Northwoods Archers, Inc. is the poster child for what ALL hunting clubs and organizations should be.

As the anti-hunting radicals slowly tighten the noose around the neck of the contemporary hunter, more of our dwindling ranks are realizing that if we are to survive or at least extend the time that we have left as hunters, we must start working together. We must, in every way that we are able to, support our fellow hunters regardless of their methods, the game they pursue or the implements they use to hunt. To think of hunting only in terms of an individual agenda or one small facet of the sport is the equivalent to a deadly snakebite while being lost deep in the wilderness – we’re going to die! The act of preserving our hunting heritage should not be about ME, but instead it should be about WE.

Recently a group of friends and I attended a 3-D shoot hosted by the Northwoods Archers, Inc. from Medford, Wisconsin. And for one short day we were all transported to a dream-place that is operated and managed like all hunting clubs and organizations should be. An environment where everyone shared the joy of flinging arrows irregardless of what kind of bow they came from or what kind of person was flinging them.

The hunters from Wisconsin that desire to use a crossbow are still struggling for acceptance. Currently only disabled hunters and those over 65 can use a crossbow during the regular archery season. Very few clubs in that state will even allow the use of crossbows on their ranges for all of the normal anti-crossbow excuses. The crossbow arrows will tear up our targets! Crossbows and the people that use them are too dangerous! Crossbows are too powerful, etc., etc.

The poster for the "Broken Arrow Shoot" (Isn’t the Broken Arrow a Native American symbol of peace?) proudly proclaimed that "Horizontal and Vertical Bows Welcome". From the moment we arrived at the Northwoods Archer’s compound, which is nestled in the plush forests of west central Wisconsin every single member, regardless of their age or sex treated us like family. It was pleasing to discover that there is an archery organization made up of men, women and youth all intent on sharing and promoting the sport of archery to anyone and everyone that will lend an ear. Besides running the 3-D tournament that day, they were also hosting a youth event that was introducing a small army of young folks to archery and to their facilities.

The 3-D tournament was being held as a fundraising event for the 2008 UFFDA Camp Tesomas hunt in Rhinelander, WI. It was being jointly sponsored by the Northwoods Archers, Inc., the Wheelin’ Sportsman (NWTF) and the United Foundation For Disabled Archers.

We were welcomed into a modern, neat and clean clubhouse, which was as homey as my living room and comfortably air-conditioned against the hot, mid-summer sun. Although the inside temperature was cool, the warmth of our hosts could not be denied or ignored. The whole registration process was pure pleasure as the folks we came to know treated us like fellow members that had belonged to the club for years. It was wonderful!

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Once we were registered we headed for the outside deck where we prepared our equipment and began our shoot. The Northwoods Archers complex has the only paved, 100% self-service, ADA course in the state and it provides a beautiful and user-friendly opportunity even to those in wheelchairs. Throughout the entire round we had personal escorts that answered our questions about the history of club and grounds, shared the details about the individual target setups and assisted our party in any other way that they could. We were treated like visiting royalty! By the end of the round, our little party had turned into a crowd of laughing fun-packed archers and spectators. The very last target was a moving one that simulated a bear climbing up a tree. It provided an interesting challenge as well as scores of hoots and cheers from the gallery as the shots were made by our five-some. That was pretty much when the party moved into full swing.

When we finished the round and returned to the clubhouse there was a complimentary lunch for one and all. Now I am not talking about sandwiches and potato chips, but instead it was country style barbecued ribs, scalloped potatoes, vegetables, crab cakes with all of the trimmings. To round the feast off, there was apple cobbler for desert. A first class meal provided by first class people. As the food disappeared and the friendships deepened, the afternoon quickly passed, eventually moving outdoors for even more fun and entertainment.

Northwoods Archers is in possession of the only bow and arrow dunk tank I have ever seen. As the agitator sits on a trap-seat over a five foot pool of cold water, the archer stands next to the pool taking verbal abuse and being splashed by water all in an attempt to distract his concentration. The target is a lifesaver-size ring at 15 or so yards that when hit by a passing arrow from the bow of the harassed archer, unceremoniously plops the perched heckler into the drink for a bit of a cool down. It was a riot! Just as much fun as watching the interaction between the sitter and the shooter was listening the wise cracks that came for the raucous peanut gallery. Not one person there was the least bit shy about having a good time at the expense of the arrow flinger or the trapdoor clinger.

The day passed far too quickly and the time for departure was soon upon us. It took another half-hour or so to make our rounds to say our good-byes and give our heartfelt thanks to our remarkable hosts. It had been a very special day with the members of an exceptional organization.

On the long journey back to Minnesota, the car was filled with much conversation about what we had experienced and how much we had truly enjoyed it from beginning to end. We all realized that the Northwoods Archers, Inc. is the poster child for what ALL hunting clubs and organizations should be. This is what it should be like in every hunting fraternity regardless of what method they promote. Hopefully other groups will follow in the footsteps of this unique clan of archers that is so determined and dedicated to promoting and preserving our sport. If every club shared the high ideals and fine example set by the Northwoods Archers, our future would look much brighter and be much longer. Thank you Northwoods Archers for a wonderful day and for showing us how it should be done. We are all looking forward to returning to your estate in 2009.

That's All Folks