Archers take aim at 3D replica animals during indoor shoot
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/01/2025 (265 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Archers (across ages) aimed at lifelike 3D replica animals and dinosaurs this past weekend at the Keystone Centre, as the Brandon Wildlife Association hosted its annual Indoor 3D Archery Shoot.
The association’s archery chair Travis Van Daele told the Sun the event has grown a major event.
“The event has been running for over 20 years, and in just the last three years, we’ve seen incredible growth,” Van Daele said in an interview. “When I started helping out three years ago, we had about 80 participants. Now, we’re approaching 200. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, especially for the youth component, which is essential for building a legacy and growing the sport.”
Van Daele said the shoot offers a blend of family fun, fierce competition, and a welcoming environment for newcomers, including various age and equipment categories, with a strong emphasis on youth participation.
The weekend, he said, began with a youth event designed as an introduction to 3D archery, allowing young participants to experience the thrill of competitive shooting. The highlight of the event was the Saturday night “shoot down round,” where the top five participants in each category faced off in a fun, high-stakes competition.
Van Daele credited the event’s success to dedicated volunteers and a welcoming environment that encourages participation from individuals of all abilities.
“Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned shooter, you’re welcome here. We teach participants how to score and guide them through the process, which is why we’re seeing more people return each year,” he said.
Among the participants was seasoned archer Reed Fowlie, who won the provincial national championship few years back.
“I’ve been coming to this event since the Wildlife Association started hosting it here about 15 to 20 years ago,” Fowlie told the Sun. His eight-year-old daughter, Rowan, who has been shooting for two years, also participated in the event, demonstrating the intergenerational appeal of the sport.
“She shoots a recurve bow, which is a bit harder compared to compound bows with sights, but she loves it,” Fowlie said. “The event is as much about family and community as it is about competition.”
Looking ahead, Fowlie expressed excitement about the upcoming national championships set to take place at the Keystone Centre this March.
“I’ll likely be competing, and it’s a great opportunity to showcase Brandon as a hub for archery,” he said.
As the sport gains popularity in the region, Van Daele said, the Brandon Wildlife Association remains committed to fostering its growth.
“We’re building something special here,” he added. “With the passion of our volunteers, the enthusiasm of participants, and the support of the community, the future of archery in Brandon looks bright.”
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