Well that was fun. This year started off really good at Virginia MN for our 2024 State Indoor Championship tournament hosted by Hibbing Archery Club. Great venue, great indoor shoot, 3D shoot, vendors, food. Good to see a lot of familiar faces and catch up. Everything was fantastic. Good Job Hibbing!!!!! Now to grab some outdoor arrows and start shooting some longer distances, but need a day with out work, rain, or wind. Hope to see a bunch of you in Sartel shooting the 900/50M.
Did you know the MSAA Constitution and ByLaws are online? Yes, they are on our website in case you have any questions on how the organization is ran. I challenge any member to attend one of our meetings. You as a member are welcome to attend. I also encourage you to look on our website and see the many open positions available to be filled. My phone is always with me, so if you were to have any questions, concerns, or just want to vent, drop me a call i would love to hear from you.
Hope to see you all this summer at our shoots. Also, please attend some of the other shoots that are in the Arrow to help out other clubs in the area. Till next time.
Saratoga Archers - Tracy, Beaver Creek Archery - Slayton, SW Bowbenders Archery Club - Worthington, Lincoln Area Archers - Tyler PO BOX 304, Brewster MN 56119 PH: 507-370-0597 | john.steinle@gmail.com
DEAN SUMMER - Southeast
Faribault Archery Club - Faribault , Waseca Archery Club - Waseca, Straight River Archers - Owatonna, South Forty Archers - Lakeville 2826 NW 43rd Ave, Owatonna, MN 55060 PH: 262-353-6232 | 2066mustang@gmail.com
DON PRIMLEY - East Central
Archery Country, Great River Archery Club - Rice 816 Ridgewood Court, Sartell MN 56337 PH: 320-333-3950 | dmprimley@charter.net
ED TURNER - Northwest
Heart of Lakes Bowhunters - Detroit Lakes, Lake Agassiz Bowmen, Fargo, ND Mit Ti Quab Archers - Wadena, Bemidji Archery Club 500 BAB Street, Naytahwaush, MN 56566 PH: 218-766-6492 | bowhuntervp.msaa@mnarchery.org
Northern Lights Archery Club - Roseau, Thief River Falls Archery Club - Thief River Falls 901 Reserve Avenue, Thief River Falls MN 56701 mnbowhuntewwr70@gmail.com
MIKE ANDRESEN - West Central
Kingston Archery Club - Dassel, Swift County Archers - Benson Little Crow Archery Club - Hutchinson Little Crow Archers - Willmar 8014 MN River Drive SW, Montevideo, MN 56265 PH: 320-212-7480 | mike@farmsiteservices.com
OPEN - Central
Bow Daddy Archery - Isanti, Sportsman’s Club - Elk River, Minnesota Sportsman Club - Zimmerman, Tails and TrailsZimmerman, Full Draw Archery - Harris, Wild River Archery - North Branch
OPEN - Metro
Rapids Archery Club - Coon Rapids, Average Joe’s ArcheryCoon Rapids, Bwana Archery - Little Canada, Chilakoot Bowhunters - Stillwater, Bald Eagle Sportsmen’s Association - Hugo
OPEN - South Central Bob’s Archery & More - Bricelyn, Broken Arrow Archery Club - Henderson, DC Archery - Winnebago, Oak Ridge Archery - Kasota
If you, or know someone who is interested in filling one of these open positions, please contact Paul Parsons, Interim President at indoorvp.msaa@mnarchery.org.
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
THOUGHT ABOUT
BEING A GOVERNOR ?
Represent their region on all issues presented before the Board
Represent and promote the MSAA
Actively communicate clubs/pro-shops on MSAA activities and updates
Attend MSAA events
Participate in the MSAA Tournament committee as appointed
As a member of the MSAA Board of Directors, shall have one (1) vote in their name
Interested? Contact Paul Parsons to find out more information at 507-401-0469 or email indoorvp.msaa@mnarchery.org
OPEN BOARD POSITIONS WE NEED YOU!
The Board of Directors, being the fully constituted governing body of the MSAA shall be responsible to the collective membership of the MSAA for the following functions:
Review and vote on all proposed changes in by-laws / rules / regulations
Help establish fees, dues and other sources of revenue
Be ready to fill any vacancy in any elective office of the MSAA
Assist in selecting the dates of the Championship Tournaments
Determine rounds to be shot at State Championship Tournaments
Review and be responsible for entries in the Policy Handbook
The postions needing to be filled are: President, Awards, Bowfishing, Promotions
This is a partial list of board duties. To see the full list of board duties in the MSAA by-laws, visit the MSAA website at www.mnarchery.org/about
Interested? Contact Paul Parsons to find out more information at 507-401-0469 or email indoorvp.msaa@mnarchery.org
MSAA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PAUL PARSONS
President
300 East Pabst Street, PO Box 265, Sanborn, MN 56083 507-401-0469
Outdoor archery season is here! The MSAA outdoor tournament schedule begins June 8th with the 900 Target, and the 50 Meter on June 9th at the Mississippi county Park south of Rice MN. These shoots will be hosted by the Great River Archery Club. They have hosted these shoots the past two years and have done a outstanding job. Remember that these are two different tournaments held on the same weekend, you can shoot one or both of them.
In July we go to Rapids Archery on the 13th and 14th for the MSAA/MAA state Field tournaments. Once again you only have to shoot one of the days, but can shoot both days and use your best daily score. Or you can shoot a second class if you shoot both days. Archers can also shoot the MAA tournament at the same time using the same score if you register to shoot the MAA shoot also.
Check the MSAA website or App for details and rules for these tournaments.
Shoot Straight and have FUN!
WEBMASTER - JOSEPH ZIMMERMAN
State Indoor results were posted to the website and the web app. Records were updated through the indoor on the website.
The 900/50Meter Facebook Event and Eventbrite Registration was published in April. The Facebook Event was also boosted with a $50 budget for the month leading up to the 900/50 meter weekend.
The State Field Facebook Event and Eventbrite Registration was published.
The State 3D Facebook Event was also already published. There is no pre-registration for the State 3D.
Facebook Analytics for April 1, 2024 through May 17, 2024:
Facebook Page reach: 29,020 (+17,451)
Facebook Page impressions: 71,867
Facebook Page followers: 2,497 (+80)
Instagram Page followers: 128
INDOOR VP - LEANN BOES
Thanks to the Hibbing Archery Club for a wonderful 2024 State Indoor Tournament. Congratulations to all the archers who placed at the tournament. We are now on to the outdoor season and I hope to see many of you at these shoots, they are great events. The Duluth Archery Club will be hosting the 2025 State Indoor with more information to come as it becomes available.
BOWHUNTER VP - MARK LATOURELLE
There are some big changes coming this fall for those of you who either currently hunt at Camp Ripley or are interested in hunting there. I don’t know all the details yet but it looks like the camp will be open to 150 bowhunters a day almost every day of the archery season. The camp may be closed to bowhunting on some special training days. I don’t know if all the details have been worked out yet as far as how to apply, camping, and entry procedures. I will pass those along as soon as I can.
As we start winding down on the Minnesota spring turkey season I hope everyone has had good luck. The weather over a large portion of the state this spring certainly has added some challenges to harvesting that elusive tom. Now that bowfishing has opened in Minnesota I encourage you to give that a try if you haven’t, it a blast. Remember to aim low.
I am really looking forward to getting down to Tracy this August and shooting the 3D championship at the Saratoga Archery club. This is a range like few others in this state.
If you see me at any shoots this summer make sure to stop over and say hi, I’m always up to talk bowhunting and archery. Let me know what you’re thinking and what I can do to further bowhunting interests in the state. Good hunting and be safe.
ARROW EDITOR - STACIE MULSO
I am looking for more feature stories for the next issues of the Arrow. Please send your story ideas to me at arrow. msaa@mnarchery.org. Also, if you have some favorite wild game dishes, I would love to include your recipes in future editions. Is there anything else you’d like to see in the Arrow? I’d love to hear your ideas!
SECRETARY - LORI DARGATZ
Hi, I am slowly learning the secretary position and very happy to be here. I have been a MSAA member for just over twenty years. I enjoy shooting the indoor tournament and last year was my first attempt at the Grand Champion. I enjoy both target and bow hunter shooting. I also hunt and this year was my first turkey hunt and harvest, very exciting!
A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO ARCHERY IN ITS PUREST FORM
By Adam Kramer
In the 1940’s and 50’s field archery began its growth in popularity as archery clubs across the country installed courses that followed the National Field Archery Association(NFAA) regulations. Field archery was the dominate form of outdoor archery for the next 40 years until 3D archery began to rapidly increase in participation. In Minnesota we have a few courses that still offer the chance to enjoy this traditional, challenging, and highly enjoyable way of enjoying the bow and arrow. The best way to learn field archery is to simply shoot a round, which will also lead to a new unexplainable addiction.
A complete field round is comprised of three parts with 14 targets each. The field and hunter rounds consist of 56 arrows each, and the animal component involves at least 14 more arrows. An NFAA field course is always shot at the same distance and target face regardless of the course location. The target face for the field and hunter are the same size and vary in size depending on the distance they are being shot. Both faces are scored 5-43. The field has a black 5 ring, white 4 ring, and black 3 ring. The hunter face has a white 5 ring, with black 4 and 3 rings. The animal targets also vary in size depending on the distance. A 21 point aiming dot is placed in the center of the 20 point vital ring, which is within the 18 point outermost scoring ring. In the animal round, only one arrow is shot unless the archer misses the scoring ring completely then additional arrows may be shot until an arrow scores. Up to 3 arrows may be shot with each
maximum point opportunity lowering with each attempt. In the 14 targets of a field round, 4 arrows will be shot at each target. Some will be from 4 different distances with one arrow at each distance which is called a “walkup”. One target will be a “fan”, meaning 4 arrows from the same distance but from different stakes. Most will be targets requiring all 4 arrows be shot from the same distance. The 14 targets consist of the following distances and a course can have them in any order:
1. 35/30/25/20 foot walk-up
2. 15 yards
3. 20 yards
4. 25 yards
5. 30 yards
6. 35 yard fan
7. 40 yards
8. 45 yards
9. 50 yards
10. 45,40,35,30 yard walk up 11. 55 yards
12. 60 yards
13. 65 yards
14. 80/70/60/50 yard walk-up
In the hunter round expect more walk-ups and fans to be shot. As compared to distances like 50,60, and 70 yards, targets will be placed at distances such as 53,48,and 36 for example. There are 3 target stations that are a walkup format with only 2 distances as compared to the usual 4. When this occurs the archer will shoot 2 arrows from both distances. The 14 targets involved in a hunter round are as follows and in no particular order:
1. 11 yards
2. 15/14 yard walk -up
3. 19/17 yard walk-up
4. 23/20 walk-up
5. 28 yard fan
6. 32 yard fan
7. 36 yard fan
8. 40 yards
9. 44 yards
10. 48 yards
11. 53/48/44/41 yard walk-up
12. 58/53/48/45 yard walk-up
13. 64/59/55/52 yard walk-up
14. 70/65/61/58 yard walk-up
The animal round is 14 targets and while the standard round does not have specific distances required, it does state that specific amounts of certain size targets are shot within a certain range of distance. There are 4 target groups, with the group 1 targets being the larger animals (moose, bear, elk) and the group 4 targets being the smallest (crow, rabbit, grouse). On an official animal round there will be 3 of the largest targets between 60 and 40 yards, 3 of the second largest targets between 45 and 30 yards, 4 of the third largest targets between 35 and 20 yards, and 4 of the smallest targets between 20 and 10 yards.
Field archery is best learned through participation. After one round an archer will have a better understanding of what can be a difficult format to explain.
To be better prepared for your FIRST TIME SHOOTING, take advantage of these TIPS:
Be prepared to shoot! A full round will be over 120 arrows and take place in the summer weather. This could mean heat or rain so be prepared to spend a couple hours in the elements.
Have a sight tape that is accurate. Not having confidence in your sight marks can make for a long day on the range, so be dialed in for distances of 20 ft - 80 yds.
Shoot the proper target from the proper stake and move your sight to the right distance! These 3 things will get you off to a great start. Pay attention to your position, and double check your sight setting religiously. 1 lapse in attention can lead to a poor result, and even though many arrows will be shot, the silly mistakes are the ones we dwell on the longest.
Do not be intimidated by the distances. Only 1 arrow occurs at 80 yards and it is at a 65 cm target. The average shot occurs at approximately 35-40 yards for the field/hunter round and there is always plenty of backstop.
Bring a pair of binoculars to track impacts and readjust between shots.
Bring plenty of arrows and spare nocks. 2-4 people shooting together on the same target over the course of the round can lead to some damage. Have plenty of ammo to stay in the game.
In Minnesota there are field courses that are either open to the public or host field archery tournaments. These include Saratoga Archery Club (Tracy), Rapids Archery Cub (Andover), and the Bemidji Archery Club (Bemidji). All of these unique courses are beautiful venues that offer the official NFAA field archery round. The MSAA hosts the State Field Tournament in early July and the NFAA Outdoor Nationals, which is occurring in late August this year, rotates between three different locations each year across the country. Just across the border in Yankton, SD at the NFAA headquarters there are 3 full courses available and is a great place to make a road trip with a friend to get your fill of field archery. Whether you are preparing for a hunt or tournament, shooting field archery on a local Minnesota course is a good time in the making!
Keep Punching Clocks and Busting Nocks! Adam Kramer
TRAPPED in the YUKON
By: Don Primley
I was sitting in the copilot seat of a Cessna 185 piloted by Derek Drinnan. As a pilot myself, I was familiar with the 185 but had no controls.They had been removed to save weight in the bush plane. Through my headphones I heard Watson Lake Airport announce they were closing the airport due to a whiteout snowstorm...
The adventure began by contacting the owners of Ceaser Lake Outfitters, the Wilkinson family in Watson Lake, Yukon. I had hunted with Joel Wilkinson and his father previously, and had archery hunted the Yukon Territories for moose. I met Joel when he was my guide for a free range archery red stag hunt on South Island of New Zealand. Two other great adventures. Joel was now the owner of Ceaser Lake Outfitters and set up three of us for a remote Alaskan/Yukon moose hunt. I had hunted with my two companion archers, Bob Janke and Bill Bethke, from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for 20 years on multiple archery big game hunts.
We flew into Whitehorse, the capital of the Yukon Territories, rented a vehicle, and drove southeast, arriving in Watson Lake on September 30th. After checking into the motel, we had dinner with the Wilkensen family. During dinner, we were informed of our hunting locations. Bob and I were heading to the Beaver River Camp for a river hunt I had requested of Joel. Bill was headed to a very remote lake camp with his guide.
We flew out of Watson Lake Airport on October 1st, 2017, heading to the Beaver River airstrip that had been carved out of the bush in the 1980’s for scientific exploration reasons. The Watson Lake Airport CYQH,YQH is five nautical miles west of Watson Lake and was built in 1942. It was part of the northwest staging route used during WWII to send military assistance to Russia. It is a 5500 ft asphalt airstrip now, and almost surrounded by water. Once airborne, we had a two hour
flight time to the Beaver River airstrip (130 air miles). The weather was perfect. The Yukon is a small rugged territory located in the extreme northwest corner of Canada covering 474,713 sq km. The territory’s eastern boundary is quite rugged and is dominated by the Mackenzie and Selwyn mountain ranges. We were headed to the southeast corner of the Yukon. After we were airborne, we did not hear from Bill. Derek Drinnan was an excellent pilot and I would eventually learn how truly good he was. After an uneventful flight and landing we unloaded our gear and Derek took off for Watson Lake. Bob and I loaded gear in the Argos and headed for the Beaver River, which is 3 km from where we landed. The Beaver River is a tributary of the Laird River (60th parallel north) running to the southeast from its origin. It enters the Laird River in the area of its grand canyon just south of the British Columbian - Yukon border.
Once our gear was loaded in the flat bottomed boats, we traveled 6-7 km up river to camp. Our guides were the trapper Robert Stitt, who’s cabin we were staying in, and Josh Johnson, who is an outfitter in the Alberta Province of Canada.
Robert Stitt started trapping in 1973 and has owned this trap line since 2010. He is a Trapper Education instructor and has trapped wide ranges of Canada. He and his Canadian Eskimo dog, Meeka Mike, are true wilderness partners. More on troublemaker Meeka later. Our river hunt would end on the sixth of October, and Bob and I were excited to start the next morning. Josh would be my guide and Robert would guide Bob.
On October 2nd Josh and I headed upriver just after daybreak. Robert and Bob went downriver.
the first day - small bulls, cows, and calves. We would stop periodically to call over the marshy flats. We returned to camp from about 30 miles up river by the light of the moon over the river. What a great first day! We pitched in helping the guides cook and clean up daily.
The next day Josh and I went downriver and Robert and Bob headed upstream. Josh and I saw fewer moose, like Robert and Bob had, going downstream. About 15 miles downriver we had engine problems. I had just seen and heard an animal on the east bank just inside the brush - a brown movement. It was getting late in the afternoon and we pushed to shore so Josh could tend to the jet outboard motor. I heard what sounded like a spark plug break off in the motor. Without looking back, I asked Josh if they would come searching for us tonight or tomorrow. Josh simply said, “Tomorrow.”
I said I’d make a shelter and collect firewood and Josh agreed. There is usually a ground trail running parallel to the river just inside the bush. When I reached it, it was covered with moose, grizzly, and wolf tracks. I figured the brown I saw was a bear. At that point I decided to gather a lot more firewood.
I don’t know how Josh got the broken spark plug out, but when he announced it was fixed and started the motor, we were headed back to camp arriving at dark. Just part of the adventure. Robert and Bob saw moose but no joy! There was another great dinner, stories, and sleep.
Now the next morning, October 4th, is my favorite day to hunt moose because I have shot two previous moose on that day and the rut is full on! Josh and I headed up river. Again we saw moose but nothing big enough. I had told Josh that I wasn’t a trophy hunter and would wait for him to tell me if the bull was big enough to take by Ceaser Lake Outfitter standards. About 15 miles upriver again we had engine problems. After a calling session, the engine would not start. We decided to start paddling, thank God, downstream. Quietly we paddled. Josh figured we would paddle most of the night to get back, but at least we had a full moon. I was sitting in the bow of the flat bottomed john boat paddling with my feet dangling over the bow, telling Josh not to worry about the troubles. It was all part of the adventure. Josh, of course, was very apologetic.
We rounded a bend in the river and I saw a cow and calf lying on a small mud flat just off the water. I slowly laid down my paddle and reached for my bow. The cow and calf got up and started walking and then trotting downstream. At that time I noticed the bull stand up on the high bank. He obviously didn’t know what we were, but didn’t want us near the cow.
Josh said quietly, “You can shoot this one.”
As the cow and calf trotted downstream next to us, the bull came down from the high bank to the low bank now also trotting. Josh again said, “You can shoot him.”
I told Josh he had to catch up to us, that he was quartering toward us. My bow was up but not drawn.
The cow and calf were still slightly ahead now and the bull was catching up. Again I said, “He has to catch up.”
At that moment the cow and calf turn to go up to the high bank and the bush. I knew the bull would follow, so I drew and waited for this bull to turn and be quartering away. As he did at 31 yards I let fly. I saw the arrow disappear behind the front leg. Josh thought it was too low, and from his perspective, it may have appeared that way. However, I was sure I had heart shot the bull.
We paddled to shore, tied up, and found where the three moose headed into the bush. On the top of the high bank we found blood, but not a lot. The moss was all torn up where they had run and it was easy tracking. I admit there wasn’t a lot of blood in 50 or 60 yards. We stopped to look and Josh was worried.
“Did you hear that?” I said.
Josh looked at me.
I said, “That is agonal breathing. He is gurgling.”
His head and antlers came up and fell about twenty yards away. Quickly, I knocked an arrow and circled the bull, but it wasn’t necessary. Definitely a quickly fatal wound. Now the work began. I built a smudge fire to keep the black flies away. We skinned, quartered, and hauled all the meat the 60 - 80 yards to the boat.
Continued on next page ...
TRAPPED in the YUKON continued
Once in the boat, we were tired, but extremely happy. As we were paddling by the early full moon, Josh apologized again. I repeated that it was all part of a great adventure. With all the meat in the boat we were bow heavy, but there was no wind and paddling downstream! Josh kept attempting to start the engine and eventually got it started, so we cruised the last miles in the dark under the full moon.
We had two days left of our hunt. On October 6th Bob and Josh went up river. In the fog and the mist Josh called a 55 inch bull in to 30 yards, and Bob arrowed the bull. Bob told me in the fog and mist the scene was very surreal. They could hear the bull grunting and coming closer until they finally saw it come into view. He was elated with the entire encounter and taking his bull of a life time. The next morning we readied Bob’s bull to accompany my 53 inch bull for the flight back to Watson Lake.
As we packed our gear for the next morning departure, we received word that the weather was questionable for the flight out. We continued to pack and repack our gear for the next seven days, traveling to the Beaver River airstrip and then back to camp, while waiting for word via satellite phone or through Josh’s InReach device, that was, until mischievous Meeka took the InReach and hid it under one of the out buildings. She brought it back days later, thank goodness!
Now trapped by heavy snow and ice storms, we were not going anywhere. Now you can piss and moan and complain, but that is just poor attitude! We were not in a true survival situation because we had Robert’s trapper cabin for shelter, filtered water from the river, and two bull moose to eat. Shelter, water, food, Canadian wilderness - we couldn’t ask for more. Messages got sent from Watson Lake to our families assuring them we were
safe. To kill time, Bob read and I stayed outside keeping busy. I cut up two tall white spruce trees limbed, bucked, hauled and stacked them for Robert’s full winter stay on his trap line. I erected a tall pole (tree) for an antenna that Robert converted to a flag pole. I dismantled a smoke house and built martin boxes as per Robert’s instruction. We built a new door for Robert’s cabin. Robert and I cleared part of one of his trap lines, and he taught me about wolf trapping/snaring, learning wilderness wolves are a great deal different than those in the lower 48.
Attitude, attitude, attitude is the number one factor to possess for true survival. On our third extra day a black bear came into camp and dragged off Bob’s moose head. I spotted the bear looking for the head and Josh shot it with his rifle when it wouldn’t give up the moose head. More meat for Robert!
The third extra day was also the Canadian Thanksgiving Holiday. What a feast we had. Robert had a storage/root cellar under the cabin. There was a moose roast and all the trimmings, mashed potatoes, gravy, canned vegetables, high bush cranberries, and pie for dessert.
The fourth extra day we got word the plane was coming to pick us up. To the airstrip we went again only to be told they had to turn back due to heavy snow and no visibility. The next day I dug new steps in the bank to make it easier to climb up and down the riverbank.
On the seventh day there was to be a “window” in the weather. The plane was coming. We left moose meat for Robert to eat during the winter months while trapping and headed to the airstrip again. He would shoot another moose to get him through the winter. When the plane landed we loaded quickly said our goodbyes and thank you’s to Robert, then Bob, Josh and I headed northwest toward Watson Lake piloted by Derek. We were about an hour and a half out of Watson Lake when I heard a radio call from a twin engine aircraft a half hour to the west out of Watson Lake returning back to Watson Lake due to a severe snowstorm. We were traveling slower and farther than the twin engine plane. We were not going to make it to Watson Lake before that storm got to the airport. When the twin engine aircraft landed, they closed the airport at Watson Lake. I asked Derek over the headset if he had an alternate airstrip. He said it was closed for general aviation but not for him. He said he had been flying out of Watson Lake for over 30 years and they didn’t close the airstrip for him. That did not give me a real warm and fuzzy feeling!
As we got closer to Watson Lake the snowstorm engulfed us as expected. I saw Derek deviate a bit south. He stated, “I have landed on the Alaskan/Canadian (Alcan) highway before, and we will do that if we have to.” My warm and fuzzy feeling was getting a little more chilly. As we entered the Watson Lake air pattern, I could see nothing.
I knew when Derek turned downwind, base and final in the pattern to land, there was still zero visibility. Under 200 ft I could make out a bit of ground and at least not water or buildings. It was a snow whiteout.
Derek was lined up perfectly when I finally saw the runway under us. Thus was the spectacular albeit sphincter tightening ending of our seven extra wondrous days trapped in the Canadian Yukon bush.
With every hunt, you can be met with an unpredictable fury of elements. This is especially true in the vast expanses of the Alaskan/Canadian wilderness. Having been stationed in Alaska with the armed forces, I hunted, tundra stomped and ran my own trapline in the Aleutian Islands and have archery hunted in multiple Canadian provinces and territories. I have learned by adapting and overcoming the challenges, you find yourself closer to God and with each silent prayer and breath there is a moment of gratitude.
EPILOGUE
We had not heard from Bill since he left for his hunt 13 days ago. We learned upon our return that he was also delayed in his return to Watson Lake. On day 8 of our great adventure, Bill flew back home because he was told by Joel that we might not get back for 1 - 2 weeks. Bill was successful in taking a bull moose of 58 inches that he ambushed on the edge of a remote Yukon lake. Bill stated that they had to break ice for the plane to land. I was elated that Bill was successful. He has been a mentoring project for me over the years, teaching him how to hunt and shoot. THAT IS OUR LEGACY!
That is our legacy!
At the end of every hunt there is time to reflect on the camaraderie, the lessons learned, the thrills of the hunt, but more importantly, the food provided for our families and friends. We left meat for the guides and first nation people. Those three bulls were revered and
honored for the sacrifice they made. This is the respect for the cycle of life. I gave thanks to God for nature’s bounties, new friends, and the chance to pursue wild animals He has provided and instructed us to hunt.
Genesis 27:3
ON TO THE NEXT ADVENTURE…
LOCATION:
Mississippi River County Park Archery Range 41300 County Road 1, Rice MN, 56367
T A R G E T H U N T I N G E D U C A T I O N
Great River Archery Club
Proud to Host the MSAA 900/50 meter State Tournaments!
June 8 - 900 round
Following the 900 there will be a 20 target 3D scramble money shoot with a 75% payout. Random drawing of 2-person teams.
June 9 - 50 meter round
Join MSAA and shoot as an MSAA member for state awards or shoot as a guest for a fun, friendly competition, bragging rights among friends and/or personal challenge!
• 7 miles North of Sartell, MN - County Road 1
• 8 miles North of the AmericInn by Wyndham 119 LeSauk Drive, Sartell, MN 320-259-1120 12-room block, reserved for Friday/Saturday
• 4.8 miles Southwest of Rice, MN
• 3 miles South of the Two Rivers RV Campground (320-584-5125 on the Mississippi River off of County Road 73
• 9.5 miles from St. Cloud restaurants, lodging & entertainment.
More Events
• July 20 & 21 weekend 3D family fun shoot 40 targets | 8:00 Saturday & Sunday concessions available at the shoot adult fee $25, under 18 $15, family max. $50
• August 17, 2024 MINNESOTA SENIOR GAMES ARCHERY EVENT–8:00 practice / 9:00 tournament start.
SCAN FOR ACCOMMODATIONS
Practice Range located at Northwest corner of the Mississippi County Park, 41376 County Road 1, Rice, MN 56367 CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE AT THE TOURNAMENT
Rapids Archery Club is honored to host the 2024 MSAA and MAA/NFAA State Field Tournament. MSAA and MAA/NFAA State Field Tournament - Test Your Skills!
Compete over two exciting days July 13th & 14th!
Challenge yourself:
• 14 Field Targets
• 14 Hunter Targets
• 14 Animal Targets
• Compete in one day or both - your highest score counts!
• Option to shoot different classes on each day.
• Scores can be entered for both MSAA and MAA/NFAA
Register now!
Online pre-registration: Deadline July 7th Eventbrite: Eventbrite Ticket Information. Mail-in registration: Download form at Minnesota State Archery Association: https://mnarchery.org/forms
Mail To:
Rapids Archery Club 1255 133rd Ave NW Andover, MN 55304
Host Club Information: Rapids Archery Club: website: www.rapidsarchery.net: Email info@mnrapidsarchery.org Phone: 763-258-3345 Jeff Bauman
For more details:
State Field Tournament Info: Minnesota State Archery Association: http://www.mnarchery.org/field-round.html
MAA Registration: Minnesota Archers Alliance: https://www.themnaa.org/event/show/545262355
Hosted by Hibbing Archery Club at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center April 6-7 2024
2024 State Indoor Tournament Results
2024 State Indoor Tournament Results
2024 State Indoor Tournament Results
2024 State Indoor Tournament Results
2024 State Indoor Tournament Results
2024 State Indoor Tournament Results
You may have noticed MSAA forms are no longer part of the printed Arrow content. We want to make sure you have access to the most up-to-date information/forms!
You’ll find these forms on the MSAA website:
√ Shoot registration
√ Membership
√ Big Buck, Big Bear Award
√ Scholarship
√ Shoot Bid
We want to see what you’re up to in the field, send in photos of you and your game to put into the next edition of The Arrow!
Email photos to Stacie at: arrow.msaa@mnarchery.org
Scan the QR code below with the camera on your phone to find the form you are looking for! Or go to www.mnarchery.org/forms This could be you! We need your photos!
August 14th & 15th, 2021
Archery FUN for Everyone! Come to enjoy the rolling hills and grasslands of the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. Little Crow Archers of Willmar & Swift County Archers of Benson have teamed up to host this annual 60-Target 3-D shoot. Shoot it in one day, or make a weekend of it and shoot both days! Our promise is that you will not be disappointed.
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Highlights
• Great fall hunting practice
• Generous sized walking trails
• On-site concessions, seating deck
• Shooting Position Stakes for: Adult, Youth, Traditional & Kids
• Rangefinders Allowed
• Family Oriented
• All on over 100 Acres!
• All Rinehart Targets
Full Course (60-Targets)
$25 Adults
$15 Youth 16 & under
$65 Family Max
Shoot it a 2nd time for 1/2 price!
Shoot Location:
1/2 Course (30-Targets)
$15 Adults
$10 Youth 16 & under
$40 Family Max
Little Crow Archers of Willmar has had some exticing things happening over the last year.
First and foremost, our club celebrated our 70th year anniversary! Something we are extremely proud of; especially during times when clubs and organizations struggle to maintain, find volunteers and dedicated people willing to step up and carry on the traditions and activities of the club. Another big happening we celebrated is saying farewell to our long-time basement range in downtown Willmar; when an opportunity presented itself allowing our club to take on the task of moving to a new location. For any club that has moved, it is no easy task after you have been somewhere for 40-years. Just like your home accumulates things over time, so does the archery range. Who knew so many nooks and crannies could hold so much stuff! But with the generous help of our memership, we said good-bye to our range and moved into our new location in April, 2023. We took an old shoe store in the Willmar Uptown Mall and created an archery range. Hoping the motto of
“IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME”
held true. There was no lack of blood, sweat and tears; and of course moving our accumulated items time and time again as we crafted each area of the range. LCA held their Grand Re-Opening and Open House on December 7th, 2023, capping off our year of big happenings and showcasing the work of our membership. I am proud to say that yes, we built it and they came! We have welcomed several new families to our archery family and hope to continue that tradition for years to come. The new range is located in the Willmar Uptown Mall, NW corner of the mall next to Cost Cutters; 1605 1st ST S, Willmar, MN 56201.
We had one last thing to do to highlight our 70 years as an archery club. Back when we celebrated 50 years, we decided to honor those who brought our club to that point by creating our own Hall of Fame. Our first inductees are names synonymous with archery: Stan Meyer, Don Coleman, and Dalen Caspers. When we had our 60th anniversary we brought in three more members: Ron Mackedanz, Graden West and Bruce Schriener. Continuing this tradition, we welcomed three new members to our club Hall of Fame; names you are sure to be familiar with. Inducted into our 2023 Hall of Fame are Dennis Winzenburg, Brian Peters, and Art Norton. I have had the pleasure of shooting with these three men for over 25 years. They have all taught me and shared valuable information about archery and our organization. I cannot count all the valuable lessons and experiences I have received from Brian, Art, and Dennis. When you see them next, please take the time to sit down with them and let them share their stories, expertise, and history of archery and archery hunting with you.
Here is a bit about each of our NEW INDUCTEES:
ART NORTON joined the club in 1991. He was our club Treasurer for several years along with serving as a general board member for many years prior to that. He has given a lot to the overall sport of archery and our club since he has joined. Art has led and coached many youth classes and youth visitors over the years; always willing to lend a hand, lend his equipment (we may all have something that is Art’s in our arsenal) and lend his expertise to many shooters or just sit down with you for a good conversation about archery. He holds MSAA State Records, has placed in his respective classes at several MSAA state shoots and always represents our club with a smile. Art along with Dennis and Brian have all given over 20-years to the Camp Ripley Youth Archery Hunt. This alone tells you about their love for the sport of archery, hunting and sharing those passions with the next generation.
BRIAN PETERS joined Little Crow Archers in 1997. One favorite thing that stands out to Brian is our club’s willingness to allow other outside groups to come into our range to shoot. Brian has been an integral part of introducing countless groups of Boy and Girl Scouts to our range, organization, and the sport of archery along with volunteering so many hours to our youth events and youth classes. Brian has served as our club president and has been a general board member for many years. Brian also represents our club and the sport by also holding MSAA State records, has been a state champion, and has placed in numerous MSAA State tournament events.
We invite you to follow us on Facebook and come shoot with us at our new facility. We hope to see many of you at our 16th annual West Central Bowhunter 60 3D shoot on August 10 & 11, 2024. Here’s to 70-more years!
As you see, there is most certainly a common thread amongst these fellow archers and long-time friends. They are all willing to share and promote the sport of archery and archery hunting. They have all given countless hours to our club and I presume will continue to do so as long as they are able. Archery has brought them together and has given them so many life-long friendships.
DENNIS WINZENBURG
was an integral part of getting our club to our previous location in downtown Willmar –joining the club in 1985. Then president, he collaborated with other members, our current Hall of Fame members and the membership of LCA to work with the Great Outdoors in transitioning their pro shop range into what was our home for over 40-years. He also shared many hours into getting us ready to open our new location. Dennis is one of the longeststanding active members of our range. He has served as President, Treasurer and Secretary for the club, in addition a general board member for over 30-years. He also holds MSAA State records and had been a state champion or placed at many of the state archery shoots for more years than I can remember and always represents our club with a genuine love for archery. He has even served as an MSAA board member for about 8-years as the conservation chair. Dennis has also helped with several archery training classes and for many years has helped the young kids shoot archery at the annual Prairie Pothole Day. Dennis has also shown his love for 3D archery by opening his land to our outdoor 3D range, shoots, and events. He was also an integral part of bringing the West Central Bowhunter 60 3D event to our clubs and has been an important part of this event since its inception. Dennis is always willing to lend a hand and his experience to archers young and old.
Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2024
WELCOME – Meeting Start at 4pm
MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING:
Leann moved to approve the minutes and John seconded, all ayes.
REPORTS
President’s Report:
Introduction of Lori to the secretary position. Picked up boxes from the former secretary. Lori can look through the boxes, keep what is useful and toss what is not.
Secretary’s Report:
Happy to be here and get started.
Treasurer’s Report:
Revenue is up and down this time of year with regional shoots. Received 25,000 for a six-month CD. Bruce will send an email out for approval to do it again after the interest rate is known. Bigger bills, West Bend Ins., Arrow bill. All bills came out of general checking. Youth hunt fund received $1.00 for every regional shooter; fund is just over $800.00. Checking account, mixed up a bit. Wells Fargo put their foot down and Bruce and Paul have their own usernames for the account. Regional shooters are by club, MSAA income and host money.
Roger moved to approve the treasure report and Mike seconded, all ayes.
Indoor VP’s Report:
We are at the indoor. Hibbing is doing a great job, and they are as ready as they can be. There are issues with Event Brite, dealing with them as they come up. Leann will work with Bruce to give some refunds due to the issues with Event Brite. Leann will work with Peter from Hibbing Archery Club to assist them after the tournament to settle the financial paperwork. Next year the indoor will be back in Duluth; April 5 & 6 at the Four Seasons Event Center in Carlton, MN .
Outdoor VP:
900/50m ready to go with the Great River Archery Club. Field Round is in Coon Rapids in July. Stacie Mulso will print score cards and get them to the clubs.
Bow Hunter VP:
Saratoga is preparing for the 3D shoot in August, not
anticipating any issues. Mark is looking to approach the DNR, Leann has contacts through the ABA organization. MSAA members, send numbers to Mark.
Records Chair: Twenty-two records were shot during regionals. Certificates are available at the indoor.
Webmaster Chair: From Jan-April 4th the website had 14,849 hits and followers increase by 20 to 2439. With the creation of the new website Joe started an Instagram account, it has 93 followers already. Page views are 17,599, user engagement is 11,819 and unique users is 4003. The state indoor tickets; some issues with Event Brite. Joe will look into the issues with Event Brite. Joe processed two refunds through event Brite. The number of tickets sold through Event Brite is 277. Event Brite is open for the 900/50m. There is positive feedback with the new website.
Arrow Editor: Not present. Paul spoke for Stacie Mulso; can we pay to subscribe to issuu.com? She is looking into details and costs.
Governor At Large: Youth hunt is scheduled for the first weekend in October. There is a change in commanders at the base, so the history of the hunt is in question. The new commander does not hunt.
Awards Chair: Received all the indoor plaques. The provider of the plaques is running out of the walnut for the plaques.
Promotion Chair: Not present.
Audit Committee: n/a
Indoor Tournament Committee: Only meet if there is a discrepancy during the tournament. Paul asked about meeting with Hibbing for a “what did we learn from” the tournament” meeting. Hibbing took five pages of notes from discussions with Leann. Chris for Hibbing is starting a manual on how to put on an indoor tournament. Leann and Lori will continue to write it.
Old Business
• Target Bale update- Selling old bales for $100.00 to clubs and archers. We have ten new ones.
• Crossbow discussion table from last meetingMSAA will consider a stance regarding our position on crossbows in our tournaments. FNAA has a crossbow division. If anyone has any ideas on how we, as an organization should proceed, talk with Mark Latourelle. Mark discussed potentially sending out a survey to MSAA members regarding the crossbow discussion.
o Potential questions; general archery season vs. its own season
o Mark will develop some questions.
• Map for MN and Governor territories- should have one.
• Investment update- see Treasurer’s report. Email phishing / scam New Business
• NASP- Paul attended this year’s tournament, 1800 shooters, it was a fun experience, using QR code for raffle and information. He set up a booth and was invited back next year. Paul would like a MSAA banner and a laptop for a slide show for booth use in the future. “Chad” from the Becker area for a potential governor.
• Alexandria Tech- Don Primley will reach out to them to develop a relationship and possibly hold a regional shoot there. Has a great archery program.
o Looking for volunteers, contact Paul if interested.
o Different stations A1 Archery is supplying bows.
• New positions update- Tom and Lori
• MAA and Regionals- Waseca Club held MAA and MSAA Regionals on the same weekend. How do we make this easier?
o Better communication with the shooters when they are shooting regarding paperwork and payment. Issues were with paying for both.
o Allow one more year and evaluate.
Find years worth of shoot results
Scan this QR code with your phone or go to: www.mnarchery.org/results
• 2025 Shoot Location update- Duluth Archery Club
• 2026 Shoot interest- potentially Redwood Falls, Saratoga Archery Club
• Tournament Pass winner- Natalie Griffith
• “Do we need to have an alcohol policy? This venue, Iron Trail Motors Event Center has the potential to sell alcohol. This topic will be added to the June board meeting.
Other:
• Bowfest- Mont du lac marketing team was going to get Paul a flyer, no response yet.
6:08pm- Mike moved to adjourn, Leann seconds, all ayes.
Next Meeting: Friday, June 7th, Sartell, MN Americinn by Wyndham at 5pm
Do you want to dig through some older Arrows? Scan this QR code with your phone or go to: www.mnarchery.org/arrow
MSAA
215 N 22nd Ave W Duluth, MN 55806
2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 8-9, 2024 - MSAA STATE 900 ROUND & 50 METER CHAMPIONSHIPS - Great River Archery Club Mississippi River County Park, 41300 County Road 1, Rice, MN 56367
June 15-16, 2024 - 3D Shoot - South Forty Archers - Ritter Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044
