Bowhunting competition set for Neepawa
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, July 5, 2016
By Eoin Devereux
Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press
Some of the best bowhunters from across the province are taking aim at Neepawa for the 3D Outdoor Classic. The competition, which is scheduled for Sunday, July 10, has been organized by the Yellowhead Bowhunters Archery Club, in association with the Archers and Bowhunters Association of Manitoba (ABAM) and Archery Canada.
In a “3D” competition, life-sized animal targets are placed in outdoor areas that simulate bow hunting. The surrounding terrain of up to 80 acres is used to provide visual challenges and varying levels of difficulty for the shooters.
Yellowhead Bowhunters club president Adam Lukin said this is the first major competition of this size and scope that Neepawa has seen in at least a decade.
“I’m thinking it’s been at least 10 years since we’ve seen [a competition] of this size here. This event is being organized in association with Archery Canada and [Archers and Bowhunters Association of Manitoba]. They put on a series of shooting competitions across the province throughout the year. It includes indoor and outdoor shoots,” said Lukin. “Competitors travel to each community to participate and to support the local club. There’s going to be a lot of people from a lot of different towns traveling here. It helps out all the clubs and brings a lot of attention to the sport.”
Lukin expects there could be as many as 100 competitors and supporters involved in the event. He hopes that people who may not be familiar with the sport from across the region will also come out and see the festivities for themselves.
“If anyone wants to come out and try it for a night, it’s absolutely free for the first time, you are invited to try your hand at archery. You’ll also get the chance to see some very good bowhunters from across Manitoba testing their skills,” stressed Lukin.
Anyone interested in learning more can contact Lukin at 204-841-1902 or April Burdeny at 204-572-5926. People can also view some of the competition on July 10 by driving one mile east of Neepawa on Highway 16, then turning north at Road 86 West at Rocky Mountain Equipment. From there, motorists should then proceed one mile north and 1/4 mile west. Registration for the 3D Outdoor Classic will begin at 8:00 am, with the competition starting at 10:30 am.
