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2025-26 national EVENTS
nfaa outdoor national field championships
mechanicsburg archers
mechanicsburg, pennsylvania
first dakota classic
nfaa easton yankton archery center
yankton, south dakota
nfaa outdoor national target championships
nfaa easton yankton archery center
yankton, south dakota
Rushmore Rumble
Jan 09-11
Indiana Convention center
Indianapolis, Indiana
NFAA Indoor National Championships
Renasant convention center
memphis, tennessee
The Vegas Shoot Paris, Horseshoe, and Planet Hollywood Hotels Las vegas, nevada
sectionals & leagues
NFAA National Field League
May 12July 20 nfaa ranges across the world!
July 14Sept 21 nfaa ranges across the world!
NFAA National Target League
Table of Contents
Get information on a program dedicated to education for
Boardroom profiles
get a closer look at the individuals guiding the nfaa’s mission and shaping the future of archery.
BTB & NFAA 1-Arrow 3d National championships articles, photos, and results from the 2025 1-arrow national championships in fresno, CA.
2025 Team results
View the team results from the btb & NFAA 1-arrow 3d national championships.
on nfaa scholarship opportunities for
NFAA outdoor National field championships learn about the upcoming field championships in mechanicsburg, pa.
the national roundup information on the first dakota classic and outdoor target national championships in yankton, sd.
Nominate your club and member of the year submit your nominations for the club and member of the year by december 31!
National Outdoor League shoot locally, compete nationally! Find out more information on the National Outdoor league
Learn how to earn awards for your scoring achievements!
nfaa marked 3d national
photos, and results from the 2025 marked 3d national championships in redding, CA.
2026: A new Era of competition
get a sneak peek at the 2026 event calendar and learn where we will be traveling to next!
of the year review the rules and preliminary standings for the 2025 shooter of the year. book your rooms for 2026 events Rooms blocks for Rushmore rumble, Indoor nationals, and the vegas shoot are now open!
photos, and results from the 2025 outdoor sectionals and national series.
Boardroom Profiles
A closer look at the individuals guiding the NFAA’s mission and shaping the future of archery.
Chris Shortall
Mid-Atlantic Councilman
My journey into archery began with a simple curiosity that quickly blossomed into a lifelong passion. The first time I picked up a bow, I was captivated by the blend of focus, precision, and discipline the sport demands. What started as a personal challenge soon evolved into a deep commitment to both competitive shooting and community involvement.
Over the last few years, I’ve honed my skills through countless hours of practice and participation in tournaments. This dedication was recognized when I was honored as the West Virginia Archery Association (WVAA) Shooter of the Year in both 2023 and 2024. These accolades reflect not just personal achievement but also the unwavering support of the archery community that has been instrumental in my growth.
Beyond individual competition, I’ve been deeply involved with Mid-State Archers, a premier archery club located in Sutton, West Virginia. Serving as both Vice President and Treasurer, I’ve worked alongside fellow enthusiasts to organize events, maintain our facilities, and foster a welcoming environment for archers of all levels. Our club has one of the largest indoor and outdoor bow-shooting ranges in the state, hosting WVAA-sanctioned tournaments and significant events like the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Sectionals, Outdoor Sectionals, and countless 3D tournaments.
In my role as the Mid-Atlantic Councilman for the National Field Archery Association (NFAA), I have the privilege of representing and advocating for archers across our region. This position allows me to collaborate with clubs, State Directors, and fellow Council members to enhance events, develop shooterfriendly policies, and ensure the sport’s continued growth and accessibility. Being a voice for our community and contributing to the sport’s future is both a responsibility and an honor I deeply value.
Archery has profoundly impacted my life, teaching me patience, resilience, and the importance of community. Whether I’m on the range, organizing events, or participating in Council meetings, my goal remains the same: to promote and support the sport I love, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
& NFAA
1-Arrow 3d Nationals
The 2025 NFAA & Break the Barriers (BTB) 1-Arrow 3D National Championship unfolded April 12–13 at the scenic Wagner Ranch in Fresno, California, drawing 480 archers for a weekend of elite competition, meaningful connection, and shared purpose. Now in its third year as an official NFAA National Championship, the event continues to build momentum, growing in both size and significance.
Over two days, archers tested their skill and focus across 85 life-sized 3D targets—51 on Saturday and 34 on Sunday—shooting just one arrow per target. The unique 1-arrow, 12-ring scoring format demanded precision, consistency, and mental stamina, with every shot carrying weight in a tightly contested field.
A standout feature making its return was the National Team Divisions, injecting an extra level of strategy and camaraderie. Archers paired up with one teammate in their same shooting style to chase the coveted National Team Champion title and custom buckle awards. With over 100 teams participating across six divisions, the team element fostered a vibrant, supportive atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Compound and Recurve Open Team divisions upped the ante with prize money on the line, elevating the stakes for top-tier competitors.
A highlight of the weekend was Paige Pearce’s exceptional performance in the Professional Female Freestyle division. Pearce achieved the highest overall score among all participants, earning her the inaugural “GOAT” award—a new honor recognizing the top scorer across all divisions. Her remarkable consistency and precision throughout the tournament set a new benchmark for excellence.
But the event’s heart extends beyond the targets. Co-hosted by Break the Barriers, a Fresno-based nonprofit championing inclusion for individuals of all abilities, the championship supports a mission far greater than sport. Since its founding in 1984, BTB has grown into the nation’s largest inclusive archery program, welcoming over 200 juniors, adults, and military veterans. The organization’s facility also serves as a Paralympic training center and runs specialized programs for Disabled American Veterans, making archery accessible and empowering for all.
The 2025 championship was more than a contest of skill—it was a celebration of resilience, unity, and the power of sport to break down barriers. Archers left not only with scores and awards, but also with new friendships, shared memories, and the deep satisfaction of contributing to a purpose-driven event.
28 Johan Selor US-CA 912
29 Erik Hoaglund US-NV 910
30 Justin Shen US-CA 909
31 Thomas Goodwin US-CA 907
32 Tyce Grate US-NV 905
33 James Gomes US-CA 902
34 Robert Tehee US-CA 901
35 Ryan Nicoletti US-CA 898
36 Sean Perry US-CA 897
37 Thomas Wu US-CA 897
38 Keith Huebner US-CA 893
39 Donald Cardoza US-CA 890
40 Trent Dewell US-CA 889
41 Greg Peters US-CA 878
42 James Pecka US-NV 875
43 Jared Linscombe US-TX 868
44 John Apodaca US-CA 865
45 Scott Hunter US-FL 862
46 Greg Mouw US-CA 852
47 Matt Tippins US-CA 847
48 Henry Chen US-CA 832
49 Nicholas Peacock US-ID 818
50 Christopher Clavero US-CA 813
51 Jeremy Townsend US-OR 808
52 Jeremiah Stephens US-CA 806
53 Javier Gonzalez US-CA 804
54 Stephen Beilstein US-NV 794
55 Nick Heckman US-CA 772
56 Michael Bluhm US-CA 766
57 Patrick Hescox US-CA 724
58 Kevin Vieira US-CA 711
59 Dominic Armstrong-Huggins US-CA 667
60 Jason Jay US-CA 554
61 Paul Otten US-CA 521
62 Daniel Nguyen US-CA 252
Jezzy Vazquez US-CA 221
Female Freestyle
Shawna Sanders US-CA 911
Mikayla Cassady US-CO 911
Yixue Wang US-CA 904
Tarah Heapy US-CA 902
Nancy Almaraz US-CA
791
7 Charles Williamson US-CA 764 8 Robert M. Mankin US-CA 496
US-CA 872
649
Zoe Hernandez US-CA 590 Youth Male Freestyle Limited Recurve
Andrew Cousins US-CA 769 6 Winston Wang US-CA 715 7 Josef Dolai US-CA 686 8 David Rolander US-CA 656
Stephen Passler US-CA 652
Aaron Hughes US-CA 638
Andres Garzon US-CA 558
1
Team Results
1
2 Capellari-Capellari
3
4 Stephens-Stephens
Lucas 798 798
There will be two shoot-off groups: Group A (1st–4th place teams) and Group B (5th–8th place teams). Prizes for each group will be announced before the competition, with only one prize awarded per group. Group B will shoot for the runner-up prize, and Group A for the grand prize. In each group, the highest-ranked team chooses their shooting position; the rest draw for order. Each team member shoots one arrow, and the team with the arrow closest to the center of the 12-ring wins. All final decisions will be made by a
scholarship opportunities
NFAA Sectional Scholarship
In collaboration with the NFAA Foundation, the Sectional Travel Scholarship aims to foster the growth and participation of junior archers in national-level competitions. In 2025, we are thrilled to award $8,000 in travel scholarships to support young talent in archery.
The travel scholarship is a stipend to cover the entry fee and travel expenses (e.g. travel, accommodations, meals) incurred by the athlete during one of the eligible tournaments. A reimbursement form with specific details and per diem limits will be provided to the winners. Receipts will be required for reimbursement. Payment will be provided after the event’s conclusion. Both the travel scholarship and the entry fee must be used at the same NFAA or NFAA Foundation event. If archers are 18 or older at the time of event registration, they will receive a discounted adult entry fee.
Eligible events: Rushmore Rumble, The Vegas Shoot, NFAA Indoor National Championship, NFAA 1-Arrow Marked 3D National Championship (NFAA Portion), First Dakota Classic, NFAA Marked 3D National Championship (NFAA Portion), NFAA Outdoor National Field Championship, & Outdoor National Target Championship.
• Application Deadline: September 2, 2025. Scholarship winners will be notified before November 1, 2025.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Must be a between the ages of 8 and 17 as of January 1, 2026.
• Must participate in NFAA State and/or Sectional Championships event(s) in 2025.
• Must be a valid NFAA member.
• Professional archers are not elligible.
• Required Submission Materials:
• 200-500 word essay on the 2026 NFAA or NFAAF events the participant would like to attend.
• List of archer events attended in 2025.
• Current photograph.
July 18-20, 2025 | Mechanicsburg, PA
Outdoor National Field Championships
early registration ends July 7!
Preliminary event schedule
Wednesday, July 16
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Two courses open for practice
• 1 course is 14 animal/14 hunter & 1 course is 28 field
• Cost: $10 per course per day or $15 for both courses per day
Thursday, July 17
Check-in and Late Registration
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Two courses open for practice
• 1 course is 14 animal/14 hunter & 1 course is 28 field
• Cost: $10 per course per day or $15 for both courses per day
Friday, July 18
6:30 AM - 7:45 AM: Archers daily check-in/pick up scorecards
7:45 AM: General Announcements and Club meeting
8:30 AM: 28 Target Field Round (Shotgun Start)
All Day: Tradeshow
Saturday, July 19
6:30 AM - 7:45 AM: Archers daily check-in/pick up scorecards
7:45 AM: General Announcements and Club meeting
8:30 AM: 28 Target Hunter Round (Shotgun Start)
All Day: Tradeshow
Sunday, July 20
6:30 AM - 7:45 AM: Archers daily check-in/pick up scorecards
7:45 AM: General Announcements and Club meeting
8:30 AM: 28 Target Animal Round (Shotgun Start)
All Day: Tradeshow
Awards Cermony to take place 2 hours after all scorecards are turned in Other information
Practice Range opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 6:00 PM daily Club grounds will be closed and locked at 7:00 PM daily and will reopen at 6:00 AM Daily Concessions available on site
First Dakota classic & Nfaa outdoor Target National Championships
September 18-21 | Yankton, sd
Early registration deadline: September 8
please note: you must register for each event separately
First Dakota classic
The First Dakota Classic is an indoor distance tournament featuring the NFAA Classic round. 70% payback is guaranteed in all Flight and Championship categories with scholarships awarded for all Junior division Champions and top Collegiate finishers based on participation.
Outdoor target Nationals
The Outdoor Target National Championships is a 2-Day outdoor shoot featuring the NFAA Classic 600 Round on Day 1 and the NFAA 900 Round on Day 2. New for 2025, Collegiate archers can purchase the add-on to their registration to become elligible for collegiate scholarships!
Preliminary Schedule
Thursday, September 18
First Dakota Classic: Check-in and Late Registration
Indoor Paid Practice
indoor Vendor Tradeshow
Friday, September 19
First Dakota Classic: Check-in and Late Registration
Outdoor National Target: Check-in and Late Registration
First Dakota Classic: Qualification Round
Paid Practice
Indoor Vendor Trade Show
3 Star Shoot Off: $5,000 Professional and $2,500 Amateur
Saturday, September 20
Outdoor National Target: Check-in and Late Registration
Outdoor National Target: NFAA 600 Classic Round
First Dakota Classic: Head-to-Head Matches
First Dakota Classic: Awards (Following the completion of each shooting group)
Indoor Vendor Trade Show
Indoor/Outdoor Paid Practice Available (Please pay inside)
Sunday, September 21
Outdoor National Target: NFAA 900 Round
Indoor Vendor Trade Show
Outdoor National Target: Awards Ceremony (approximately 30 minutes after the last scorecards are turned in)
Concessions Available! Concessions will be available during all official shooting times.
4 classic 600 rounds & 4 900 rounds required july 14 - sept 21 10 week league
Early reg deadline: july 14
Late REg Deadline: Aug 18 submit your best 8 scores by september 21 shoot from anywhere! Your backyard, local range, or any nfAA tournamenT Ensure you mark your club’s Name on your score submission form!
All participants are entered to win a free pre-registration to an NFAA Sectional or national Event!! Are you an NFAA club?? you may be eligible for hosting rebates!
Shoot your score at an NFAA sanctioned
Purchase your keychain from the NFAA Store and customize it with scores and divisions! 4
Submit your scorecard for validation via the linked online form.
Receive your keychain in the mail and show it off with PRIDE!
behind the Bow
Real stories from the heart of our archery community
Target Panic Wasn’t the End—It Was the Beginning
by M.M. Graham
There’s a moment in archery when everything clicks—stance, draw, anchor, aim. The shot flows. And then, one day, it doesn’t. Your body locks up. The string slips early. The arrow misses by a mile. That’s target panic—a silent saboteur that doesn’t just affect aim, but identity.
In my third year of archery, what once felt instinctive became a battle. Each shot was a struggle. I wasn’t bored or burnt out—I was afraid. I skipped league nights and local tournaments, too embarrassed to explain why I couldn’t hit a target just 10 yards away.
Eventually, I stepped away from archery altogether. I thought time off would help. But the longer I stayed away, the more I doubted my ability, my place in the sport, and whether I’d ever find my way back.
Target panic is more common than most people think. It’s a mental block—a loss of control. As Matt Zirnsak, co-founder of The Push Archery, explains, “The mind won’t allow the body to experience impact as a surprise.” Even without the bang of a firearm, a bow’s sudden energy release can trigger fear and anticipation, disrupting the shot.
It manifests in different ways: freezing below the target, releasing too soon, or being unable to draw to anchor. Traditional archers—those using recurves or longbows—often suffer more acutely, lacking the mechanical aids compound shooters use.
“Most of my friends quit archery over it,” says Tom Clum, owner of Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear. “It literally, at times, ruins the fun.” For those who identify deeply with the sport, target panic can be devastating. “Too many archers tie their self-worth to performance,” Clum says. “But shooting a bow has nothing to do with your value as a person.”
Rod Jenkins, a world champion and coach, believes the roots of target panic are planted early. Beginners often focus solely on hitting the target without learning foundational form. When poor habits collide with pressure, panic takes hold. “They rise up, get pretty good, and then it all falls apart,” Jenkins says. I know that spiral well. After years as a competitive swimmer, archery became my new identity. My first bow—a modest 20-pound Genesis—evolved into a high-performance ILF recurve. I was thriving. Until a string broke. During a tournament, the cord connecting my clicker to the limb snapped. Suddenly, I couldn’t reach anchor. My shots released halfway through the draw. That tiny piece of string had been my security. When it broke, so did my confidence.
I could have replaced it. But instead, I listened to the voices around me encouraging a deeper fix—not just a gear swap, but a mindset shift. Still, with life changes and a move to college in a town with few archery resources, progress stalled.
But I learned I wasn’t alone. Many archers—experienced and new—share this struggle. Zirnsak, who once hid his own panic, now speaks openly. “When I started being honest about my struggles, people connected with it more.”
The road back isn’t quick. As Clum puts it, “It’s a war, and each arrow is a battle.” Recovery begins with intentional shot processes—focusing on stance, shoulder alignment, anchor—and training the mind to override panic. Zirnsak calls it “getting loud in your head”: replacing negative thoughts with clear, internal commands.
Temporary tools like grip triggers and clickers can help, but they don’t fix the root issue. True recovery requires reprogramming how we think under pressure.
After nearly a year away, I’m starting to rebuild. I haven’t returned to competition yet, but I will—with a new mindset. One grounded not in results, but in resilience.
Archery broke my heart once. But even in the quiet moments of rebuilding, I’m finding something deeper than aim: peace in the process.
Have a story to tell?
NFAA marked 3d national championships
The 31st annual NFAA Marked 3D National Championships took place from May 2–4, 2025, in partnership with the Straight Arrow Bowhunters and Western Classic Trail Shoot in Redding, California. Known as the world’s largest marked 3D archery competition, the Western Classic draws a global field of archers eager to take on one of the sport’s most iconic events. NFAA members also had the opportunity to compete for the prestigious national title and the coveted signature belt buckle award.
Over the course of three days, 1,356 archers participated in the Western Classic, with over 800 NFAA members entering the national championship. Competitors shot two arrows each at 70 targets across rugged terrain that pushed the limits of their endurance, precision, and equipment. The course featured distances ranging from 101 yards at the legendary Big Foot target to a mere 3 yards at the Flies, with the distinctive orange bonus 11-ring adding another layer of strategic depth. Weather conditions added to the challenge, with hot temperatures on the first two days and gusty winds on the final day making each shot count right up to the finish.
Standout performances included Caleb Quiocho, who dominated the Young Adult Male Freestyle division with an incredible 1532, the highest amateur score of the event that also would have placed him in the top 10 in the Pro Men’s division. Paige Pearce secured her unprecedented 10th title in the Pro Women’s division with a 1530, displaying remarkable grit by finishing on top despite a severe knee injury early on day one.
The Pro Men’s division saw Stephan Hansen claim outright victory with a commanding 1538.
For many archers, the Western Classic Trail Shoot and NFAA Marked 3D National Championships is more than just a tournament—it’s a bucket list event that blends competition with community in a way few others can match. Whether it’s the thrill of facing legendary targets like Big Foot or the Elk Herd, the satisfaction of executing a perfect shot on a deceptively difficult short-range animal, or simply walking the course with a group of friends, the experience is as much about the atmosphere and camaraderie as it is about the scores. The mix of elite-level challenge, iconic terrain, and a welcoming, high-energy environment makes this event a mustattend every year for archery enthusiasts from around the world.
derson US-UT 1513 9 Courtney Eberts US-TX 1510
Heather Gore US-CA 1508
Doramus US-ID 1508
Beretta Mckee US-ID 1507
Amanda Mlinaric CRO 1505
Bella Otter US-CA
67
67
69
US-ID 1498
1498
1497 69
79
1497
1497
1496
1495
1493
1493 82
1492
1492
1492
1378
1364
1521
Darren DeLozier US-OR 1518
1513
1512
1512
1510
1509
31 James Phillip US-WA 1444
32 William Smalstig US-OR 1443 33 Brad Sanders US-AZ 1441
Gregory Kulp US-PA 1439 35 Tim Thomas US-AR 1437 35 Chuck Gilbert US-CA 1437 37 James Curl US-WA 1433 38 Kevin Stark US-CO 1428
39 Bryon Fagan US-OR 1427
40 Rey Serrano US-MT 1425
41 Doug Althoff US-AZ 1422
42 Pedro Henrich US-CA 1420
42 Steven Allen US-WA 1420
44 John Love US-CA 1417
44 John Laubinger US-CA 1417 46 Chet Mainwaring US-ID 1415 47 Dean Stebner US-OH 1404 48 Michael Taylor US-CA 1402 49 Bruce Ogonowski US-AK 1391 49 Dan Pitman US-ID 1391 51 Mike Hernandez US-CA 1389
7 Marvin Riggs US-ID 1444
8 Scott Willis US-CA 1442 9 Bruce Corbett US-NV 1438 10 Michael Abramovich US-CA 1430
Silver Senior Male Freestyle Limited 1 Darrel Sandquist US-OR 1220 2 Michael Corona US-AZ 1182 Master Senior Male Freestyle Limited
Robert Gentry US-OR 1379 2 Greg Cameron
2025 Shooter of the year: Rules recap and standings
Professional junior adult
Pro Male, Pro female, Pro senior Junior Male, Junior Female
events
Adult male, Adult female
reminder: you must compete in all 5 events to be eligible
Points are calculated by adding final scores from all 5 events plus the final X count for The Vegas Shoot, NFAA Indoor Nationals, and the First Dakota Classic. Each X counts as an additional point.
1
2026: A New Era of Competition and Collaboration
The 2026 indoor archery season is set to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory, as three of the sport’s biggest tournaments bring new locations, bold partnerships, and fresh experiences to competitors and fans alike. From a historic relocation in Indianapolis to a cultural celebration in Memphis and an expanded mega-event in Las Vegas, the stage is set for an unforgettable season.
Rushmore Rumble Hits the Road
Making history in 2026, the Rushmore Rumble will leave its longtime home at the National Field Archery Association (NFAA) Headquarters in Yankton, South Dakota, and travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the first time. Set for January 9–11, the move represents a bold collaboration between the NFAA and the Archery Trade Association (ATA).
Taking place immediately after the ATA Trade Show, the event will blend high-level competition with the archery industry’s biggest gathering, creating a weeklong celebration of everything archery and bowhunting.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with ATA to create an event that brings together archers of all disciplines from across the country for a true celebration of archery,” said Bruce Cull, Executive Director of the NFAA. “This partnership allows us to grow something really special. It offers an experience that not only showcases top-level competition but also gives our tournament attendees a first look at the newest innovations in both target archery and bowhunting. It’s an exciting opportunity to unite the entire archery community under one roof.”
The competition will feature a 600-round on the new 40 cm 5-spot target on Day 1 and the classic 40 cm 3-spot Vegas round on Day 2, culminating in a thrilling 900 Shoot Off. Open to archers of all ages and skill levels, with no membership required, the event offers cash prizes and scholarships across all divisions.
Adding to the excitement, 2026 will also mark the debut of the Archery and Bowhunting Supershow, a new public expo hosted by the ATA, offering access to the latest gear and innovations in the sport. Held at the Indiana Convention Center, the event benefits from a central downtown location with top-tier amenities and walkable attractions, making Indianapolis an ideal new host city.
The Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis offers the ideal setting, with ample space for competition, practice, trade show booths, and secure equipment storage. Its central location, familyfriendly attractions, and walkable downtown make it a top-tier host city for both archers and fans.
Indoor
Nationals Move to Memphis
The 46th Annual NFAA Indoor Nationals will bring championship competition to a new location as well, heading to Memphis, Tennessee, from March 6–8, 2026. Hosted exclusively at the Renasant Convention Center, the event will offer dedicated space for competition ranges, a full trade show, and secure equipment storage all under one roof.
Memphis, rich in music and culture, provides a vibrant backdrop for archers and spectators alike. Located in the heart of the downtown district, the venue offers easy access to iconic sites like Beale Street, Graceland, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
“We are excited to offer a new and unique experience in Memphis for the NFAA Indoor Nationals,” said Bruce Cull, NFAA Executive Director. “The local staff has been incredibly welcoming, and we know our members will feel the same when they arrive. Memphis is a vibrant, fun location with (hopefully) warmer weather in early March, and we think it’s a great opportunity for archers to explore a new city and bring their friends and families along. Indoor Nationals is a special event that brings together members from across the country, and Memphis is the perfect place to host it.”
Keep an eye out for more updates as the event approaches, and make sure to mark March 6–8, 2026, on your calendar. Join us in Memphis for thrilling competition, a welcoming archery community, and a one-ofa-kind city experience. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Vegas Shoot Grows Even Bigger
No indoor archery season is complete without a trip to Las Vegas, and in 2026, The Vegas Shoot is leveling up once again. Set for March 26–29, the tournament will expand into Planet Hollywood with a major new shooting hall. This expansion adds significant space for both competition and spectators, giving us room to grow the event while improving the overall experience for participants, fans, and vendors.
As we plan for 2026, we’ll be reviewing all feedback from past events to help guide updates to the event layout, shooting hall assignments, and schedule. We will continue to keep you informed with updates on where divisions will shoot, any changes to check-in or awards processes, and new details on the tradeshow and other on-site experiences. Our goal is to make The Vegas Shoot smoother, more efficient, and more exciting each year.
We’ve officially set the dates for the next two events—March 11–14, 2027, and March 9–12, 2028—and we’re excited to share that something big is on the horizon. For 2028, we’re developing a major new addition that will further elevate The Vegas Shoot for competitors and spectators alike. We look forward to sharing more details later this summer.
A Landmark Season Ahead
From the fresh start in Indianapolis to the soulful rhythm of Memphis and the bright lights of Vegas, 2026 will be a banner year for indoor archery. Each of these events offers its flavor and opportunity, but together, they reflect a broader movement in the sport: toward greater inclusivity, bigger stages, and a stronger community.
Whether you're a competitor, coach, vendor, or fan, this is the year to pack your bow case and be part of something historic.
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Outdoor Sectionals & National Series
The National Field Archery Association (NFAA) concluded its 2025 Outdoor Sectionals, a series of Outdoor Field tournaments held from May 24 to June 29 that drew nearly 375 archers to 15 venues across the United States. Clubs from Maine to Montana and 13 states in between welcomed competitors for a premier showcase of skill and sportsmanship. Targets were laid out on roving courses, guiding archers through varied terrain and distances to test their adaptability and precision. Several sections saw increased participation compared to 2024, with the New England Section leading the way at over 300% growth. Overall, the 2025 Outdoor Sectionals achieved nearly 10% growth nationwide, a strong reminder that field archery continues to hold a special place in the hearts of archers across the country.
New for 2025, the competition introduced a standardized format nationwide, with every location featuring 14 targets each of NFAA Field, Hunter, and Animal rounds. This consistent structure ensured equitable competition for the coveted Outdoor National Series, where custom medals were awarded to the top three archers in each division. Scores were first finalized at the sectional level, then compiled nationally to determine each archer’s overall ranking within their age division and shooting style. The top-ranked archer in each division earned the prestigious title of NFAA Outdoor National Series Champion.
The NFAA extends its congratulations to all competitors and its sincere gratitude to the host clubs and volunteers whose efforts made this year’s events both memorable and competitive. With the National Field Championships in Mechanicsburg on the horizon, the Outdoor Sectionals and National Series served as the perfect warm-up to help sharpen skills, build momentum, and set the stage for an exciting national showdown.
Outdoor National Series
1
Northwest Section
Great Lakes Section
2025 great Lakes Outdoor Sectional results
1
1
New England Section
4 Jayden Simpson Timpanogos Archers 826 52
5 Jake Bernardo Timpanogos Archers 822 47
6 Adam Stringham Timpanogos Archers 821 55
7 Levi Smith Timpanogos Archers 797 23
8 Jared Crowther Timpanogos Archers 785 31
9 Donald Sneed III Timpanogos Archers 785 27 10 James Harris Timpanogos Archers 720 11
1 Presley Crowther Timpanogos Archers 791 37
1 Ben Sanchez Timpanogos Archers 824 45 2 Cory Brunson Timpanogos Archers 812 36 3 Scott Wilson Timpanogos Archers 798 37 4 Joel Moreno Timpanogos Archers 778 27 Silver Senior Male Freestyle
Several years ago, on the final day of the World Championship, I watched one of my students shoot an 8 on the first two targets. I called him over and instructed, “You got here by shooting a strong, aggressive shot. Now, you are letting the situation intimidate you. Be aggressive and attack the target!”
At tournaments, many archers have difficulty believing in themselves. They will shoot strong shots with perfect form on the practice range, but when the self-inflicted pressure starts to mount, they alter their shot. The target becomes an intimidating influence because the archers put a more significant value on each arrow, and suddenly the emphasis is on the ability to score. When this happens, they try to fine-
tune the sight. This adds several seconds to the normal shooting rhythm and the bow arm will either breakdown and shoot a weak shot, or tighten up and produce an erratic explosion.
One must be able to confront the pressure situation with aggressive confidence. As an archer, you must believe in your ability to execute the perfect shot. This self-assurance comes from quality practice. Raise the value of every practice shot and the concentration level needed to execute it. In training, do everything both physically and mentally to simulate a tournament shot. As your skills become refined and the groups grow tighter, your confidence will increase. Place your trust where it belongs, which is in your ability to execute a shot with perfect form.
Rhythm is also critical. Adding extra holding time to the shot rhythm can produce a breakdown in form. If the pin does not settle in, let the bow down and start over. Do not force the shot. When practicing, work hard on maintaining a consistent rhythm. A common complaint from most archers is that they cannot keep a good rhythm in a tournament because their release will not go
off or perhaps the arrow does not come through the clicker. Most amateurs as well as professionals add one to two seconds to their normal shooting rhythm when starting a big tournament. This is not a desirable occurrence, but do not compound the problem by getting upset. The dilemma is caused by tension and tight muscles and getting upset only magnifies the issue. Relax and concentrate on the perfect shot. If the shot sequence is a little longer than normal, accept it and make sure you perform the best shot that you are capable of shooting. The rhythm will become a little quicker as you become more relaxed. In practice, try to simulate the start of a big tournament. Add a couple seconds to your normal shooting rhythm, so you will be able to handle it if it happens in a competition. Do not over-aim! Trying to guide the sight pin produces more tight muscles and additional sight movement. Let the pin float, accept the extra movement and shoot a strong aggressive shot. Trust and believe in your form and the arrow will hit its mark.
Terry, an accomplished hunter and archer, has coached students to over 350 national and world titles and set over 450 national and world records. More of Terry’s archery tips are in his book, Archery: Think and Shoot Like a Champion, at www.wunderlearhery.com
