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Background:
The Conway
Sportsman’s Club Archery Program dates back to 1974 when
there were several dedicated archers, Bud Ware, Dave Jackman
and many others, who were inspired by the then local archery
guru, Jon Clark. They soon met similar kinfolk from
Bennington, Vermont. Bud Ware made the formal
introductions. Howard Lewis of the Bennington Club, now
deceased, was interested in starting a league simpler in
structure than the NFAA. The Conway group invited the
Bennington archers to join them for an evening of indoor
shooting at the grounds pavilion. Following the informal
meet, it was decided to start a league now known as the
Tri-State. Howard Lewis was most instrumental in attracting
several other clubs to join both Conway and Bennington.
Original clubs included N. Troy, NY, Salem, NY, Greylock and
Lee, in addition to Bennington and Conway.
Originally
the Conway shoots began as a 7 target course constructed of
paper targets affixed to excelsior bales. With the success
of the shoots the course grew exponentially and over time
became a 20 target course. Later on, new members Ralph
Osgood, Bud Lively and Kevin McDonald were empowered with
running and building the course. Eventually, the paper
targets were replaced with 3-D foam targets, which are
similar to the type of target used today at our current
shoots.
Archery at
the Conway Sportsman’s Club and within the Tri-State League
in general has always been a family sport. Many have been
involved over the years and countless hours have been spent
organizing and running the Club shoots. These shoots would
not have been possible without the dedication of many club
members, their spouses and their children who also
volunteered invaluable time and effort over the years. This
concept is still of utmost importance today. Our youth are
the future of the sport.
Archery
became so popular that several more leagues popped up and
were established in the area. Some new clubs joined the
Tri-State and others withdrew. Competition for shooters
became an issue and with lack of support, the Conway
Sportsman’s Club at one point withdrew from the league.
There was an 8 year period where Conway did not provide
archery shoots open to the public. However, new members
have since joined and with a passion for archery were
determined to bring back 3-D archery to the Conway
Sportsman’s Club, and more importantly, rejoin the Tri-State
League in its rightful place. Since rejoining the League in
2003 we have held 3 Tri-State League sponsored 3-D shoots
per year.
Rules, Cost, and General
Information:
Currently
the Club course is designed around 2 – 15 target loops,
which are negotiable on foot and/or drivable with an ATV for
those who are unable to walk the course. Retrieving an
arrow from the target still requires an able bodied person
to walk from the shooting stakes to the target. There are 5
shooting stakes at each station. Archers compete within
their class at each designated shooting stake dependent upon
age group and equipment. In addition to the improvements of
the 3-D range, a practice range has been constructed with
10, 20, 30 and 40 yard target butts, which are ready for use
year round. Our current shoots provide trophies, food and
fun for archers of all ages and abilities. Registration
runs from 7 am until 12 noon. The cost for adults is $10.,
youth, ages 10-14 is $4., cubs are free.
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