ON-TARGET NEWS

My name is Phil Buxton and, as FCAA Range Director, it is my job to make sure the range is maintained at a high level so that all archers, FCAA members and nonmembers alike, may have a quality range for their archery practice.

I became involved in archery six years ago. I had been on a few rifle hunts, but was frustrated with the crowding and noise associated with the rifle season. Bowhunting seemed like a more appealing approach; with no rifle shots, the woods would be quieter, I wouldn’t have to wear orange and thus would hopefully see fewer people in the woods, archery seasons are usually earlier in the year than rifle seasons, so you get to be in the woods while the animals are less spooked; really all the typical advantages of archery hunting. When I went bowhunting for the first time, all these advantages were realized, plus one I hadn’t counted on; I got really close to lots of game, and saw many more animals than I ever had while rifle hunting. My first day bowhunting I saw elk, deer, Because I knew I was going to be involved with bowhunting for the long haul, I wanted to become a member of the local club and participate in local archery events, and help the club to be successful. I soon joined the FCAA board, and now I am responsible for the range upkeep.

The best part of being involved in the local archery scene has to be the great community my family has come to be a part of. We have met so many great people through archery, and some have become close friends and hunting partners. I love that archery is so family-friendly, and it’s great to see lots of kids and spouses learning to shoot at the range. Thanks to archery, my wife Liz is now a bowhunter, and it’s great to be able to hunt together. Our son Jeff is learning to shoot a bow, and we look forward to taking him on his first hunt when the time is right.

The friendships and good memories that we have made through archery really make me want to do what I can to help the FCAA to grow and thrive. The FCAA has become a much more important part of my life than I ever would have guessed, and the work I do at the range is a way for me to give back to the community that has provided so much enjoyment for my family and I. I would encourage all members to think about the enjoyment that local archery has brought to their lives, and do what they can to help make it even better than it is now.

FCAA Jamboree

By Stacey Litchfield

The FCAA had their 4th annual Jamboree on Father's Day weekend this year at Jack's Gulch near Pingree Park. The club picked up the tab for the group campground, the only thing that needed to be paid for was electricity hookups of $5 a night if you wanted it.

Twenty targets were set up inside the National Forest, which could be shot at anytime from sunrise to dark.

Saturday's cookout of hamburgers and brats provided by the club were enjoyed by close to 40 people. Then stories were swapped while sitting around the campfire. Some people chose to come up for the day, while others stayed for the whole weekend. On Sunday, after the targets were all in the trailer, one passerby asked if she could take a picture of our "decoys." Next year, come on up and join the fun.

1st Annual Archery Day

We honestly didn't know if two or two hundred people would show up. After all, Prospect Road is closed and the entrance to the archery range is under construction. You really have to make an effort to get there. And you never know how effective advertising will be until after the fact. But now we know the answer: About two hundred people showed up for the 1st Annual Archery Day, a lot of parents with children in tow and vice versa; probably more children than adults all told. We were swamped and at times we had people waiting for an instructor.

Each new student began with orientation, safety, archery fundamentals and an eye dominance test (whether you shoot right-handed or left-handed is more a function of eye dominance than whether you are actually right-handed or left-handed). Next, suitable equipment was selected and shooting began on the ten yard range. Once the students were comfortable with the basics, they could either continue shooting -- in hopes of popping one of the balloons -- or move to the 3D target range to shoot at life-size foam replicas of game animals. Students also had the option of walking and shooting the field range.

The children who arrived early proved to be the lucky ones. Though it wasn't advertised, FCAA Vice President Matt Dworak (pictured above) had made thirty bamboo longbows to be given away, together with three matching arrows, to the first children who wanted them -- with parental approval, of course. Matt is pictured with one of his bows and its proud new owner. Matt put in an incredible amount of work on this project -- and that was on top of the other things he does for the Association. Be sure to thank him the next time you see him!

Two special awards for exceptional service to the Association were presented at noon. Troy Tafoya was honored for his long, long term as President and many contributions to the Association and archery. Toby Trujillo was similarly honored for his many contributions to youth archery through scouting, community recreation programs and the Association.

Please consider helping out at the 2nd Annual Archery Day next year. These events tend to only get larger, so more volunteer help will be greatly appreciated! It is a wonderful chance to help get others hooked on archery.

Note from the Prez

Many people in the club have helped to ensure an excellent shooting experience for all members and public visitors to the range this season. Each year we have improved the range, this year by adding steel bow racks. We have had outstanding Work Day participation and I hope that you have enjoyed the range as well as the events the club has sponsored this season: Arctic Shoot, Membership Shoot, FCAA Jamboree, the first annual Archery Day, and 16 weeks of 3D Leagues.

As I ready the few arrows I have left after shooting the bionic turkey during leagues (I haven’t scored yet.), I think about my upcoming hunts – not just the hunt, but the process of hunting and my role as an ambassador in the field.

As we go to the field for game large and small, or just to be “in the game�?, it is an opportunity for us to build our sport through example and practice. People that we encounter in the field, whether they are other hunters, hikers, nature lovers, or naturists, may well form an opinion about hunting – specifically archery hunting by how they perceive your practices. We each have a responsibility to our club, to our fellow bowhunters and to the hunting public to encourage people in our sport (the mission of FCAA), and to conduct ourselves in a safe and sportsmanlike manner. I also encourage you to take someone hunting so they too can enjoy the outdoors and learn the skills of hunting and conservation, and sportsmanship from you as a mentor. I wish you the best hunting experience this season, and even that you might bring home some game!

Michel “Longshot�? Magers

August Work Day Changed

The August work day has been changed from Aug. 5 to Aug. 12 due to conflicts. With hunting season right around the corner, the range always gets hit hard this time of year. We can really use help on the 12th to keep the range in shape for the final push in August! Please come out to the range at 8:00 to help us out. Thanks!

CBA Jamboree Report

By Stacey Litchfield

The Third weekend in July for over 30 years has been reserved for the Colorado Bowhunters Association's Jamboree. This year it was once again held on the North side of Camp Hale where it has been the last several years. If you've never gone, it's a fun filled time for the entire family.

There are 5 general ranges, 1 family range, 1 extreme range, which is extreme distances as well as terrain, and a kid's range. The main ranges open from roughly first light till dark. Some of the events included: the wing fling, moving deer target, elk calling contest, DOW discussion, Bowsite get together, endurance shoot, swap meet, chili cook off and many more. You must either be a current CBA member, join, or renew to enjoy the festivities. The FCAA volunteered to set up the orange course on Thursday as well as take it down on Sunday. It's just an all around good time to sit around a lantern (if campfires are banned) telling stories, meeting new friends and finding old ones. If you didn't make it, mark it on you calendar for next year.