Pro Chairperson Chance Beaubouef 215 Dogwood Hills Drive Mount Juliet, TN 37122 615/310/7034 Chanceb3582@yahoo.com
Certified Instructor Committee Vacant
Bowhunting Chairman Tom Vollmer 800 Archery Lane Yankton, SD 57078-4174 605-260-9279 tnvollmer@vyn.midco.net
Archery MagazineEditorial Board
Bruce Cull Brian Sheffler
Michael Anderson Brittany Salonen
nfaa national roundup recap article on the 2024 nfaa national roundup in yankton, sd
RESULTS AND PHOTOS FROM THE nfaa target national championship in yankton, sd
RESULTS AND PHOTOS FROM THE nfaa field national championship in yankton, SD
nfaa pro scholarship winners find details on the recipients of the 2024 nfaa professional division scholarship
Nfaa collegiate archery
information on the nfaa collegiate archery program
on the iowa state archery association pro-am tournament
Ifaa world field archery championships recap article on florida archers that competed in the world field archery championships
the nfaa club and
outdoor results and outdoor sectional
on how to nominate for the member and club of the year
Q
the
OF THE
professional and amateur
Click each event to go directly to the events page.
Rushmore Rumble
January 3 - 5
NFA A Easton Yankton Archery Center Yankton, SD
FEBRUARY 14 - 16
March 5 - 9
NFAA Indoor National Championships Navy Pier Chicago, IL
The Vegas Shoot Horseshoe and Paris Comple x Las Vegas, NV
April may 2 - 4
nfaa marked 3d national championships straight arrow bowhunters redding, ca 12 - 13
btb & nfaa 1-arrow national 3d championships private ranch fresno, ca
2024 NFAA National Round Up Draws
archers from 40 states and 4 Foreign countries to Yankton, SD
The 79th annual NFAA Outdoor National Field Championships took over the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center in Yankton, South Dakota, from August 22-25, 2024. This exciting event, packed with nearly 600 enthusiastic archers, was paired with the 7th annual NFAA Outdoor National Target Championships.
Archers aged 6 to 80 from 40 U.S. states and 4 countries, including Olympians, World Champions, and National Champions, were present. Professional divisions competed for over $10,000 in cash prizes across the two tournaments. Competitors started arriving on Tuesday and stayed through the following weekend.
The 79th NFAA Outdoor National Field Championships featured exciting specialty rounds:
Field & Hunter Rounds: Archers tackled 28 targets, each requiring 4 arrows. The targets, set at varying distances and angles, simulated real-world hunting scenarios, testing both accuracy and adaptability. Animal Round: Competitors faced 28 animal-shaped targets, shooting 1 to 3 arrows per target. This round emphasized precision and strategy, replicating the challenges of actual hunting with a range of target sizes and distances.
These rounds added an extra layer of challenge and excitement, showcasing diverse archery skills and
enhancing the competition’s thrill. Curious to learn more about the NFAA Field rounds?
Field
Archery
101 - The Field Round
Field Archery 101 - The Hunter Round
Field Archery 101 - The Animal Round
Over the weekend, the 7th annual NFAA Outdoor National Target Championships drew an impressive 304 competitors—50 more than last year! The action was non-stop with a two-day shootout that kicked off with the NFAA Classic 600 Round on Day 1 and wrapped up with the NFAA 900 Round on Day 2.
Day 1 featured the NFAA Classic 600 Round, where archers took 4 ends of 5 arrows each, facing off at three different distances. They had 4 minutes per end to shoot at a 92cm multicolor target, choosing between going for the full target or just the center spot. Distances ranged from 10-20-30 yards for Cubs, 30-40-50 yards for Youth, and 40-50-60 yards for Young Adults/Adults/Seniors.
On Day 2, the NFAA 900 Round cranked up the excitement with 5 ends of 6 arrows each. Competitors had 5 minutes per end to aim at a 122cm multicolor target. Distances were set at 30-20-10 yards for Cubs, 50-40-30 yards for Youth, and 60-50-40 yards for Young Adults/Adults/Seniors.
It was a weekend of fierce competition, fantastic archery, and unforgettable moments!
2024 NFAA Target national championship Results
Yankton, South Dakota
1170
2024 NFAA field national championship Results
Yankton, South Dakota
WANT
Announcing the Inaugural NFAA Pro Scholarship Winners
The National Field Archery Association (NFAA) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 NFAA Professional Division Scholarship. This prestigious award, funded by the NFAA Professional Division, is an annual scholarship presented to one male and one female archer aged between 15 and 18. Each recipient receives $1000 towards their secondary education.
In its first year, the scholarship saw an impressive number of applicants, with 24 student archers from across the country vying for the award. The selection process was highly competitive, reflecting the high caliber of young archers dedicated to both their sport and academic pursuits.
The NFAA is pleased to congratulate the following student archers as this year’s winners:
Female Recipient: Rendyn Brooks, Grade 11, Grandview, TX; Rendyn Brooks, from Grandview, TX, began her archery journey at the age of nine, initially viewing it as a fun activity with her dad. Over the past eight years, this casual hobby has evolved into a deep passion and a successful career in national competitive archery. Rendyn has excelled in numerous tournaments, earning accolades such as the 2023 ASA Shooter of the Year in the Women’s K-40 division and setting multiple state and national records. Her dedication to the sport is matched by her commitment to her community, where she actively volunteers, coaches young archers, and serves as an officer in her school’s National Honor Society and FFA chapter. Balancing her rigorous training with academic and extracurricular responsibilities, Rendyn is determined to continue her archery
Rendyn Brooks
Wyatt ridgeway
journey through college at Texas A&M University, where she plans to study mechanical engineering with the dream of designing archery equipment.
Male Recipient:
Wyatt Ridgeway, Grade 12, Castle Rock, CO;
Wyatt Ridgeway is an 18-year-old archer from Colorado who has been passionately competing in archery since the age of 9. Diagnosed with Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome, Wyatt turned to archery as a non-contact sport, finding not just a hobby but a lifelong passion. He has competed in over 30 NFAA tournaments, as well as USA Archery and local events, where he has honed his skills and made lasting friendships.
As Wyatt prepares to attend Montana State University to pursue a business degree, he plans to continue his archery journey, even though the university doesn’t have an archery program. Beyond his accomplishments in archery, Wyatt is actively involved in community service through 4-H, FFA, and NHS, where he demonstrates leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact.
We extend our congratulations to all applicants for their hard work and dedication. We wish you the best of luck in your future academic and archeryrelated endeavors.
“We’re thrilled to congratulate the winners of the first-ever 2024 NFAA Professional Division Scholarship! These talented young archers have not only shown incredible skill and dedication to archery but have also made a real impact in their communities,” said NFAA Pro Chairman Chance Beaubouef. “Their work in promoting archery and staying engaged locally is truly impressive. We’re so proud of all the applicants and winners for their hard work and passion, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve next, both in school and in archery. Congratulations and best of luck!”
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS
The NFAA Pro Scholarship is designed to support high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are actively engaged in competitive archery. Applications were accepted from January 1st to April 30th, with winners being notified on July 30th. Scholarship funds will be released directly to the institution of higher education once the individual is enrolled.
Required Submission Materials
• Personal statement
• Shooter résumé detailing archery involvement at the local and/or state level
• Letter outlining community involvement and/or job experience
• At least one letter of recommendation
• Most recent high school transcript
• Current photograph
Selection Process
Applications are vetted by the NFAA Executive Secretary for completeness. Those in good standing are reviewed by a committee including the NFAA President, NFAA Pro Chairman, and three professional archers selected by the NFAA Pro Chairman.
The NFAA Pro Scholarship is an invaluable opportunity for young archers to further their education while continuing to excel in their sport. We are proud to support the next generation of archery talent.
For more information about the NFAA Pro Scholarship and other NFAA programs, please visit our Scholarship Opportunities page.
JOIN JOIN TODAY! TODAY!
SECTIONAL & NATIONAL EVENTS
INDOOR
MARKED & UNMARKED 3D
FIELD TARGET
SCHOLARSHIPS
ACADEMIC & TRAVEL
TEAM & INDIVIDUAL
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
NFAA MEMBERSHIP
FULL-TIME STUDENT
MINIMUM GPA
The all-new NFAA Collegiate Archery program offers special membership rates for college students, making it easier than ever to join our growing community! Eligible members can participate in both individual and team events around the country.
With numerous awards and archery programs available, there's never been a better time to shoot your bow during your collegiate years!
World Field Archery
The 2024 IFAA World Field Archery Championships (WFAC) took place from August 5-9 in the stunning setting of Iguazu, Brazil. The United States team, comprised of 23 dedicated archers, immersed themselves in the breathtaking scenery of the tropical forests and the warm Brazilian culture. Competing alongside archers from around the globe, they not only showcased their skills but also forged lasting friendships, making the experience even more memorable. The camaraderie and shared passion for the sport highlighted the spirit of international competition and unity.
Archery Championships
The WFAC featured a comprehensive shooting format that included field, hunter, animal, field, and hunter rounds over the five days. After an intense competition involving 476 arrows, nine American archers proudly claimed their spots atop the podium. Their remarkable performances not only showcased their skills, but also underscored the strength and determination of the U.S. team in this prestigious international event.
Chris Bruntsch – Professional Male Freestyle Unlimited
Kelly Eagleton – Veteran Female Longbow
for the next IFAA World Field Archery Championship, set to take place in 2026 in YANKTON, SOUTH DAKOTA. It promises to be an exciting event you won’t want to miss!
EDITED BY NFAA HEADQUARTERS
Complete sectional tournament information & results are available online at www nfaausa com/results
NFAA Outdoor Sectionals Wrap-Up: Key Moments and Achievements
NFAA Outdoor Sectionals Draws Nearly 350 Archers for a Memorable Event
The National Field Archery Association (NFAA) recently wrapped up the 2024 Outdoor Sectionals hosted across 16 locations nationwide throughout the 8 NFAA sections. The event celebrated the skills and dedication of archers from all corners of the country and saw nearly 350 participants.
Archers engaged in the classic NFAA Field, Hunter, and Animal rounds with the precise event format varying by section. Some sections completed 14 targets for each round type, while others tackled 28 targets. The diverse formats provided unique challenges and allowed for a rich display of archery talent.
For national ranking purposes, only target numbers 1-14 from each Field, Hunter, and Animal round were considered even if 28 targets were shot. This approach helped standardize rankings across the diverse event formats. The archers who placed first in their division for national ranking were put into a raffle for prizes. The winners of the drawing were:
- Maddie Pals was awarded free pre-registration and a hotel stay for the 2025 Outdoor Field Nationals and a $50 NFAA store gift card.
- Ella Phillips and Robert Anderson each received free pre-registration to any 2024-25 NFAA national or sectional event of their choice.
The successful continuation from the 2024 Indoor Sectionals of both the National Rankings and electronic scoring were notable aspects of this year’s Outdoor Sectionals. The use of electronic scoring ensured accurate and timely results, enhancing the overall efficiency and experience of the competition for both the archers and tournament hosts.
The NFAA extends its congratulations to all participants and winners, and thanks everyone involved for contributing to a successful and memorable Outdoor Sectionals.
2 0 2 5 I N D O O R S E C T I O N A L S
L D I
CHECK THE EVENT PAGE FOR LOCATIONS & DATES TO BE ADDED AS THEY ARE APPROVED!
BLUE/WHITE
ROUNDS
VIEW THE EVENT PAGE BOOK DISCOUNTED HOTELS
2024Shooters of the Year
The NFAA recognizes every year the top archers with the Shooter of the Year title. Check out this year’s winners and get all the details on the award program.
To be eligible for Shooter of the Year (SOY), archers must compete in five major tournaments throughout the year: The Vegas Shoot, NFAA Indoor Nationals, First Dakota Classic, NFAA National Marked 3D, and NFAA Outdoor National Field. Points are accumulated across these events, with extra points awarded for X counts at The Vegas Shoot, NFAA Indoor Nationals, and the First Dakota Classic, or earned $250+ in an Adult or Senior Championship division.
The 2024 Winners are...
Paige Pearce: Professional Female Freestyle (5,749 points)
Kyle Douglas: Professional Male Freestyle (5,783 points)
Tim Gillingham: Professional Senior Male Freestyle (5,644 points)
Marcella Hebert: Amateur Female (5,351 points)
Jason Goedken: Amateur Male (5,523 points)
SPECIAL MENTION FOR Runner ups:
James Lutz: Professional Male Freestyle (5,768 points)
Benton Christensen: Professional Senior Male Freestyle (5,635 points)
Clayton Moore: Amateur Male (5,496 points)
Professional Details:
Categories: Male, Female, Senior Competitors must have participated in a Professional division or earned $250+ in an Adult or Senior Championship. A podium bonus is given based on placement in each event: 3 points for 1st, 2 for 2nd, and 1 for 3rd. Prize money varies by the number of professional memberships in each category.
Amateur Details
Categories: Male, Female
Eligible archers must have competed in any of the following divisions: Flights, Adult, Senior, Cub, Youth, Young Adult, or Young Adult Championship. An award plaque is given to athletes that achieve this title.
Amateur Male: Jason Goedken
Q: How long have you been competing in NFAA tournaments?
A: I would say prob 6 years.
Q: What or who inspired you to take up archery?
A: I got into archery through hunting. I started bowhunting at a young age and from there the archery side of it transitioned into local shoots for more hunting practice.
Q: What made you decide to make the move from local tournaments to national tournaments?
A: I would say mostly to increase the amount of competition. Local shoots are a great way to judge your skills to see if you could be competitive at a bigger scale. I was winning several local and state shoots, so I started traveling to national tournaments and haven’t really looked back. I like to be driven to be better. You can’t slack or go in weak to a national shoot and, that’s what I like.
Q: How do you train for a tournament?
A: Each tournament is different. I train based on the style of shoot to where I’m headed. I get serious about 30 days before I have to leave. I try to make sure that my equipment is ready so I can focus on myself, however that’s not always the case. I tend to start slow and increase arrow count the closer the tournament gets. I focus on technique and aim.
Q: What is your advice to archers who have never been to a tournament?
A: GO! You need to just go, but you have to be ready. Don’t go unprepared and have a bad outcome, be as prepared as you can. A bad experience will turn off more archers than it will bring back. Know your limitations and don’t expect more. Start slow and work your way up.
Q: Do you have a favorite experience over the past year that sticks out as memorable?
A: That’s a tough one. I take each tournament as an experience. I learn from them and try to capitalize at the next. I can’t say anything in particular sticks out to me as memorable this year. Each podium finish is memorable in its own way and I don’t rate one over the other.
Q: Thank you for participating in all five of the qualifying shoots! What’s your favorite tournament to attend and why?
A: Well, the NFAA does such a great job at all the shoots it’s hard to say. Each have their own perks. Anything indoors that doesn’t require a site tape is my favorite. Vegas is always fun because there’s so much to do there. First Dakota Classic is great because it’s a distance shoot indoors with no weather to deal with. Field is just a grind and taxing tournament that really tests your equipment and skills. Redding is just simply a beautiful place to shoot.
Amateur Female: Marcella Hebert
Q: How long have you been competing in NFAA tournaments?
A: I have been competing in NFAA tournaments for 21 years. The first year I competed was in 2004 as an 11-year-old at the Great Lakes Indoor Sectionals and Indoor National Championships.
Q: What or who inspired you to take up archery?
A: My Dad got me my first bow for Christmas in 1999 in hopes of taking me bow hunting someday. That winter, we joined a 4-H shooting sports program instructed by NFAA pro, Jeff Heeg. Originally, Dad saw this as an opportunity to get me formal archery instruction, as he was self-taught. It didn’t take long to fall in love with archery, competing in my first 4-H tournament in 2001.
Q: What made you decide to make the move from local tournaments to national tournaments?
A: Over the next few summers, we traveled around Wisconsin competing in 4-H tournaments. As my skills improved, I became more successful at the 4-H competitions. Jeff encouraged me to attend our WAA state tournament, where I shot my first 300. This personal best sparked my desire to continue competing and make the jump to national tournaments. Soon after, we were traveling as a family, and both my brothers and parents were competing as well.
Q: How do you train for a tournament?
A: When I get ready for a tournament, I focus a lot on my shot process and form. I keep an archery journal to document practice sessions and tournament performances, using my notes to evaluate what went well and what issues I need to work on. I try to practice the distances and format of the upcoming competition, double-checking sight tapes, and increasing my arrow count. I have always struggled with my mental game in tournaments, so that is a constant work-in-progress for me.
Q: What is your advice to archers who have never been to a tournament?
A: I was a 4-H archery instructor for a few years in college and would encourage people who had never been to a tournament to challenge themselves by trying something new. Don’t have too many expectations, and recognize you will be nervous, but just enjoy the experience. I would also encourage archers to try different types of tournaments (indoors, 3D/trail shoots, field, FITA, etc.) since you never know what you will like best!
Q: Do you have a favorite experience over the past year that sticks out as memorable?
A: Going to Redding has been on my bucket list for many years, and this Spring was my first time out there. The course was fun and challenging; I had never shot in that type of terrain before much less those distances. Hitting the dot on Big Foot was exciting however, it was the weather extremes and being trapped on a mountain in a hail storm that was most memorable!
Q: Thank you for participating in all five of the qualifying shoots! What’s your favorite tournament to attend and why?
A: Field tournaments have always been one of my favorite formats. I love being outdoors and walking the courses. The variety of distances, targets, and terrain makes those tournaments enjoyable. I have not been to Field Nationals at the Darrington or Mechanicsburg locations yet, but I look forward to making it out there someday. Although, I will say the trail shoots are becoming a close second!
Pro Female: Paige Pearce
Q: What or who inspired you to take up archery and why?
A: My parents shot archery for years and started me basically as soon as I could stand. We went to tournaments every weekend while I was growing up! I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t shooting a bow!
Q: What challenges have you faced during your archery career and how have you overcome them?
A: I’ve actually had a few! A few injuries (elbow and shoulder) and
with both I just had to adjust a few things to get by. With my elbow I had to cut back a bit and learn to rotate my arm, and my shoulder I dropped my poundage quite a bit. I did do some rehab for both trying to build strength in other areas to help improve the issues.
Q: Do you have specific archery goals for 2025 and beyond?
A: My main goal every season is to keep improving my scores. I can’t control how the other girls shoot, but I can control how I perform. So, I work harder and harder every year to keep improving and then I hope that’s enough to keep me at the top.
Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about Professional archers?
A: Haha this is a good one! Well, I feel like people assume we are all rich and living the life. When, in reality, most of them are living with their parents, or barely scraping by just trying to get to events to hopefully break even. People also believe it’s a very glamorous lifestyle since we travel a lot, but over time that can really wear on you and your family. It makes it so hard to have a normal home life, to have a family, etc. And the last part is your income is never secure. You are competing against the other best people in the world all trying to earn a paycheck, but at the end of the day only one goes home with the big check. So it’s incredibly stressful competing for a living vs just working for a living. We are constantly sacrificing things to keep this dream alive. Don’t get me wrong I love it and wouldn’t trade it for the world, but it’s way harder and more stressful than people realize.
Q: How would you describe your physical and mental preparation during the offseason versus the tournament season?
A: Well, I don’t actually get an off season anymore. I used to when I was younger but since this became my full-time job, I usually only get October off (sometimes not even that). But I live about the same way when I’m actively competing as when I’m not. Physically I just try and stay in good shooting shape, meaning I can shoot a good number of arrows without fatiguing. The mental game is the most important part of archery, and that I am always working on. You can only get so good at shooting a bow, but you can always improve your mental game. So, I spend a lot of time working on that year-round as I know that’s the one thing I can keep improving year after year.
Q: What strategies do you use to keep your focus during high-pressure situations?
A: I really believe nothing tops experience. It really does make a difference because I know how I expect to feel in those situations. But I will sometimes focus on deep breathing, I’ll repeat phrases in my head or sometimes I’ll even sing a song. I truthfully don’t think the same thing every time when I am at full draw because every arrow and situation is different. But I just found a way to be in touch with that to hopefully do whatever will help me the most in that moment. When I’m at my best I’m basically thinking nothing while all full draw honestly.
Q: What is your favorite NFAA tournament on the Shooter of the Year circuit?
A: Aww this one is tough! I can’t choose between Redding and Field as I love them both for different reasons. I love Redding for the vibe and the atmosphere and for the fact that it is my home course, so I have so many friends there and incredible memories over the years. I actually like Field more for the shooting format. I believe the X as a 6 really separates the goods from the greats, and I love that format because you will be rewarded for having a great day!
Q: Is there a fun fact that most people don't know about you?
A: I actually played competitive fiddle for many years and was pretty good! Ultimately, archery won out, but I can still play to this day. I also played the flute and learned how to read music, whereas I learned to play the fiddle by ear.
Pro Male: Kyle Douglas
Q: What or who inspired you to take up archery and why?
A: My dad hunted with a bow when I was a kid which naturally made me take interest. My brother, a good friend, and myself joined a kids archery league when we were young and we’ve been addicted to archery ever since!
Q: What challenges have you faced during your archery career and how have you overcome them?
A: The biggest hurdle for me was winning my first professional tournament. I had won a bunch of tournaments regionally and podiumed at a professional level but struggled to break through and get the first win under my belt. At the start of indoor season one year I decided to completely change my entire shot process and go from a surprise release to shooting on command. I had to totally overhaul my mental game and start from scratch but it was the best thing I have done in my archery career. Not long after switching I won Vegas and it has been a whirlwind ever since.
Q: Do you have specific archery goals for 2025 and beyond?
A: My goal is always to win every event I attend but there are a few tournaments that I have yet to win which have been evading me. Redding and Lancaster will definitely be at the top of the list next season!
Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about Professional archers?
A: The biggest one I see is people think we are special or different from normal people and have special abilities. We are just regular people that have fallen in love with archery and have dedicated our life to the sport and the perfection of our craft. Sure, there are shooters that are naturally talented at certain things but we all have particular challenges we struggle with or are constantly working on. The difference between professional and amateur archers is we have figured out how to diagnose our own problems and implement a solution to fix them. Someone who is not able or willing to do this will always be stagnant at the same level and never improve. Professional archers have developed a system that works for their personal shooting style and have perfected it.
Q: How would you describe your physical and mental preparation during the offseason versus the tournament season?
A: Generally, the offseason lines up with hunting season and I like tospend as much time in the mountains hunting as possible. Hunting is a good way for me to decompress from the stress of tournament season and mentally reset before indoor tournaments begin. I also like to use this time to make form or equipment changes to ensure I have adequate time to adapt and perfect the new adjustments.
Q: What strategies do you use to keep your focus during high-pressure situations?
A: In high-pressure situations I do my best to redirect nervous energy and turn it into determination. Everyone gets nervous so instead of trying to calm yourself down you have to learn to expect the pressure and learn to shoot with it instead of trying to get it to go away. Over time I have recognized my tendencies when I am in high-pressure situations, and I will adjust my form or equipment to try and account for those and help me to shoot better under pressure.
Q: What is your favorite NFAA tournament on the Shooter of the Year circuit?
A: Although I generally like outdoor season more than indoors I would have to say Vegas is probably my favorite shoot of the year. It is the Superbowl of archery and I have had a pretty good history there as well!
Q: Is there a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?
A: Although I have a degree in mechanical engineering from Utah State University, I have yet to have a job as an engineer. I won Vegas just before finishing my last semester of college and that completely changed the course of my career by opening up a bunch of doors in the archery industry.
Senior Pro: Tim Gillingham
Q: What or who inspired you to take up archery and why?
A: I have always had a fascination with Indians and the bow and arrow. I also gravitated towards the sport because I got out of it what I put into it, and it was not a popularity contest like a lot of team sports.
Q: What challenges have you faced during your archery career and how have you overcome them?
A: Getting that first Pro win that got me over the top of the mountain. I knew I had the talent just needed to allow myself to win.
Q: Do you have specific archery goals for 2025 and beyond?
A: 2025 my plan is just to go out and represent my sponsors to the fullest. I’m cutting USA Archery events out because I see no incentive to really go, and I need some travel cut out of my schedule so I can be more prepared to win the events that matter most.
Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about Professional archers?
A: The biggest misconception is that you can truly shoot full time professional. You need to find a job or career that allows the travel or I think that it’ll be tough for you. I’ve said many times that I’ve won many tournaments because I went for it knowing the bills are already paid for by the job. It’s not easy to win at the highest level. It takes 100% commitment. It took me 20 years to win my first pro event.
Q: How would you describe your physical and mental preparation during the offseason versus the tournament season?
A: I pretty much just detox and hunt a little and don’t really get active until the end of October.
Q: What strategies do you use to keep your focus during high-pressure situations?
A: In high pressure you need a process of visualization to put you in the moment and calm your mind. Rehearse what you are GOING TO DO and not worrying about the negative things. It’s still the hardest thing to overcome and my biggest weakness.
Q: What is your favorite NFAA tournament on the Shooter of the Year circuit?
A: Field nationals by far. It truly rewards the best shooter. The other events are mainly mental.
Q: Is there a fun fact that most people don’t know about you?
A: I have a soft spot for my daughter’s Dachshund.
The 2024 National Field & Target Leagues were a great success!
41 league hosts around the country!
150 registered archers!
2024 RESULTS NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEAGUE
The 2024 National Target and Field Leagues spanned 12 weeks from June 3 through August 25 at ranges around the world. Nearly 150 archers registered for the National Leagues at 41 host locations. Eligible NFAA clubs and shops who hosted the Leagues were eligible for lucrative rebates.
The National Field League consisted of Field, Hunter, and Animal Rounds, and archers were required to submit a minimum of three scores for each round type. In the National Target League, which featured the 900 Round and NFAA Classic 600 Round, archers needed to submit a minimum of four scores for each round type.
Nick Moberg
Alexandria Zuleta - Visser
Garrick Meeker
Patricia Cosme Silva
NFAA 2024 NATIONAL FIELD LEAGUE
NFAA 2024 NATIONAL TARGET LEAGUE
NFAA 2024 NATIONAL TARGET LEAGUE
BECOME AN BECOME AN NFAA NFAA JUDGE JUDGE TODAY TODAY
G e t R e a d y f o r G e t R e a d y f o r I n d o o r S e a s o n ! I n d o o r S e a s o n !
N F A A m e m b e r s c a n c o m p l e t e o n l i n e c o u r s e s t o b e c o m e
C e r t i f i e d & N a t i o n a l J u d g e s . C o u r s e s e d u c a t e m e m b e r s o n
r u l e s a n d p r o c e d u r e s i n v o l v e d w i t h j u d g i n g a n d t e a c h t h e
f u n d a m e n t a l s o f N F A A r o u n d f o r m a t s a n d r a n g e s e t u p s .
N F A A C e r t i f i e d J u d g e
O f f i c i a t e a t N F A A l o c a l , s t a t e , a n d
s e c t i o n a l e v e n t s .
O f f i c i a t e a t N F A A a n d N F A A F o u n d a t i o n
n a t i o n a l e v e n t s . N F A A N a t i o n a l J u d g e
CLICK TO LEARN MORE
CHECK YOUR DRAW LENGTH FOR HUNTING SEASON
By Terry Wunderle
A longtime friend of my son Vic’s had traveled from the warm side of Texas to the cool part of Illinois in his quest for whitetail deer. This seasoned archer was an excellent marksman, even owning a gold medal from a team world championship. Following a morning in the woods, I could tell from the look on his face that things had not gone well. Though he had harvested a nice buck, he had made a poor hit on the animal. Later in the day he headed to our practice range, accepting my offer to come along and take a look at his shot. Pounding every arrow into a saucer-sized target at 50 yards, our friend was even more perplexed. At this point, I suggested he return to the house and put on his insulated hunting gear. When he resumed practice, the shooting turned ugly. The bowstring was hitting his coat sleeve and sending the arrow on an erratic flight down the field.
Broadheads are much more critical to shoot than target points. Because of their blades, broadheads will mimic an arrow with vanes on both ends. When a string strikes a bulky hunting coat, the arrow is released on an unpredictable flight trajectory. To eliminate contact with thick outer garments, I suggested to our friend that he shorten his draw length by an inch and try again. The problem disappeared.
As I have put on archery school across the U. S., one of the first things I have done is to walk down the shooting line and see if each person’s equipment is set up correctly. One of the most common problems is an incorrect draw length. Though determining the best draw length can be a challenge for many, some indicators can help. While executing the shot, you should be able to easily pull the bow apart, maintaining strong pressure against the bowstring wall. When the arrow is released, the bow and bow arm should go forward at least an inch. If the draw length is too long, the bow arm is already over-extended and will not be able to move any farther forward. Another symptom is difficulty maintaining effective, constant pressure with the bow arm. The sight pin will keep falling low off the target when aiming.
In order to have consistency and to establish the correct draw length, you must have a good shoulder set on the bow arm. To understand where the shoulder should be positioned, stand up without a bow and let your hands rest at your sides. Raise both shoulders; then relax and drop them. Now raise your bow arm and point it toward the target without raising your shoulder. This is where the shoulder should be positioned when shooting. If you raise your shoulder or push it forward while drawing, it will overextend the bow arm. The elbow on the bow arm should be straight
or slightly relaxed. If you set your draw length for this position, you will have plenty of room for the forward pressure and the more solid shoulder set will eliminate excess pin movement.
Once you have established where your bow arm and shoulder are to be positioned, it’s time to get your draw length to fit. While standing in your usual position at full draw, do you have to move the release hand further back in order to hit the draw stop? If so, you need to shorten the draw. Make sure you keep your release hand consistently anchored in the normal shooting position and then change the draw length to fit. After an adjustment or two, you will find the desired length. If the draw length is too short to meet your anchor, you need to lengthen it. With the correct draw size, you will find that you are more in control and will be able to execute a stronger shot.
This may sound strange but the draw length that you just established is for target shooting or deer hunting under warmer conditions. If you hunt during cold weather, the draw length needs to be one or two inches shorter. It is not uncommon for me to pursue deer in subzero conditions. When fully clad for the outing, my loose, bulky clothing makes me resemble the “Michelin Man.” To get good string clearance, the draw length of my hunting bow is nearly two inches shorter than that of my target bow. I practice with and use this draw length in both warm and cold temperatures so I am use to it.
With the shorter draw length, the bow shoulder is more offset and is not pointing straight at the target. To have consistent accuracy, you must direct the forward pressure on the bow directly toward your aiming point. If this doesn’t happen, a right-handed archer will pull the shot left and a left-handed archer will pull to the right.
The correct draw length is essential for accurate shooting. Performing consistently is very difficult when the draw is too long because you cannot maintain the forward pressure. If the length is too short, you can shoot accurately as long as the elbow of the release arm is back and perpendicular to the shoulder at full draw. If the elbow is to the inside of that line, you will probably shoot more with your arm muscles instead of the back muscles. When this happens, your release hand will fly away from your face and the arrow will impact to the right (if you are right-handed).
Prepare for the hunting season by making the proper adjustments to your draw length. Vary your practice routine to grow accustom to your setup in all kinds of weather conditions. Then you’ll be ready when that special buck is standing in front of you.
[Terry has coached students to over 350 national and world titles and set over 450 national and world records. This article and more of his professional coaching tips are in his book, Archery: Think and Shoot Like a Champion, found at wunderlearchery.com.]
