Archers take on challenges at 3D shoot

By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on March 28, 2023.

Herald photo by Justin Seward Kyle Sowiak and Brendon Degner draw their bows in preparation to shoot during the Steel Cougar challenge at the Southern Alberta Bowhunters Association's indoor 3D shoot on Saturday at Exhibition Park.

Approximately 90 archery shooters from all across Alberta participated in the Southern Alberta Bowhunters Association’s indoor 3D shoot at Exhibition Park on Saturday and Sunday.

There were competitive and non-competitive options and shooters did two rounds of 21 targets on Saturday and concluded on Sunday with a round of 28 shots.

“Some people like the competitive aspect of it, some people just want to come and shoot and learn,” said SABA president Brendon Degner.

“And so we don’t want any pressure on them. We want them to shoot in an anxiety-free environment and just get better at shooting.”

Archers were challenged to shoot the 3D animal foam targets at an unknown range, where shooters had to guess how far the animal’s range was for a score.

“So there’s a five, an eight, a 10 and an 11 ring is how it goes,” said Degner.

Eleven is the highest point for shooters to win.

Degner said the unknown distance is one that’s always a little bit tough.

“Otherwise we try and put some smaller targets out there that have smaller rings that are a little bit harder to hit,” said Degner.

Degner said there’s some good archers here.

“So,there’s also 3D nationals happening up in Calgary, so we are missing a few people from that. But we’ve got a lot of hunters and outdoorsmen shooting here that are also good archers,” he said.

SABA’s focus with the indoor 3D shoot was to get people out and help them learn how shoot properly.

“So targeting new archers, young people and kind of just a fun environment,” said Degner. “Not so much focused on the competitiveness but just having fun and being in an environment where people can learn.”

Degner said the event went smoothly.

“We’ve got plywood at the back there in case a few arrows go awry,” said Degner.

“But we’ve been doing OK. People are hitting targets, so it’s good.”

SABA member Nevin Morrison, who is also a Winston Churchill teacher, had some of his outdoor education students out shooting as a wrap-up to their year.

“It’s a good experience for my guys,” said Morrison.

“My guys are shooting double the distance they’ve ever shot at unknown distances. So (it) might cost me a few arrows but they’re having a lot of fun.”

Morrison said they definitely learn how to respond to a pressure situation.

“You get that bow pulled back and you’re trying to hold on target and be calm and it’s just a different mentality than other sports,” said Morrison.

“I come from a rugby background where it’s a completely different focal point. This is kind of more probably like golf. You’ve got to always be in control, and sit your pin on the target and you learn to execute under pressure.”

Archer Josh Levair said ” I’d say it’s deceptively challenging.”

“Like you would think that such large foam targets inside at relatively close distances would be easy but it’s definitely not. You’ve got to be very precise.”

It was one of the biggest shoots he’s participated in with the wide variety of targets, shapes and sizes.