Bowhunter Challenge Class introduction

[Lefty-Canuck]

Folks asked for it and showed interest and now it's time to show support by participating in a revamped "Hunter" class.

What we are calling the "Bowhunter Challenge Class" will hopefully be coming to a shoot near you soon.

The basis is that we created a class to invite hunters of all kinds and ages with varied experince to come out and have some fun. There will be something for everyone whether you like to compete or you just want to practice or you are fresh to the 3d scene and want to get your feet wet.

The ABA has developed the class with a twist, meaning most HUNTING bow setups will meet the equipment requirements. Whether you have a fixed pin sight, a single pin adjustable, or a hybrid as long as a lens is not encorporated in the sight it will be allowed.

Also most hunting type stabilizer setups will be allowed as long as your front, v-bar, or offset bar fits within a 12 inch "sphere" from the FRONT of your bow riser it will fit the requirements. Packages are being sent out to ABA affiliated archery clubs to submit proposals for the final shoot.

BUT we ask that if the clubs want to inject this class in their local shoots please contact the ABA 3d Committee for assistance/guidance in adding the class.

The scoring will also be different and based more on a hunting scenario...points for a fatal hit, deductions for a wound, and no harm no foul for a miss or a passed shot.

More will be coming and clarification will be provided. The ABA 3d committee and other folks who have offered suggestions have bounced around ideas and worked hard to make this a reality...the "Hunter" class is not dead but reborn. Again we need the support of shooters new and old to make this work. It's a new thing, so feedback is valued!

There will be divisions based on gender, age, and even a traditional offering! binos will be allowed but no range finders, the distance max will be 40 yards and scaled according for traditional and younger shooters.

LC

[Bard]

Cool. I like the sounds of this...

[Lefty-Canuck]

Glad to hear!

The class is actually called "Bowhunter Challenge". I made a typo

LC

[super7mag]

Sounds good Lefty .. Even I could get in on a challenged bowhunter shoot!! Lol.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by super7mag

Sounds good Lefty .. Even I could get in on a challenged bowhunter shoot!! Lol.

We are all challenged at some point! The real thing we need for this to be successful is participation. Some people were bummed out the Hunter class was diminished...so a few of us at the ABA felt it would be good to make a class that hopefully appeals to many. The goal is to be more inclusive than exclusive thus the varied equipment allowed. If you look at the history and how 3d archery got started....it was started by Bowhunters....and it has slowly morphed into more of a target base, which there is nothing wrong with that....but the Bowhunters need a place to have fun and compete too without being looked down upon.

Hunting bows have changed quite a bit and many are using single pin and hybrid sights and different stabilizer systems, for example 10&8 and 8&6 style offset v-bars so we felt that needed to have a place.....and this is that place.

Other people with different equipment that fall outside the equipment specs are welcome to come out and shoot too....they just won't be eligible for prizes based on standings.

LC

[Mike_W]

Right on sounds good buddy!! Whens the first shoot?

[illustrated1]

This is very exciting!!

[KyleSS]

When is the first shoot? Wife and I are in for sure. This sounds amazing

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by KyleSS

When is the first shoot? Wife and I are in for sure. This sounds amazing

Will keep folks posted. Encourage your local clubs to add the class to their shoot and to contact the ABA 3d committee for information.

Glad to see the enthusiasm, hopefully we see a surge in new/old shooters!

LC

[diamond k]

I am excited to give it shot. I bought a new quiver at Jmbows today so looking forward to my 3D initiation this year.

Lefty was that you getting some bow tune up at Jimbows today?

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by diamond k

I am excited to give it shot. I bought a new quiver at Jmbows today so looking forward to my 3D initiation this year.

Lefty was that you getting some bow tune up at Jimbows today?

It might have been I was there today, Carson and I were paper tuning my one bow because I had some funny flight going on at distance.

LC

[gpelker]

Originally Posted by Lefty-Canuck

Will keep folks posted. Encourage your local clubs to add the class to their shoot and to contact the ABA 3d committee for information.

Glad to see the enthusiasm, hopefully we see a surge in new/old shooters!

LC

Hi Lefty
The Grande Prairie club, Game Country Archers, are looking to do an ABA sanctioned shoot and we have used this type of shoot for our August "Hunter" shoot. We usually have 3 loops of 25 targets which makes for a real varied and fun shoot. We have "critters", North American and African loops, lots of Rhinehart targets. Pass along the info to all.
Can you keep me informed Lefty and I will pass to our club. Thanks.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by gpelker

Hi Lefty
The Grande Prairie club, Game Country Archers, are looking to do an ABA sanctioned shoot and we have used this type of shoot for our August "Hunter" shoot. We usually have 3 loops of 25 targets which makes for a real varied and fun shoot. We have "critters", North American and African loops, lots of Rhinehart targets. Pass along the info to all.
Can you keep me informed Lefty and I will pass to our club. Thanks.

PM me your email and I will pass it along!

LC

[BlackBear74]

Do you know if the Saamis Archers shoot in July at Elkwater, AB is going to be one of them?

[npauls]

I have never been to a shoot but this sounds like something myself and a few friends could be interested in.

We enjoy just shooting the 3d range here in lethbridge on a regular basis.

[newdrenalin]

Originally Posted by npauls

I have never been to a shoot but this sounds like something myself and a few friends could be interested in.

We enjoy just shooting the 3d range here in lethbridge on a regular basis.

Same here. I have been shooting for a couple years but have never been to a shoot.

[SportHuntingHelp]

I think this is awesome. I still say if we can get together a fun shoot for the guys off here under this Bow Hunter Challenge set up one weekend that would be great too and for one would attend. Great work to all involved.

[L.O.S.T.Arrow]

Fun and knowledge is what it is all about...We need the bowhunters back to make this work...

3D was designed and started by bowhunters..for fun and hands on practise in bowhunting scenios with bowhunter tackle...an ultimate skill enhancer!

Years ago 3D shoots suddenly transformed into a strong competetive sport all in its own...fancy target tackle and a whole different breed of shooters...some who will never hunt or have desire to hunt...

Which is still awesome ....as Lefty stated no one is trying to change that phase or class of the sport...

The thing was Bowhunters were almost weeded out of these shoots...with even the title "Bowhunter" even though many of the top shooters are in fact bowhunters...

So its just time for bowhunters to be proud of what we are, our bowhunting tackle and our way of life...and bring back bowhunters back to 3D...our own definative class...

Without the average bowhunter these shoots wont exist...just as without members in ABA [Alberta Bowhunter Association] we lose bowhunting privileges and say in Albertas bowhunting management...

Bowhunter 3D shoots made me a much better bowhunter in the day, I learned something new each time, the practice taught me so much more than one can just shooting in the backyard....made new freinds and bowhunting contacts...huge reasons right there ...the fun and enjoyment is/will be a welcome bonus...

Neil

[BigRackLover]

crossbows allowed?

[BlackBear74]

Is there a list of participating clubs that are holding these shoots?

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by BlackBear74

Is there a list of participating clubs that are holding these shoots?

Don't have a final list yet but I believe several are going to be adding the class to their regular shoots. I would ask if people want the class added be vocal ask your local club 3d coordinators.

LC

[Bobdep]

I'm excited for this , it's gonna be great ! Thanks for all your efforts guys !

[Bobdep]

That's great , I'm looking forward to this.

[Bobdep]

I'm excited

[Lefty-Canuck]

Another good turn out to Parkland Bow Benders shoot. Thanks to the organizers and the club for setting up a bunch of fun shots and for having a well run shoot.

Also thanks from the ABA 3d Committee for adding the Bowhunter Challenge class to the shoot....thanks to the participants and those who filled out the survey!

LC

[Matt L.]

Parkland was a blast, hotter than the bowels of hell but fun none the less!

[L.O.S.T.Arrow]

Missed another great shoot by the sounds of it...

Lucky you guys didnt melt out there ...great job to all that attended...

Neil

[backyard]

Originally Posted by L.O.S.T.Arrow

Missed another great shoot by the sounds of it...

Lucky you guys didnt melt out there ...great job to all that attended...

Neil

That you did.... maybe you should have got off the couch and went just saying then you would have to right about missing it... the ones that didn't show up melted lol

[Bobdep]

It was fantastic, my friends and I really enjoyed it , thanks to all involved and making us feel welcome.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by Bobdep

It was fantastic, my friends and I really enjoyed it , thanks to all involved and making us feel welcome.

Glad you had fun! Parkland has a history of organizing great shoots, the Bowhunter Challenge Class was the largest class at the shoot! Thanks in part to you and your friends coming out to give it a go!

LC