Archery shoot scores bullseye hit

Perfect weather conditions and a great course set up highlighted the Cypress Hills Archery Club’s annual  Shaunavon 3D Shoot on June 7 & 8. 

“We had a great weekend and a great turnout,” said Derek Moe, one of the event organizers.

“The weather was perfect – just the right temperature – and there was very little wind.”

Fifty-seven archers from across the Southwest – including Maple Creek, Swift Current, Shaunavon, Climax and Kyle – took part in the two day event.

The competition was held at the idyllic setting of the Valley View Bible Camp along the Frenchman River.

The participants completed three rounds of 21 targets each. The course stretched about a mile in length and was nestled in some very scenic locations.

“It’s a lot of work,” admitted Moe. “It took us a full day on Friday – from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – to set things up.”

About a half dozen volunteers helped place the targets and establish the shooting areas.

The effort was worth it as participants enjoyed a wonderful layout.

The 3D targets included a wide assortment of wildlife, from moose and deer to wild boars and skunks. There was even a giant mosquito at one site.

“We had a little bit of everything out there,” smiled Moe.

The event, being held for the fifth time, featured archers from three years of age to 57 years.

Participants shot from different distances at each target, depending their level of experience.

While the event is a competition,  it isn’t the main focus of the weekend.

“It’s a fun shoot,” explained Moe. “You don’t have to be an expert to take part – it’s for everyone.”

Moe says that one year a participant even showed up with a home-made bow, made from a 1 by 6 piece of wood.

The Cypress Hills Archery Club has about 50 members. The group was formed when the local archery club merged with another club in Maple Creek.

“We decided that instead of having two smaller clubs, we would have just one big, strong club,” said Moe. “It’s worked out pretty well for us.”

The club is also getting ready to host its annual shoot at Cypress Park on July 5th.

Moe extended his thanks to the many individuals and sponsors who contributed to the Shaunavon Shoot.

He also expressed the club’s appreciation to long time sponsors such as Sid’s Oilfield, Leroy’s Custom Meats and Goulet Trucking for their continued support of the event.

The weekend wrapped up with awards and a medal presentation.

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