularly reach out to youth organizations and offer free shooting lessons.
People wanting more information on the club can access www.celilobowmen.com or call Mike Davis, president, at 541-980-6309.
New and experienced archers are also welcome to the monthly meetings, which take place at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Northern Wasco County PUD meeting room, 2345 River Road.
Walter said members of the club will provide instruction to anyone wanting to get started in archery and can help that individual track down equipment at a reasonable cost.
“This is a sport that everyone should try,” he said.
Membership forms can be downloaded from the website and delivered to Chad Walter at Rage Graphix and Design, 217 E. Third Street, or mailed to: Celilo Bowmen, PO Box 1255, The Dalles, OR 97058.
Commented
Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.