Northwest Shawnn Vincent 360-929-5613 shawnnv@hotmail.com
Southern Jimmy Butts 518-986-1395 platinumbow@yahoo.com
Southeast George Ryals IV 678-901-9861 griv@archerylive.cm
Southwest Randy Brabec 970-314-4971 rebowtune@gmail.com
Committee Chairmen
Pro Chairperson
Lewis Holmes 715/347-6211 unlimitedoutdoorguide service@gmail.com
Certified Instructor Committee Vacant
Bowhunting Chairman Tom Vollmer 605-260-9279 tnvollmer@vyn.midco.net
Archery MagazineEditorial Board
Bruce Cull
Brian Sheffler
Erika Jones
Brittany Salonen
Chris Shortall
Penny Hetletved
Diane Hooper Lewis Holmes
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2026-27 national EVENTS
NFAA Outdoor National Field Championships
NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center Jul 24-26
Yankton, South Dakota
IFAA World Field Archery Championships
Jul 27-31
aug 28-29
nfaa Easton Yankton ARchery Center Yankton, South Dakota
first dakota classic
nfaa easton yankton archery center yankton, south dakota
nfaa outdoor national target championships
nfaa easton yankton archery center Aug 29-30 yankton, south dakota
sectionals & leagues
Table of Contents
Rushmore Rumble
RESULTS AND PHOTOS FROM the 2026 Rushmore Rumble in indianapolis, indiana
Explore Bowhunting
Get information on a program dedicated to education for bowhunters
NFAA Scholarship Opportunities
Information on two nfaa scholarship opportunities for 2026
Boardroom profiles
Get a closer look at the individuals guiding the nfaa’s mission and shaping the future of archery
Remembering Steve Yee
A tribute honoring steve yee’s lasting impact on the archery community through the lives he touched
Nfaa Indoor National Championships
photos and results from the 2026 indoor national championships in memphis, tennessee
member & club of the year
Photos and articles about the 2025 member and club of the year award winners
2026 national indoor league
Behind the bow
‘Clean up your bow arm for tighter groups ’ article by terry wunderle 6 14 16 18 19 20
article, photos, and results from the 2026 Nfaa national indoor league
2026 indoor sectionals & National Series
results from the 2026 indoor sectionals and national series from clubs across the nation
Outdoor Sectionals
Get the latest information on how to participate in the 2026
Building the future of archery
Real stories from the heart of our archery community
Btb & NFAA 1-Arrow 3d National Championships
Photos and results from the 2026 1-arrow 3d national championships in fresno, CA
2026 Field nationals & IFAA World Championships
get the latest information about the 2026 nfaa field nationals and ifaa world field in yankton, SD
2026 national Roundup
get the latest information about the 2026 nfaa outdoor national target championships & first dakota classic
NFAA marked 3d National Championships
Photos and results from the 2026 marked 3d national championships in redding, ca
2025 Service Pins
get the full list of the nfaa’s 2025 service pin recipients
2026 shooter of the year standings
view the 2026 sOY program rules and standings as of may 1
The 5th Annual Rushmore Rumble marked a major milestone for the tournament, debuting in a new location and delivering record-breaking participation, elite competition, and an unforgettable weekend for archers and fans alike.
Rushmore Rumble
Traditionally hosted at the NFAA Headquarters in Yankton, South Dakota, the 2026 Rushmore Rumble made its first appearance in Indianapolis inside the Indiana Convention Center from January 9–11. This year’s event coincided with a reimagined ATA Show, which opened its doors to consumers as the Archery & Bowhunting Supershow. For the first time, archery and bowhunting enthusiasts were able to walk the show floor, experience the latest gear, and watch high-level competition all in one place. The unprecedented combination created an immersive experience that drew participants and spectators from around the world.
That excitement translated directly to the shooting line. The Rushmore Rumble nearly tripled its participation from previous years, welcoming an impressive 924 archers across a wide range of divisions.
The two-day competition featured a format distinctive to the event. Day one consisted of a 60-arrow Vegas-style 5-spot. Day two returned to the traditional 30-arrow Vegas round on the 3-spot target. Various classes and age groups were also permitted to shoot a 40 cm single-spot target each day.
Across the weekend, archers delivered an extraordinary level of shooting, recording 24 perfect 900 scores across nine different classes. The Championship Compound Open division proved especially competitive, producing an impressive 13 perfect 900 scores. Following an intense shoot-off, Kyle Douglas finished 3rd, Levi Reitsma earned 2nd, and Bodie Turner claimed 1st place, securing his third consecutive Rushmore Rumble Championship after eight ends that advanced into dramatic “inside-out” sudden-death competition.
A first for the Rushmore Rumble, the Championship Barebow Recurve Open division showcased an exciting shoot-off that highlighted the continued growth of Barebow Recurve competition at the event. Del Hillberry and Matt Hudson completed standard scoring after 90 arrows tied at 828, forcing a shoot-off for 1st place on the Vegas 3-spot target using 10–6 scoring. Hillberry emerged victorious with a 28–27 end score to secure the Championship title.
Beyond the scores and podium finishes, the Rushmore Rumble continued to highlight the NFAA Foundation’s mission to support the next generation of archers. Thanks to the success of the event, the Foundation awarded $8,800 in scholarships across Junior and Collegiate divisions, investing directly in the future of the sport.
With record participation, elite-level performances, and an innovative partnership alongside the Archery & Bowhunting Supershow, the 5th Annual Rushmore Rumble firmly established itself as one of the premier indoor archery tournaments in the country. The move to Indianapolis expanded the event’s reach and set a new benchmark for the Rushmore Rumble moving forward.
US-KY 899 70 30 Dewey Hathaway US-MA 899 67
30 Jacob Merkel US-TN 899 67 32 Isaac Sullivan US-VT 898 78 32 Gaius Carter US-PA 898 78
9 Ryan Davis US-IN 781 11 10 Justin Sperlazza US-NC 777 7 11 Matthew Christian US-NJ 768 2 12 Yan Li US-MA 739 6 13 Dan Stenger US-IN 726 3 14 Adam Phelps
Kade Weidenbenner US-IN 897
Bradley \”jr\” Baker US-VA 896
1 Dylan Bryant US-OH 885 54
2 Dwayne Ackerman US-IN 885 53
2 Larry Hanes II US-MO 885 53
4 Zoie Thompson US-MN 882 41
5 Johnathon Schug US-TX 881 41
6 Anthony Castillo US-NJ 880 49
7 David Rosenbalm US-TN 880 43
8 Jim Dunn US-WV 880 36 8 Frank Varga US-IL 880 36
Logan Van Santen US-SD 878 42
Brian Sheffler US-IN 876 32
Rachel Jerome US-NY 875 39
Robert Ramsey US-TN 874 42 Compound Flight 10
1 Zoe Woods US-IL 883 51
2 Brooklynn Bono US-GA 883 45
3 Parker Crum US-OH 880 51
4 Dj Klueckmann US-WI 880 37
5 Adam Boege US-IA 879 37
6 Terry Smoot US-UT 878 41 7 John Armentrout US-MO 877 45 8 Bill Myers US-MO 877 33
Eric Mankins US-PA 876 43 10 Mike Jeanotte US-ND 875 38
1 Arya Parks US-MI 850 18 2 Francesca Di Benedetto US-MI 834 12
Cyrus Wagner US-IL 798 5
4 Daisy Harbin US-IN 782 8 5 Alice Ann Bisch US-IL
Barebow
opportunities
NFAA pro division scholarship
The NFAA Pro Scholarship is funded by the Professional Division membership dues. It is presented annually to one male and one female archer aged between 15 and 18, with each recipient receiving $1000. This scholarship is designed to support high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are actively engaged in competitive archery. Applications will be vetted by the NFAA Executive Secretary for completeness and then reviewed by a committee to include the NFAA President, NFAA Pro Chairman, and 3 professional archers selected by the NFAA Pro Chairman
• Application Deadline: May 31, 2026. Scholarship winners will be notified before July 30, 2026.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Must be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior.
• Must be a valid NFAA member.
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
• Must be an active competitive archer.
• Required Submission Materials:
• Personal Statement
• Shooter resume, detailing archery involvement at the local and/ or state level
• Letter outlining community involvement and/or job experience
• At least one (1) letter of recommendation
• Most recent high school transcript
• Current photograph
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 2026, 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, 2026. Scholarship winners will be notified before November 1, 2026.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Must be a between the ages of 8 and 17 as of January 1, 2027.
• Must participate in NFAA State and/or Sectional Championships event(s) in 2026.
• Must be a valid NFAA member.
• Professional archers are not elligible.
• Required Submission Materials:
• 200-500 word essay on the 2027 NFAA or NFAAF events the participant would like to attend.
• List of archer events attended in 2026.
• Current photograph.
Boardroom Profiles
A closer look at the individuals guiding the NFAA’s mission and shaping the future of archery.
Timothy Lopez
minnesota director
I fell in love with the sport of archery in 2017, and as I continue to grow into the sport, my goal is to introduce people from all walks of life to archery. I am the current NFAA State Director for Minnesota and the Minnesota Archers Alliance (MAA) Vice President.
I teach intro to archery classes at Bwana Archery where I have been a Pro Staff member for four years. It’s so awesome to see new shooters hit their first bullseyes and the excitement in their eyes! I have also been hired by the City of Bloomington as their Program Coordinator to oversee their archery program, and am instructing their first outdoor 3D league. This is an exciting opportunity to expand archery programs into the west metro of the Twin Cities.
I was never exposed to archery growing up in St. Paul, MN, so I do my best to share my passion for archery in my social media posts and my day-to-day relationships with people. I was able to go back to my old junior high school, now a charter school, that offers the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) where I was a coach and worked with other coaches for a team of 90+ young archers. Helping coach young archers really sparked my competitive side to archery. I have since gone on to win many state archery tournaments from indoor, outdoor, field, and 3D. I love all disciplines of archery, but my favorite is outdoor target!
Since taking on the role as the NFAA State Director for Minnesota and hosting all state tournaments, I have gotten to know many of the MN archers, and I’m proud to be a part of this great Minnesota archery community. I would encourage everyone to invite someone new to archery, as it may just change their life and put them in a direction they never could have imagined—I know it has for me.
Diane hooper
illinois director
I began shooting archery in 1985. My first Indoor National was the last year in Omaha, Nebraska in 1987. We traveled the country shooting Indoor, Outdoor Nationals, Vegas and USAT events.
As a USA Archery member, I was a USAT team member and qualified to shoot The Championship of the Americas, in Mexico City and Havana. I took 1st at the Havana Championship of the Americas, against some very talented young ladies. I was part of the American team for World Outdoor FITA Championships in Riom, France. I have hunted whitetail deer off and on and I took a Pope & Young antelope in Wyoming with my bow.
In 2002, I put my archery on the back burner for about 10 years, and started shooting competitively again in 2018.
I have developed many deep friendships with fellow archers over the years. Truly, the most fulfilling part of the sport is the relationships you build within the archery family. I was approached to be the NFAA State Director for the Illinois state organization. I was happy to step in and ensure communications between the National organization and our State were aligned.
Most recently, I have fulfilled another bucket list item, winning a silver bowl at NFAA Indoor Nationals.
Outside of archery, I love reading, gardening, and hanging out with my grandkids. My husband and I also like to take trips on his motorcycle.
Remembering Steve Yee: A Legacy beyond the Shooting Line
The archery community lost more than a coach with the passing of Steve Yee. It lost a mentor, innovator, and friend whose influence will be felt for generations.
In the days following his passing, friends, students, fellow archers, and members of the community shared stories and memories of the impact Steve had on their lives. Their reflections paint a picture not only of an exceptional coach, but of a person who gave endlessly of himself, believed deeply in others, and left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
For many, Steve was the steady presence on the range, always ready with insight, encouragement, or simply the right words at the right moment. His impact went far beyond scores and technique. He built confidence, shaped character, and reminded archers that their greatest competition was themselves.
Maya Miller, one of his students, recalls a lesson that has stayed with her. After a challenging training session, Steve revealed that the scores she had been trying to beat were from her own personal best. His message was simple but powerful: strive to improve on who you were yesterday. That philosophy defined Steve’s approach to both archery and life.
Others remember his constant support and generosity. Corbin Beu shared how Steve stayed in touch through difficult times, offering encouragement when it was needed most. When Corbin considered stepping away from the sport, Steve showed up not just as a coach, but as someone who genuinely cared, helping him find his way back.
That same generosity extended to everyone around him. Adam Stringham reflected on Steve’s willingness to give, recalling how he provided equipment to young archers who needed it and pushed for better opportunities for youth in the sport. Steve did not accept limitations. He challenged them. Whether it was building innovative equipment solutions or advocating for the next generation, he believed things could always be better and he worked to make them so.
On the range, Steve had a unique ability to connect. Melody Richards Dimitrov described how he could sense frustration before it was spoken and guide archers back to focus with calm, grounding advice. Shawna Cordeiro echoed that sentiment, crediting Steve with teaching discipline, resilience, and the importance of learning from mistakes. He knew when to push and when to pull back, a balance that defined his coaching and his relationships.
Even those who knew him briefly felt his impact. Crystal and Nick Niell noted his dedication, showing up week after week despite serious health challenges. His commitment to the sport and to his community never wavered, serving as an example to all who knew him.
For Rick Bachman, Steve was more than a contributor. He was family. Joining the club during a time of need, Steve immediately stepped in, elevating the program and strengthening the community. His knowledge improved archers, but his presence strengthened bonds that will endure.
Above all, Steve will be remembered for how he made others feel: seen, supported, and capable of more than they believed. He was a coach, mentor, innovator, and friend, but more importantly, he was someone who showed up, gave freely, and left every person and place better than he found it.
In recognition of his lasting influence, the indoor range at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility will be renamed the Steve Yee Memorial Archery Range, a fitting tribute to someone who gave so much to the sport and the people within it.
He will be deeply missed, and never forgotten.
Indoor National championshps
The 2026 NFAA Indoor National Championships welcomed over 1,000 archers to Memphis, Tennessee, uniting youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional competitors from across the U.S. and around the world. The venue and event setup received strong praise, and new technology features—such as self check-in and self scorecard validation—helped streamline the experience. The weekend began with a well-attended Meet the Pros event and Pro-Am, followed by two days of competition featuring 60-arrow rounds shot on the official NFAA 300-round target face. The energy throughout the weekend reflected both the high level of competition and the strong sense of community within the sport. Many participants noted how smoothly the event ran, especially with the addition of the new systems. The Memphis location also provided a fresh and exciting backdrop for athletes and spectators alike.
Top performances were seen across all divisions, including national records from Chloe Nelsen (600 120X, Young Adult Female Freestyle) and Anna Li (567 35X, Cub Female Barebow Recurve). Several professional divisions required shootoffs, highlighting the depth of competition. Lynn Hoch secured the Senior Male Freestyle title with a perfect score, while Tanja Gellenthien claimed the Adult Female Freestyle championship after a shoot-off, and Kyle Douglas emerged victorious in a large Adult Male Freestyle shoot-off featuring 13 perfect scores. These high-pressure moments brought added excitement to the finals and kept spectators engaged through the final arrows. The level of precision displayed by the top competitors underscored the elite nature of the event. Many of the matches came down to millimeters, emphasizing just how competitive the field was this year.
The event also celebrated collegiate archers, with 70 student-athletes competing and division winners earning $250 scholarships through the NFAA Foundation. These scholarships continue to support the balance between academic pursuits and competitive archery. Memphis marked a successful new chapter for Indoor Nationals, and many competitors now look ahead to the season finale at the Vegas Shoot in Las Vegas. Anticipation is already building for the final event of the indoor season. With momentum from Memphis, many archers will carry their performances forward into Vegas. The Indoor Nationals once again proved to be a key stop in the competitive calendar, showcasing both rising talent and established champions.
2025 Member of the Year: randall rutlegede
Congratulations to Randall Rutledge on being awarded the 2025 National Field Archery Association Member of the Year! This accolade recognizes his unwavering dedication, leadership, and the profound impact he has had on archers of all ages.
For more than 50 years, Randall “Randy” Rutledge has been a familiar and respected figure in the archery community. Whether serving as a coach, judge, tournament organizer, mentor, or competitor, his dedication to the sport has left a lasting impact on archers across Illinois and beyond. In recognition of his lifelong service, the NFAA proudly named Randy the 2025 Member of the Year.
For Randy, the journey began at an early age. “My dad and grandfather were sportsmen,” he recalled. “We fished in the summer and hunted squirrels and ducks in the fall. One day my dad came home with an all aluminum recurve bow and said, ‘Let’s try archery.’ That sure was an understatement.” Not long after, Randy joined the Aurora Sportsmens’ Club and became an NFAA member. He still has his first NFAA-IAA class card from 1964, when he was just 15 years old.
Over the decades, his involvement in the sport evolved far beyond competition. Randy spent years helping organize events at Auroraland Archers, assisting with NFAA Nationals and IBO tournaments, and later judging both NFAA and USA Archery events. Today, much of his focus is on supporting local clubs and state organizations through his work as tournament director for the Field Archery of Illinois and Illinois Target Archery Association. A driving force in the Chicagoland archery community, Randy has long been known for his ability to bring people together and strengthen participation across the region. Behind the scenes, his leadership has helped sustain major competitions and support the continued growth of NFAA sanctioned events.
Just as important as his organizational contributions is the way he approaches people. Known for his patience, encouragement, and willingness to help anyone, Randy has mentored countless archers throughout the years. One nominator shared, “No one gives more freely of their time, experience, and encouragement. He has shaped the journeys of countless archers throughout our region and beyond. Personally, without Randy’s mentorship and support, I would not be part of the archery community today.”
When asked what he enjoys most about archery, Randy’s answer was simple. “It gives me an excuse to travel and make new friends all over the country.” His favorite discipline remains field archery, which he appreciates for both its technical challenge and natural setting. “Springtime in the woods doesn’t get any better,” he said.
Randy credits much of his own growth in the sport to mentors like his father and Rollie Mantzke, along with longtime Illinois archery leaders Marvin Waymack, Bob and Judy McCutcheon, and MJ and Marihelen Rogers. “I watched and learned,” he said. While Randy jokes that his greatest contribution to archery may be “building my vintage archery collection so it’s not lost to the dumpster,” his impact on the community is undeniable. His efforts have helped preserve not only the history of the sport, but also its future. That commitment to future generations was evident when Randy chose to donate his $200 Member of the Year award credit to the NFAA scholarship fund. It was a fitting gesture from someone who has spent decades giving back to the sport that shaped his life.
Looking ahead, Randy hopes to see continued growth in archery, especially at the local level. He believes organizations across the sport should work together to make participation easier and more welcoming for new archers. “We must keep in mind that we are in the entertainment business and competing for that part of folks’ budget,” he said. “We need to make it easier for people to stay involved.”
While Randy may humbly describe himself as “lucky” in both hunting and competition, those who know him understand his success has come from decades of hard work, generosity, and dedication to others. Of course, he admits there is one skill that still surprises people.
“Sometimes,” he joked, “I do call arrows in.”
2025 club of the year: archery hQ
Archery HQ of New Braunfels has truly set the standard for excellence in the archery community, earning the well-deserved recognition as the 2025 NFAA Club of the Year. With a strong commitment to growth, innovation, and inclusivity, the program has created a welcoming environment where archers of all ages and abilities can thrive.
The NFAA proudly named Archery HQ of New Braunfels, Texas, as the 2025 Club of the Year, honoring a program with a deep commitment to growth, innovation, and inclusivity. Established in 2024, Archery HQ was founded with a clear vision: to build a strong archery family while developing future generations of archers across Texas. “Our mission from the beginning was to be the best in the state of Texas while building a family inside the archery community,” the club shared. “In two short years, we have grown from a small youth team competing in local tournaments to a nationally recognized competitive team.”
Today, Archery HQ offers a wide range of programming designed to support archers of all ages and experience levels. From beginner instruction and advanced coaching to youth and adult competitive teams, the club has created a pathway for athletes to grow within the sport. Their JOAD program continues to attract developing archers, while their event schedule includes local, state, regional, and national tournaments.
While competitive success has fueled the club’s growth, Archery HQ’s greatest impact may be found in its commitment to serving the broader community. The organization has become a welcoming home for veterans, first responders, adaptive athletes, youth groups, homeschool organizations, collegiate shooters, and families throughout the region.
A cornerstone of the program is its dedication to supporting military members and first responders. All active military personnel, veterans, and first responders shoot free at the indoor range. The club also works closely with several nonprofit organizations, including the Texas chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, helping adaptive athletes experience the sport in an inclusive and supportive environment. Every Tuesday, adaptive archers gather to train at Archery HQ, where they have become an important part of what the club proudly calls its “archery family.”
The club’s outreach extends beyond the indoor range as well. Through partnerships with local landowners, Archery HQ has developed an extensive outdoor 3D course, a versatile target field, and a specially designed hunting area that allows paralyzed veterans to safely enjoy the outdoors
and participate in hunting experiences that may not otherwise be accessible. In addition, the organization regularly donates equipment, coaching time, and resources to local programs and events, including 4H groups, homeschool organizations, and community initiatives, all with the goal of expanding participation in archery.
Like many rapidly growing organizations, Archery HQ has faced challenges along the way. According to the club, managing that growth has been their biggest obstacle so far. “With the help of many friends and family, long hours, and dedication, we continue to grow our archery family and serve the community around us,” they explained.
When asked what has driven the club’s success, the answer centered not on trophies or rankings, but on culture. “Our faith in God and focus on treating people like family is the reason for our success,” the club shared. “We focus on honesty, integrity, and teaching up-and-coming archers to be examples and role models for future generations.”
That philosophy also shapes the advice they offer to new clubs entering the sport. Archery HQ encourages organizations to focus on building teams around strong values, ethics, sportsmanship, and respect, emphasizing that the right people are the key to long term success.
Looking ahead, the club’s goals remain simple and consistent: continue growing the archery family and supporting the people around them. Despite their rapid rise and national recognition, Archery HQ remains grounded in gratitude for the community that helped them succeed.
“We are humbled and honored to have been nominated and even more surprised to have won this award,” the club said. “There are many amazing programs across the country, and we are happy to be a part of this great community. Thank you to the NFAA for all that you do to grow the sport and support youth archery.”
The 2026 National Indoor League delivered 12 weeks of dynamic competition giving archers the opportunity to compete on an international stage without ever leaving their home ranges. Held from January 5 through March 29, the annual League once again showcased a format that connects athletes across the globe while keeping competition accessible at the local level.
National Indoor League
This year’s League featured nearly 300 archers competing across 58 host ranges worldwide. During the opening six weeks, archers focused on NFAA 300 rounds shot on the classic blue and white target face, submitting a minimum of five scores as they prepared for the NFAA Indoor National Championships. In the latter half of the League, the format shifted to Vegas rounds in the lead-up to The Vegas Shoot, where archers were again required to submit at least five rounds. While additional scores could be turned in throughout each phase, only the top five in each phase were counted, giving competitors the flexibility to shoot on their own schedule while still rewarding continued improvement.
A key appeal of the National League system is the ability for archers to compete on a national scale directly from their local range, while also having the option to submit scores shot at NFAA events. This structure allows participants to push themselves throughout the season, track their progress over time, and stay engaged as they work to improve their performance.
Top finishers in each division earned coveted National League belt buckles in recognition of their success. All registered participants were also entered into a raffle, with Robin Smith and Helen Burr each receiving free pre-registration to a 2026–27 NFAA national or sectional event of their choice.
Beyond the athlete experience, the League also provided meaningful benefits for host locations. Clubs and shops holding a current NFAA charter or license along with indoor range certification were eligible for lucrative hosting rebates, offering a strong incentive for facilities to take part. These benefits reflect the NFAA’s ongoing commitment to giving back to its clubs and supporting the local organizations that serve as the foundation of the sport.
Looking ahead, the momentum carries into the outdoor season with the National Outdoor Leagues beginning in May. The National Field League will open the series, leading into the National Field Championships, followed by the National Target League, which concludes with the National Target Championships. Archers and clubs alike are encouraged to get involved, take advantage of rebate opportunities, and be part of a growing community competing nationwide.
Each League runs for 12 weeks at NFAA ranges across the world. Members are given the unique opportunity to compete at a national level from their home range or submit scores from any NFAA event. League scores do NOT have to be shot at a host location. If there is no host in their area, archers can also participate at any target or field range around the country.
TWO OUTDOOR LEAGUES - JOIN ONE OR BOTH!
NATIONAL FIELD LEAGUE (MAY 11 - JULY 31)
NATIONAL TARGET LEAGUE (JUNE 1 - AUG 23) SHOOT
LOCALLY
,
COMPETE NATIONALLY
!
NFAA CLUB? YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REBATES!
ENSURE YOUR CHARTER & RANGE CERTIFICATES ARE UP TO DATE ARCHERS MUST INDICATE THEIR CLUB'S NAME ON THE SCORE SUBMISSION FORM CASH REBATES WILL BE MAILED TO ELIGIBLE HOSTS UPON LEAGUE COMPLETION
WIN FREE ENTRY TO A FUTURE NFAA SECTIONAL OR NATIONAL EVENT BY REGISTERING
Indoor Sectional + National Series
The NFAA is proud to announce the successful completion of the 2026 Indoor Sectionals and Indoor National Series, held at ranges across the country from January through March. Archers began by competing within their respective sections, each aiming to earn the title of Sectional Champion. But the competition extended beyond local ranges, as scores from every sectional event were combined to determine the 2026 Indoor National Series Champions in each division.
The Indoor National Series brought a new layer of recognition to the season. In addition to sectional titles, archers competed for national rankings, with podium finishers honored in each division. For the first time, National Series results also counted as one of the minimum four events required for Shooter of the Year qualification. This enhanced program now reflects a broader range of events, helping to identify the most well-rounded archers across all disciplines.
A new competition format was introduced across all sections for 2026. Each event consisted of the best one of two NFAA 300 blue/white rounds. Archers had the option to shoot either one or two rounds, with only their highest score counting toward both sectional placement and national ranking. This approach gave archers more flexibility in their schedules, and allowed those who could only attend one day to remain fully competitive. The format was widely embraced across all sections and contributed to strong participation growth nationwide.
A total of 97 NFAA clubs and shops hosted events nationwide, welcoming nearly 3,000 archers, with participation increasing significantly across nearly all sections. Cinnamon Creek Ranch in Roanoke, Texas, led the way, welcoming 229 archers from the Southern Section and recording the strongest single event turnout of the series. The facility, recognized as the 2023 NFAA Club of the Year, continues to demonstrate why it earned that distinction.
As the indoor season came to a close, attention has turned to the outdoor calendar. Up next on the sectional circuit is the Outdoor Field Sectionals & National Series, which will take place on NFAA field ranges across the country from April through July.
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Don Mendez, Councilman don.p.mendez@gmail.com
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B E C O M E A N B E C O M E A N N F A A N F A A
J U D G E J U D G E T O D A Y T O D A Y
N F A A m e m b e r s c a n c o m p l e t e o n l i n e c o u r s e s t o
b e c o m e C e r t i f i e d & N a t i o n a l J u d g e s . C o u r s e s
e d u c a t e m e m b e r s o n r u l e s a n d p r o c e d u r e s i n v o l v e d
w i t h j u d g i n g a n d t e a c h t h e f u n d a m e n t a l s o f N F A A
r o u n d f o r m a t s a n d r a n g e s e t u p s .
N F A A C e r t i f i e d J u d g e
O f f i c i a t e a t N F A A l o c a l , s t a t e , a n d
s e c t i o n a l e v e n t s .
O f f i c i a t e a t N F A A a n d N F A A F o u n d a t i o n
n a t i o n a l e v e n t s . N F A A N a t i o n a l J u d g e
C L I C K T O L E A R N M O R E !
nfaa outdoor field sectionals & National series feature exciting New Updates
The NFAA is proud to announce the return of its Outdoor Field Sectionals and National Series, taking place across the United States from April through July 2026. These highly anticipated events bring together archers of all skill levels to compete within their respective sections for top honors and national recognition.
Throughout the sectional season, archers will compete locally against others in their designated regions to earn the title of Sectional Champion. Beyond sectional accolades, competitors’ scores will be combined across all sections nationwide to determine the prestigious National Series Champion in each division.
NEW FOR 2026! Earn Points for Shooter of the Year
In an exciting addition for 2026, participants in the Outdoor Field Sectionals and National Series will now earn points toward the NFAA Shooter of the Year program. This new initiative aims to recognize excellence across a variety of events, offering a more inclusive and rewarding pathway for archers to get recognized for their achievements throughout the season.
Introduction of the Modern Field Round
Also debuting this year is the Modern Field Round, a newly developed competition format designed to encourage participation and growth in field archery. To support this initiative, the NFAA Board of Directors approved the formation of a Competition Committee, which was tasked with developing a trial field round based on member feedback. The fresh approach lowers barriers to entry while maintaining the spirit and challenge of traditional field archery. Catering especially to newer field archers, the Modern Field Round features:
- Three arrows per target
- Twelve targets per field/hunter/animal round
- Simplified rules for ease of participation
Archers and clubs across the country have already shown strong interest, with numerous hosts confirmed and additional locations continuing to be added to the schedule.
2026 Outdoor Sectionals & National series
Archers will face off in their sections to compete for the title of Sectional Champion. Even more? Cumulated division scores from across the country will name the Outdoor National Series Champions! The Outdoor Sectional format is standardized across all sections to provide consistency for the Outdoor National Series. All archers will complete 12 field, 12 hunter, and 12 animal targets in accordance with the new Modern Field / Hunter / Animal round rules. The order of the rounds will be at the discretion of each host location.
Online registration is required, and onsite registration may not be available. The early registration deadline is 3 calendar days prior to the start of the competition. A late fee of $15 will apply for registrations received after this deadline. Electronic scoring will be utilized at all sectional venues to streamline score validation and expedite results. Review the event page for additional tournament information, registration details, and links for booking discounted hotel accommodations curated for each sectional host location.
Great Lakes Sectionals
Royal Oak Archers - Oakland Twp, MI - June 13
Contact: John Dumar, johndumar@yahoo.com, 586/808-0462
Midwest sectionals
Turpin Outdoor Education Center - Lincoln, NE - June 21
Contact: David Wolfe, david.wolfe@nebraska.gov, 402/499-5870
NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center - Yankton, SD - June 20-21
Contact: David Bacon, ob.tournament@outlook.com, 909/217-4441
STEP 1: DOWNLOAD THE IANSEO SCOREKEEPER NG APP
Search for “IANSEO ScoreKeeper NG” in Google Play (Android) or Apple AppStore (iPhone or iPad). This is the only step that can be done prior to arriving to your shooting location. NG stands for “Next Generation”, so if you have the old app on your phone, please be sure to delete it as it will no longer be used.
Scorekeeper NG Scorekeeper
STEP 2: SCAN THE UNIQUE QR CODE ON YOUR SCORECARD (internet is required
Once at the tournament, you will be provided with a paper scorecard. Open the Scorekeeper NG app; Tap “Setup app using a QR code”; Point your phone’s camera at the QR code on your scorecard; A grey screen will pull up. Please pay attention to the distance (Distance 1: Day/Round 1, Distance 2: Day/Round 2); Check that the information matches the scorecard and displays the correct day/round; Tap “Save”.
STEP 3: score your arrows
The main screen will display the archer(s) on your target: name, target face, and target number; Tap on the archer’s name to enter their scores; Use the boxes on the bottom of the screen to enter scores; Each time an end is fully scored, you will be taken back to the main screen.
Made a mistake? Tap the arrow value you need to edit and re-enter the correct value.
Use the Delete Arrow button to delete the value arrow value in the highlighted box. Use the Delete End button to delete the entire end.
When only one archer is displayed on the device, each archer is responsible for scanning the QR code on their card and entering their own scores electronically.
Continue scoring until you have scored all ends. Once your scoring is complete, make sure your electronic scorecard and paper scorecard match. Ensure the cloud on the top-right corner of the screen is GREEN, then close out of the app and turn in your paper scorecard(s). Is the cloud RED? Make sure you are connected to the internet, tap on the red cloud, then tap Reconnect.
STEP 4: score day 2/round 2
INTERNET IS REQUIRED WHEN SCANNING THE DAY 2 QR CODE.
Open the Scorekeeper NG app; Tap on the menu button (aka hamburger button) on the top-left side of the screen; Tap on “Start Page”; Tap “Setup app using a QR code”; Follow the instructions from Step 2 to begin scoring for Day/Round 2.
The Vegas Shoot 2026 celebrated the 60th anniversary of the world’s largest and most prestigious indoor archery tournament as archers from around the globe gathered in Las Vegas for another unforgettable week of competition. Returning for its second year at the Paris, Horseshoe, and Planet Hollywood hotel and casinos, the event once again transformed the Las Vegas Strip into the center of the archery world.
The Vegas Shoot
The launch of the “Grow the Line” initiative was a highlight of 2026, focusing on mentorship and community within archery. More than 450 mentors and rookie archers participated in the inaugural program, connecting experienced competitors with newer archers and families while also providing discounted registration fees. Following the strong positive response, the NFAA Foundation expects to continue expanding the program in future years.
Competition throughout the week delivered dramatic moments and elite performances. The exciting $10k-A-Day Shoot-Off gave eligible Championship Compound Open archers who shot a perfect 300 on Friday or Saturday the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 prize. Nicolas Girard claimed Friday’s win, while defending Vegas champion Bodie Turner survived a sevenend battle against 95 archers to win Saturday’s shoot-off. India’s Kushal Dalal earned the final spot in the Finals by prevailing in the Lucky Dog Shoot-Off.
The 60th Anniversary Celebration Party also featured the new $1k Scholarship Shoot-Off for junior archers. Sponsored by the Easton Foundation, the event awarded four $1,000 scholarships, contributing to over $68,000 in total scholarships awarded during the event.
Championship competition once again showcased some of the best shooting in Vegas Shoot history. A record 32 archers shot perfect 900 scores in Championship Compound Open qualification, while Bodie Turner led the field with a historic 900 and first-ever 90X at The Vegas Shoot. Under the lights at PH Live Theater, Mike Schloesser of the Netherlands earned his third Vegas Shoot title after previous wins in 2014 and 2017.
The Championship Compound Female division also made history with five women shooting perfect 900 scores to advance to the finals stage. Great Britain’s Ella Gibson captured the title, while Chloe Nelsen, Kimberly Landry, Brady Ellison, Casey Kaufhold, Madelyn Yi, Joel Turner, and Reo Wilde all claimed victories across their respective divisions.
Schloesser and Gibson also became the first Championship champions to win using the newly introduced 1.5 cm X-ring target in the Vegas finals. Debuting in 2026, the smaller X-ring added a new level of pressure and excitement to the Championship shootdowns, creating even more dramatic moments for both competitors and spectators.
As The Vegas Shoot celebrates 60 years of history, the event continues to bring together the world’s best archers alongside first-time competitors, families, industry leaders, and fans for one of the sport’s most iconic events.
Championship Divisions
18 Kaylee
Elisa Roner ITA 897 61
Meeri-Marita Paas est 896 66
Anna Shearier USA
mike schloesser takes 3rd vegas shoot title
The Netherlands’ Mike Schloesser won the Championship Compound Open division at the Vegas Shoot for the 3rd time after victories in 2014 and 2017. Many times a finalist, he outlasted a record field of 32 archers on the stage. “I’m super emotional. I’m super excited,” said the Dutchman. “Yeah, I felt like this wasn’t my season so far, but I finished really strong, so I’m really proud.”
“This is one of the coolest venues I’ve shot at. Last year I made it as well, but I just finished off the podium. But this year, of course, winning it is something extra special, but this venue is amazing. Just walking out of the stage and seeing all the fireworks, all the light show and all the people, it means something. And it’s amazing to be there and it gives me goosebumps.”
It was Schloesser’s first Vegas victory as a father, here with his wife Gaby (who finished 3rd in Championship Recurve Female) and their daughter Luna, who has been accompanying the pair around the world at tournaments. “We really cannot let go of our archery career yet. So we’ve been trying to fly with our baby girl. She’s now 10 months and it’s been tough, but it’s been going and I wouldn’t change it in the world. It’s amazing to be traveling the world as a family and just have these kind of experiences.”
On a packed stage, the 32 archers – a new Vegas record – shot top and bottom bales for the first two ends, on the new target faces with a 1.5cm ‘x’ ring, introduced after the marathon shootdown of 2025.
The first end of shooting, with the big ‘x’, saw Jacob Weber leave the stage, and then the switch to inner ‘x’ saw 14 archers leave, including well-known finalists like Christopher Perkins, Gaius Carter, Tate Morgan, Robert Householder as well as the Lucky Dog, Kushal Dalal.
“It’s amazing to be traveling the world as a family and just have these kinds of experiences”
On the third end, targets moved to the centre of the bale and Colton Green, Nick Kappers, Ritik Chahal, Drew Hortman, Curtis Broadnax, and Ojas Pravin Deotale exited the stage after scoring 29 each. Thirteen remained.
On the fourth end Andrey Tyutyun and Braden Gellenthien left, and in the fifth, still on inner-x 1.5cm scoring, Ajay Scott, Ace Coleman, Levi Reitsma, Stephan Hansen, Wayne Hitchcock, and last year’s runner-up Nicolas Girard exited, the last with a 28.
Four would shoot the sixth end: three former double champions: Kyle Douglas, Mike Schloesser, and Bodie Turner along with pro and archery shop manager Matt Burns from Alabama. Douglas’ first arrow was on the line, and his Vegas was over without a podium.
The podium was decided - but in what order? In the seventh, Turner, who had had a remarkable week and had been shooting stronger than most all evening, suddenly wobbled with a 29, adding a third place finish to add to his two Vegas titles.
Two remained for the eight. Burns, who had looked rock solid, suddenly sent his third arrow wide into the nine, and Mikey closed it out for the win.
Schloesser joins an elite tier of archers who have conquered the most prestigious indoor stage in the sport three times.
It would be a year defined by a record-breaking field and the demands of the new 1.5cm ‘X’ ring, but Schloesser’s victory was, as ever, a testament to his endurance and concentration.
2nd Place: Matthew Burns | 3rd Place: Bodie Turner
Breaking Barriers: Women Redefine Vegas History
At the center of the exciting 2026 Vegas Shoot were the women who continue to raise the standard of championship archery by capturing historic “firsts” and record-breaking performances. A record 11 Championship Compound Female archers remained perfect through the second day of competition, setting the stage for a dramatic final round inside PH Live Theater. By the end of qualification, five women, Ella Gibson, Morgan Rives, Tanja Gellenthien, Alexis Ruiz, and Taylor Miller, had all shot perfect 900s to force the first five-way Championship Compound Female shootdown in Vegas Shoot history. For the first time ever, a woman shot a perfect 900 and still would not finish on the podium.
The shootdown itself delivered everything fans could have hoped for. After the opening end of inner-10 scoring, Miller was eliminated while Gellenthien and Rives continued battling for third place. One additional end later, Rives secured the third-place position, leaving Gibson and Ruiz head-to-head for the championship. Both archers posted matching 29s before the competition advanced to the dramatic new 1.5 cm X-ring target. There, Gibson delivered a perfect 30 while Ruiz scored 29, giving the British star her long-awaited Vegas title.
“How does it feel? Amazing, nerve-wracking, and really cool,” Gibson said afterward. “The girls and I were just talking about it on the practice range before we came out. We really wanted to make it to the smaller target ring. So that was the aim, and every end we were like, okay, we’ve got to do two more!” Known worldwide for her discipline and consistency, Gibson had narrowly missed the Vegas title in recent years, finishing runner-up in 2024 and third in 2025. This time, she finally stood atop the podium. Reflecting on the rapid growth and strength of the women’s division, Gibson remarked, “I think our division has been growing so much more over the years. Just the standard as well as the entries. And I really hope we continue to see that happening.”
Ruiz, meanwhile, embraced the moment despite narrowly missing the championship title. “After the 900 today, I was on top of the world and the shoot-off was just a bonus,” Ruiz said afterward. Having previously won Vegas without shooting a perfect score, Ruiz added that her next goal is to return and win the title again, this time with a 900.
The breakthrough performances did not stop there. In Championship Compound Young Adult, 16-year-old Chloe Nelsen made history by defeating three of the division’s top young men, Grant Hammons, Liam Bartle, and defending champion Caleb Quiocho, to claim the title. Nelsen secured the victory with a strong 30 during the fourth end of the shoot-off, proving she belonged among the very best in Championship competition. “I wanted to really challenge myself to push myself against the guys like Caleb and all the other amazing shooters in that division,” Nelsen said. “That experience is what I wanted.”
Another major milestone came earlier in the weekend when Leann Drake became the first woman in Vegas Shoot history to record a perfect 300 with 30X score. Drake ultimately finished 13th with 898, but her performance represented another barrier broken in a weekend filled with them. Her achievement was another sign that women are not only competing at the highest level in Vegas, but continuing to redefine what is possible on the sport’s biggest stage.
From record-setting shootdowns to historic scoring achievements, the women of Vegas did more than win medals this year. They demonstrated how quickly the level of competition is rising and how much deeper the talent pool has become. As more women continue pushing the limits of what is possible on archery’s biggest indoor stage, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever.
Flights Divisions
14 Brent Francis USA - LA 845 21
James Ramsey USA - ID 845 19
Kent Kizerian USA - NV 844 28
Brandon Dix
Junior Divisons
Future champions rise at the Vegas Shoot
The 2026 Vegas Shoot once again highlighted the incredible talent and dedication of youth and collegiate archers from around the world. Beyond the championship competition and world-class atmosphere, the event continued its commitment to supporting the future of archery through scholarship opportunities and junior recognition programs.
This year’s Junior Scholarship Essay Contest winners were Issak Atkins and Sloan Stoltz, both high school freshmen, who each earned a $1,000 scholarship for their essays about the impact archery has had on their lives. The contest, presented annually by the NFAA Foundation, gives young archers the opportunity to share personal stories about perseverance, growth, and the lessons learned through the sport.
The Junior Awards Ceremony and Meet the Pros event on Saturday evening remained one of the most memorable moments of the week for many young competitors. The celebration brought together rising stars of the sport alongside some of archery’s biggest names for autographs, photos, giveaways, music, and a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of the next generation of archers.
The 60th Anniversary Celebration Party held Friday night featured the debut of the new $1k Scholarship Shoot-Off for junior archers. Sponsored by the Easton Foundation, the event awarded four $1,000 scholarships to Liam Bartle (Compound), Mack Booth (Recurve), Eli Lien (Bowhunter), and Lee Kirkpatrick (Barebow Recurve). The shoot-off followed a format similar to the fan-favorite Lucky Dog and $10k-A-Day events, with archers advancing through head-to-head rounds within each shooting style until a single winner emerged.
In total, over $68,000 in scholarships and prize payouts were awarded during the 2026 event, reinforcing the NFAA Foundation and Easton Foundation’s ongoing investment in youth and collegiate archery. Junior division scholarship winners earned $1,000, $750, and $500 awards for first through third place finishes, while Collegiate archers earned individual scholarships of $750, $500, and $300, along with Collegiate Team scholarships.
As The Vegas Shoot continues to grow, the event remains focused on creating opportunities for young archers both on and off the shooting line. Through scholarship programs, mentorship opportunities, and memorable experiences shared throughout the week, the NFAA Foundation and Easton Foundation continue to invest in the future of the sport. Beyond The Vegas Shoot, the NFAA Foundation also awards scholarships at other national events throughout the year, helping support junior and collegiate archers across multiple disciplines and championships.
Scholarship Recipients
Compound
Young Adult Female Compound: Klayre Smith, Vanessa Smith, Alexis Follin
Young Adult Male Compound: Bayler Backowski, Mikie Kolb, Collin Garvin
Youth Female Compound: Khushreet Sandhu, Kali Miller, Darby
Thomas
Youth Male Compound: Robert Thompson, Brody Terry, Oliver Tressler
Bowhunter Male: Adam Curran, Ryan Schatz, Wesley Ellsworth
Collegiate Team: University of Rio Grande, William Carey University, Lindenwood University
scores, tournament info and more at
1 Jack Chen USA - CA 589 30 2 Joshua Jeong USA - CA 583 14 3 Jack Houghton USA - CA 582 23
4 Kayden Lee USA - CA 577 15
5 Miguel Marruffo MEX 572 17
6 Haniel Baek USA - CA 572 15 7 Moritz Schiller deu 572 14
Ainsley Chang USA - CA 554 14
Tiancheng Wang USA - FL 536 9 27 Daniel Jung USA - CA 534 7 28 Ray Pantoja USA - CA 534 5
Kai Plummer USA - FL 533 8 30 Hajin Jeon USA - CA 533 3
Zirui Zhang CHN 531 8
Sebastian Bustamante USA - CA 530 9
509 4
39 Garet Try USA - FL 506 7 40 Saketh Pandrangi USA - CA 505 6 41 Hijinio Reynoso USA - CA 494 3
Haeyin Chong USA - CA 481 4
Datta Madhav USA - CA 467 3
building the future of archery at the vegas shoot
The Vegas Shoot has long been known as the largest and most prestigious indoor archery tournament in the world, bringing together thousands of archers from across the globe to compete on one of the sport’s biggest stages. While the competition and championship atmosphere remain at the heart of the event, the 2026 Vegas Shoot also highlighted something arguably even more important: investing in the future of archery and creating a welcoming environment for the next generation of competitors. Together, the new Grow the Line mentorship program and the Next Gen Archers celebration emphasized community, mentorship, and the importance of youth engagement.
The newly launched Grow the Line initiative was designed to help first-time Vegas Shoot participants feel more comfortable navigating an event that can often feel overwhelming to newcomers. The program paired experienced Vegas Shoot competitors with rookie attendees to provide guidance before, during, and after the tournament. The goal was simple: make the experience less intimidating and more accessible for new competitors while building stronger relationships within the archery community.
Mentors assisted rookies prior to the event with everything from selecting the correct division and understanding tournament procedures to helping with travel logistics, hotel reservations, practice schedules, and registration questions. One of the most important aspects of the program was the recognition that mentors did not necessarily need
to be elite-level archers or coaches. Instead, the emphasis was on experience and willingness to help others. Mentors served as resources and supporters who could help new archers feel confident and prepared throughout the process.
The NFAA Foundation partnered with the Easton Foundation to help fund Grow the Line and provide registration discounts for both mentors and rookies. In addition to discounted registration, participants also received exclusive swag items and an invitation to the special celebration event on Thursday evening were program participants had the opportunity to connect in person and build on their relationships that would continue throughout the weekend.
Several participants spoke positively about the experience during the event. Mentors explained that they remembered how intimidating their own first Vegas Shoot experience had been and appreciated the opportunity to help newcomers avoid feeling lost or overwhelmed. Rookie archers and their families also noted how valuable it was to have someone available to answer questions, explain expectations, and provide reassurance throughout the tournament experience.
While Grow the Line made a strong impact during its inaugural year at The Vegas Shoot, organizers have already expressed interest in expanding the concept into additional NFAA events in the future. The program represents a broader effort to create a culture where experienced archers actively help guide and encourage new participants entering the sport.
Another major highlight of the weekend was the Next Gen Archers party held Saturday evening, which served as a celebration of junior archers and the future of competitive archery. The evening began with the junior awards ceremony, where a staggering $68,000 in scholarships were awarded to top finishers in the junior and collegiate divisions.
Following the awards presentation, the venue transformed into a lively celebration featuring music, refreshments, giveaways, and opportunities for junior archers to interact with some of the biggest names in the sport. A total of 112 top Championship and Professional archers attended the event to give back to the next generation of competitors. Throughout the evening, hundreds of junior archers and their families had the opportunity to collect autographs, take pictures, and spend time talking directly with many of the world’s best archers. The interaction between youth archers and the sport’s top athletes demonstrated that success in archery is not only about competition results, but also about mentorship, encouragement, and giving back to the sport.
Together, Grow the Line and the Next Gen Archers celebration showcased an important focus at The Vegas Shoot 2026: ensuring that the sport continues to grow by supporting and encouraging the next generation of archers. Through mentorship opportunities, scholarship support, and meaningful personal connections, these initiatives helped create an environment where both new and experienced archers could come together to strengthen the future of the sport.
collegiate divisions
collegiate Team
behind the Bow
Learning from the Best in Vegas
Real stories from the heart of our archery community
At just 15 years old, one young archer from the West Coast stepped onto one of the biggest stages in the sport with no expectations, no pressure, and a simple goal: experience it all.
She had only been competing for about a year.
“I started archery just for fun,” she said. That casual introduction at age 14 quickly turned into something more. What kept her coming back wasn’t perfection, but progress. “In archery, I’m not chasing perfection—I’m chasing progress,” she explained. “That’s what keeps me coming back and pushing through challenges.”
That mindset made 2026 feel like the right time to take a leap.
Often described as the “Super Bowl of archery,” The Vegas Shoot draws the best athletes in the world. For a first-year competitor, it can be overwhelming. But for her, it was an opportunity she didn’t want to miss. “I just wish I had known about it sooner,” she said.
Going in, her expectations were simple. “As a beginner, I didn’t really have any expectations. I was just excited to see some Olympic archers and have fun.”
What she didn’t expect was just how close she would get to that level.
Standing on the line, she found herself shooting right next to Casey Kaufhold, one of the top-ranked archers in the world. It was a moment that instantly shifted her perspective.
Later, she reflected on that experience in her own words:
“The arrow feels weightless right before I release it. For a moment, everything tightens into focus—my fingers, my shoulders, my breath. If I’m even a little off, the shot misses. There’s no such thing as ‘close enough.’ Precision is everything.”
Watching elite archers up close revealed something she hadn’t fully understood before. “I saw how the smallest, almost invisible adjustments separate the best from the rest,” she said. “It made me realize how much detail goes into every shot.”
Despite the scale of the event and the level of competition, she didn’t feel overwhelmed. In fact, the opposite was true. “I don’t think I felt pressure,” she said. “I knew I was there for the experience.”
That perspective allowed her to take in the moment fully, something many seasoned competitors can struggle to do.
For her, the Vegas Shoot wasn’t about scores or standings. It was about exposure, inspiration, and growth. It was about seeing what’s possible after just one year in the sport—and what might lie ahead.
“It was one of the highlights of my archery journey so far,” she said. And for a young archer still early in her career, that journey is just getting started.
Have a story to tell? “Behind the Bow” is all about real experiences from archers like you.
& NFAA
1-arrow 3d National championships
The NFAA proudly continued its partnership with Break the Barriers (BTB) to host the 2026 BTB & NFAA 1-Arrow 3D National Championship, held April 18–19, 2026, on a private ranch outside of Fresno, California. The event welcomed 542 archers, including 55 collegiate competitors, from around the world to take on one of the most unique formats in the sport.
Competitors shot marked distances featuring the signature 12-ring orange dot, with 51 life-size 3D targets on Saturday and 34 targets on Sunday, totaling 85 targets over the weekend. The format proved both technical and demanding, with steep angles, side hills, and targets placed from 3 to 101 yards.
In addition to individual competition, the event expanded its offerings in recent years with additional NFAA Team National Championship divisions. Open to all age groups and shooting styles, the team competition allowed archers to partner with one teammate to compete for the title of National Team Champion and a prestigious championship belt buckle. Team members could be from different age divisions or gender classes, with special handicaps applied to ensure fair competition.
Several standout performances highlighted the weekend. Uriah James Overbay secured a commanding victory in the Youth Male Freestyle division with a score of 972. Matthew Nofel dominated the Adult Male Freestyle Limited Recurve division, besting his competition by nearly 200 points with an impressive 916. Fan-favorite Paige Pearce continued her dominance in the Pro Female Freestyle division, earning her fifth consecutive title with a 970. Across all divisions, champions walked away with prestigious National Championship belt buckles.
New for 2026, the BTB & NFAA 1-Arrow 3D National Championship was included in the NFAA Shooter of the Year program, allowing archers to earn valuable points toward their overall rankings. The updated Shooter of the Year structure was designed to be more inclusive, incorporating a wider variety of NFAA events and expanding opportunities across more age divisions and shooting styles.
Beyond competition, the event continues to make a meaningful impact. Break the Barriers is a non-profit organization offering more than 25 inclusive programs for individuals of all abilities, with all proceeds from the tournament directly supporting its outreach efforts, including its free Veteran program serving over 1,000 veterans. The BTB & NFAA 1-Arrow 3D National Championship remains a powerful example of how sport can bring people together, raise awareness, and support important community initiatives.
Freestyle Professional Male
1 Brunetta Allen USA - CA 974 64
2 Ingham Nick USA - ID 970 62
3 Deaton Bridger USA - TX 963 62
4 Spoolstra Taylor USA - CA 962 58
5 Fabiani Pietro USA - TN 948 53
6 Killpack Randall USA - CA 943 54
7 Clem Tanner USA - CO 913 40
Freestyle Professional Female
1 Pearce Paige USA - CA 970 61
2 Cox Cassidy USA - NM 958 58
3 Otter Bella USA - CA 958 57
4 Gore Heather USA - CA 936 49
5 Drake Leann USA - MO 930 48
6 Eberts Courtney USA - TX 929 50 Freestyle Professional Senior Male
1 Rubio Mark USA - CA 958 56
2 Gillingham Timothy USA - UT 954 54
3 Wagner Stephen USA - CA 924 44
4 Smith IV Wade USA - WA 912 38
Freestyle Adult Male
1 Palacios Juan USA - TX 964 60
2 Goodwin Thomas USA - CA 964 59
3 Scott Travis USA - CA 962 59
4 Skarr John USA - CA 956 57
5 Garcia Sergio USA - NM 954 55
6 Peters Elliott USA - CA 948 52
7 Peters Sawyer Trent USA - CA 944 51
8 Sheedy Louis USA - OR 942 48
9 Allen Clayton USA - ID 941 54
Mueller Alex USA - CA 941 50
Kalapaca Jeff USA - CA 937 51
Tehee Robert USA - CA 933 49
Dewell Trent USA - CA 930 45
Melendez Oscar USA - CA 929 47
Rodrigues Justin USA -
34 Peri Hriday USA - CA 832 23
35 Xiao Dong USA - CA 829 19 36 Gutierrez Miguel USA - CA 825 14 37 Beilstein Stephen USA - NV 821 24
38 Perdue Marshall USA - CA 815 20
39 Stone Dan USA - CA 790 16 40 Stephens Jeremiah USA - CA 784 12
He Tyrek USA - CA 780 27 45 Gabriel Alex USA - CA 778 21 42 Lord Kevin USA - CA 778 16 43 Erquiaga Joshua USA - CA 778 15 44 Hescox Patrick USA - CA 776 16
46 Gonzalez Javier
2 Imrie Kim USA - CA 643 7
Freestyle Young Adult Male
1 Fong Christopher USA - ID 994 72
2 Stidhem Cody USA - ID 962 58
3 Facio Gideon USA - CA 954 54
4 Dewell Gauge USA - CA 931 47
5 Penner Jedidiah USA - CA 901 37
6 Orozco Aiden USA - CA 895 37
7 Hamilton Micah USA - CA 894 34
8 Roelse Wade USA - CA 893 34
9 Hescox Walter USA - CA 875 35
10 Garcia Benjamin USA - CA 716 8
Freestyle Young Adult Female
1 Smith Vanessa USA - NM 910 37
2 Rodriguez Averie USA - NV 876 30
3 Heckman Cassie USA - CA 699 12
4 Thompson Kailey USA - CA 582 4 Freestyle Youth Male
1 Overbay Uriah James USA - NM 972 61
2 Mowery Odhan USA - ID 928 46
3 Claybaugh Liam USA - CA 776 17
4 Kalbaugh Dakota USA - CA 742 12
5 Rippee Carson USA - CA 674 6
6 Obwald Tyler USA - CA 502 1
Freestyle Youth Female
1 Wilkin Emma USA - CA 904 33
2 Beilstein Elyse USA - NV 860 29
3 Boyle Quinn USA - CA 831 26
4 Allen Makenna USA - CA 813 23
Freestyle Cub Male
1 Xiao Jingran USA - CA 928 48
2 Pond Carter USA - CA 660 7
Freestyle Cub Female
1 Wellman Brooklynn USA - ID 890 29
2 Cotter Keona USA - CA 866 26 Modern Bowhunter Freestyle Adult Male
1 Houck Garrett USA - CA 910 40
2 Walters Steve USA - CA 907 37
3 Ball Darin D, USA - CA 898 35
4 Foor Wesley USA - CA 896 40
5 Davis Tyler USA - CA 893 32
6 Thompson Spencer USA - CA 877 32
7 Stoker Brandon USA - CA 875 28
8 DeGuia Corey USA - CA 871 29
9 Mouw Greg USA - CA 857 35
10 Roelse Adam USA - CA 826 27
11 Bailey Cannon USA - CA 811 16
12 Cano Oswald “Ozzie” USA - CA 807
17 Otto Aaron USA - CA 557 5
18 Heckman Nick USA - CA 408 3
Modern Bowhunter Freestyle Adult Female
1 Keller Katie USA - CA 865 27
2 Alexander Augusta USA - OR 832 19
3 Smith Melanie USA - NM 820 20
4 Kell Tina USA - CA 810 21
5 Lister Cassidy USA - CA 787 16
6 Graff April USA - CA 757 21
7 Ramirez Esmeralda USA - CA 692 12
8 Thongsavanh Diana USA - CA 627 10
9 Villarama Dana USA - CA 608 9
Modern Bowhunter Freestyle Senior Male
1 Wagner Kenneth USA - CA 927 44
2 Curl Gary USA - WY 919 42
3 Blauwkamp Tim USA - CA 896 40
4 Spalliero Robert USA - NM 828 32
5 McCreary Allen USA - CA 820 22
6 Manrique Alfonso USA - CA 816 19
Modern Bowhunter Freestyle Senior Female
1 Erickson Angie USA - OR 776 21
Modern Bowhunter Freestyle Silver Senior Male
1 Sherwood Ron USA - OR 914 37
2 Bradley Rick USA - CA 887 36 3 Brown Randy USA - OR 869 31 4 Jennelle Jr Freddie USA - CA 816 20
Modern Bowhunter Freestyle Master Senior Male 1 Miers Robert USA - AZ 793 16
2 Neely Gary USA - OR 614 5
Modern Bowhunter Freestyle Youth Male
1 Manrique Mateo USA - CA 849 20
2 Cross Elliot USA - CA 766 19
3 Fink Colten USA - OH 695 25
Modern Bowhunter Freestyle Young Adult Female
1 Hodge Addison USA
Freestyle Limited Master Senior Male
1 Smith Jack USA - CA 672 7
Freestyle Limited Recurve Adult Male
1 Nofel Matthew USA - CO 916 40
2 Joharzadeh Ilia USA - CA 744 15
3 Plumeau Christopher USA - CA 648 7
4 Thompson Kevin USA - CA 616 7
5 Rippee Scott USA - CA 427 1
Freestyle Limited Recurve Adult Female
1 Chee Melissa USA - OR 781 16
2 Lui Rebecca USA - CA 701 13
3 Elizondo Elizabeth USA - CA 645 6
4 Dueck Hannah USA - CA 641 5
5 Hernandez Zoe USA - CA 603 3
6 Brito Simone USA - CA 572 8
7 Gonzalez Elena USA - CA 358 0
8 Kisbye Ingeborg USA - CA 50 1
Freestyle Limited Recurve Senior Male
1 Hamada Greg USA - CA 644 4
Freestyle Limited Recurve Silver Senior Male
1 Aldridge Stuart USA - CO 752 13
Freestyle Limited Recurve Young Adult Male
1 Lambert Oliver USA - IN 889 31
2 Ellsworth Ryder USA - CA 874 23
Freestyle Limited Recurve Young Adult Female
1 Lui Ella USA - CA 776 13
2 Stephens Genevieve USA - CA 759 12
Freestyle Limited Recurve Youth Male
1 McDonald Declan USA - CA 743 16
Freestyle Limited Recurve Youth Female
1 Thompson Emilia USA - CA 662 7
2 Ellsworth Roxi USA - CA 609 9
3 Claybaugh Lexie USA - CA 597 5
4 Lui Tessa USA - CA 329 0
Freestyle Limited Recurve Cub Male
1 Krueger Benjamin USA - CA 634 8
Barebow Recurve Adult Male
1 Garcia Christopher USA - CA 781 12
2 Encarnacion Nolan USA - CA 768 20
3 Cousins Andrew USA - CA 764 14
4 Weiss Daniel USA - CO 742 15
5 Tran Binh USA - CA 738 13
6 Fint Josh USA - CA 717 7
7 Garzon Andres USA - CA 684 12
8 Farris Mason USA - CA 666 9
9 Macaraeg Bernabe La Verdad USA - CA 666 6
10 Passler Stephen USA - CA 611 6
11 Obwald David USA - CA 534 4 12 Orozco Federico USA - CA 442 2
13 Chavez Mario USA - CA 322 1 Barebow Recurve Adult Female
1 Eisner Alexandra USA - CA 594 5
tournament info and more at
2 Rodriguez Lisa USA - CA 325 1
3 Alcantara Alana USA - CA 318 1
Barebow Recurve Senior Male
1 Lemmon Henry USA - CA 723 15
2 Rolander David USA - CA 704 8
3 Schulten Andreas USA - CA 667 9
4 Rojo Juan USA - CA 591 6
Barebow Recurve Silver Senior Male
1 Zurcher
Wayman
Barebow Recurve Master Senior Male 1 Rigby Corene USA - CA 688
2 Sharp Rodney USA - CA 674 5 3 Ish Jack USA - CA 491 1 4 Manigo John USA - CA 387 2
Barebow Recurve Young Adult
Plata Trent USA - CA 397 0
Barebow Recurve Young Adult Female
Barebow Recurve Youth Male
Barebow Recurve Youth Female
Kuchkovskiy
Adult Male
579 Alec NYBERG 497
Lexie CLAYBAUGH 597 895 Oliver LAMBERT 889
Roxi ELLSWORTH 609 894
ELLSWORTH 874 3 Ella LUI 776 851
Genevieve STEPHENS 759 4 Benjamin KRUEGER 634 817
July 24 - August 1, 2026 | yankton, SD
NFAA Outdoor National field championships and Ifaa world field championships
Open to all nfaa members!
July 24
Preliminary event schedule
National Field: Field Round
IFAA World Council
July 25
National Field: Hunter Round
IFAA World Council
July 26
National Field: Animal Round & Awards
IFAA Team Captain Meeting
IFAA Opening Ceremony
Women in the IFAA Welcome Reception
July 27
IFAA Round 1: WFAC Field Round
July 28
IFAA Round 2: WFAC Hunter Round
July 29
IFAA Round 3: WFAC Animal Round
July 30
IFAA Round 4: WFAC Field Round
July 31
IFAA Round 5: WFAC Hunter Round
Other information
Practice Ranges will be open throughout the week. Concessions available on site.
IFAA World Field Championships is open to all NFAA Members.
August 1 Awards Banquet Register for NFAA field nationals Register for IFAA World Championships
one weekend | two NATIONAL events
2026 National Roudup
nfaa outdoor national target championships & first dakota classic
August 28-30, 2026 | Yankton, sd
Early registration deadline: August 17
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 National Target
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. Collegiate archers can purchase the addon to their registration to become elligible for collegiate scholarships!
Preliminary Schedule
Thursday, august 27
First Dakota Classic: Check-in and Late Registration
Indoor Paid Practice
indoor Vendor Tradeshow
Friday, August 28
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, August 29
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, August 30
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.
The National Field Archery Association (NFAA), in partnership with Straight Arrow Bow Hunters, proudly hosted the 32nd Annual Marked 3D National Championship in conjunction with the 42nd Annual Western Classic Trail Shoot, May 1 - 3, 2026, in Redding, California. The combined event welcomed 1,355 archers from around the globe, all coming together to compete at what has become known as one of the premier “must-attend” shoots of the year.
Featuring 70 3D animal targets with orange dots, including the infamous Big Foot, archers competed across challenging terrain that tested them with uphill, downhill, and sidehill technical shots. From seasoned professionals to first-time competitors, archers embraced the demanding courses and the unique experience that has made the Western Classic a staple event in the archery community.
Standout performances highlighted the weekend across multiple divisions. In the Pro Male Freestyle division, Kyle Douglas claimed the title outright with a 1539, delivering a strong and consistent performance throughout the course. Paige Pearce captured her 11th title in the Pro Female Freestyle division with a 1536, setting a new women’s course record in the process. Kevin Wilkey dominated the new Adult Modern Bowhunter Freestyle division with a 1529, establishing himself as the one to beat in the division. In the Young Adult Male Freestyle division, Kameron Kakaleck secured a hard-fought victory with a 1529, edging Christopher Fong by a single point in one of the closest finishes of the weekend.
In addition to the exceptional competition, attendees were treated to nearly perfect weather throughout the weekend. Longtime participants know the event has historically brought everything from rain and cold temperatures to extreme heat, making this year’s beautiful conditions especially appreciated by competitors and spectators alike.
The NFAA extends its sincere appreciation to Straight Arrow Bow Hunters, volunteers, sponsors, and all participants who helped make the 2026 event another tremendous success.
Tim Audus
- SC 1533 2 Robert Morgan USA - MT 1529
Timothy Gillingham USA - UT 1527
Bill Drake USA - OR 1527 5 Darren Collins USA - KS 1523
Justin Huish USA - CA 1522 6 Paul Penrod USA - MO 1522
Darrin Christenberry USA - IN 1521 9 Clayton Moore USA - AR 1520 9 Benton Christensen USA - ID 1520
Gregg Poole USA - AZ 1518
Stephen Wagner USA - CA 1518
Ron Barndt USA - MT 1518
Douglas Kyle USA - MO 1516
Kenneth Brunko
75 Jordan Leong USA - HI 1503
75 Sheldon Partney USA - OR 1503
77 Adam Fagan USA - OR 1502
78 James Ford USA - ID 1500
78 Jason Burgess USA - ID 1500
80 Scott Meyers USA - CO 1499
80 Garret Snow USA - PA 1499
80 Zeke Bennett USA - UT 1499
80 Jordan Bressler USA - WA 1499
84 Blair St. Amant CAN 1496
85 Robert Sanchez USA - NV 1494
85 Curtis Belew USA - TX 1494
87 Jackson Higgins USA - ID 1493
87 Donald Sneed III USA - UT 1493
89 James Jubber USA - WY 1491
90 Kevin Dean USA - CA 1490
90 Bryson Riley USA - WA 1490
92 Michael Sanders USA - CA 1489
93 Kristoffer Aldous USA - OR 1488
93 Thomas West Jr USA - PA 1488
95 Donald Cotter USA - CA 1484
95 Sean Perry USA - CA 1484
97 Nathan Foster USA - ID 1483
98 Devin- Preissl CAN 1482
98 Nickolas Pack USA - WA 1482
100 Joshua Emler USA - NV 1477
100 Tyce Grate USA - NV 1477 102 Earl ODell USA - CA 1476 102 Dustin Sandquist USA - OR 1476 102 Jared Linscombe USA - TX 1476 105 James Hudson USA - AZ 1475
Nick Fisher USA - AZ 1475
Nic Stouder USA - CA 1475
James Pecka USA - NV 1473
Colby Cameron USA - ID 1470
Jared CROwther USA - UT 1470
Brayden Ye USA - CA 1469
Joe Guizzotti
Ella OBrien USA - AZ 1514
Jacey Cypriano USA - ID 1500
Lindsey Cooley USA - ID 1498
Presley CROwther USA - UT 1495
Emily Wognild USA - WA 1495
Kia Fluth USA - WA 1493
Katherine Krebs USA - AZ 1492
Clare Lin USA - CA 1492
Shawna
1465
62
68
68
70
71
6
21 Ted Carlson USA - ID 1471
22 Kevin Krause USA - WA 1467
23 Charlie Kester USA - AZ 1465
23 Chuck Gilbert USA - CA 1465
23 Melvin Bauman USA - CA 1465
26 Robert Seabury USA - HI 1463
27 Paul Whaley USA - CO 1458
28 Michael Pettit USA - CO 1457
29 Mark Shires USA - CA 1456
30 Lou Bjelland USA - UT 1452
31 Marvin Meyers USA - CO 1448
32 Mark Miller USA - NV 1446
33 Steven Allen USA - WA 1445
34 Ken Graham USA - UT 1444
35 Gregory Kulp USA - PA 1441
36 Robert Martin USA - ID 1437
37 Mike Hernandez USA - CA 1433
38 James Posekany USA - OR 1432
39 Rey Serrano USA - MT 1427
40 Marc Smith USA - OR 1423
41 Merl Reed USA - ID 1420
42 Rick Rallison USA - UT 1419
43 Colt Nelson USA - NV 1406
44 Darryl Williams USA - FL 1376 45 Bryon Fagan USA - OR 1373
46 Wes Carbonell USA - HI 1370
47 James Murphy USA - CA 1344
48 Douglas Mertz USA - CA 1339
49 Steve Cook USA - CA 1061
Silver Senior Female Freestyle
1 Danny Rhoades USA - OR 1478 2 Beth Bivens USA - ID 1457 3 Catherine Belzner USA - AZ 1398 3 Nancy Corbett USA - NV 1398
5 Karen Palmer USA - WA 1393
36 Brent Spain USA - WA 1403
37 Tom Kell USA - CA 1320
Adult Female MODERN BOWHUNTER FREESTYLE
1 Katie Keller USA - CA 1484
2 Augusta Alexander USA - OR 1466
3 Rebekah Ham USA - ID 1454
4 Elizabeth Bienvenue USA - CA 1414
5 Tina Kell USA - CA 1398
6 Jennifer Wognild USA - WA 1393
7 April Graff USA - CA 1371
8 Cassandra Arend USA - AK 1335
Senior Male MODERN BOWHUNTER FREESTYLE
1 Ty Cameron USA - ID 1511
2 Jerry Slaugh USA - UT 1503
3 Gary Curl USA - WY 1493
4 Jason Null USA - WA 1490
5 Robert Bass USA - CA 1477
6 David Katler USA - CA 1451
7 Alfonso Manrique USA - CA 1441
8 Jason Heath USA - ID 1438
9 Freddy Echaves USA - CA 1424
10 Stephen Chacon USA - SD 1421
11 Joseph Calarco USA - WI 1416
12 Patrick Severin USA - CA 1408
13 Christopher Casdorph USA - OR 1376
14 Harold Long USA - CA 1331
15 Dan Walsh USA - OR 1142
Senior Female MODERN BOWHUNTER FREESTYLE
1 Erin Lechleitner USA - MT 1414
2 Angie Erickson USA - OR 1414
3 Stephanie Breedlove USA - WA 1378
Silver Senior Male MODERN BOWHUNTER FREESTYLE
1 Ron Sherwood USA - OR 1506
2 Randy Brown USA - OR 1487
3 Scott Wilson USA - CA 1476
4 Jeff Zaugg USA - NV 1463
5 Freddie Jennelle Jr USA - CA 1438
6 Jacob Dreyband USA - NV 1324
7 Michael Abramovich USA - CA 1013
Master Senior Male MODERN BOWHUNTER FREESTYLE
1 Dean Stebner USA - OH 1436
2 Mike Willis USA - CA 1412
3 Richard Newton USA - OR 1372
4 Gary Neely USA - OR 1268
Young Adult Female Modern Bowhunter FREESTYLE
1 McKenzie Wognild USA - WA 1380
2 Siera Mann USA - CA 1201
Youth Male MODERN BOWHUNTER FREESTYLE
1 Tristen Scheidt USA - OR 1499
2 Owen Chen USA - OR 1454
3 Blake Ohlsen USA - CA 1375
Grady
6 Timbre Beck USA - CA 1194
Silver Senior Male Bowhunter Freestyle
1 Mike Palmer USA - WA 1491
2 Marvin Riggs USA - ID 1476
3 Chris Jones USA - CA 1474
4 Ed Fuller USA - NV 1446
5 Bruce Corbett USA - NV 1444
6 Keith Toon USA - CA 1439
7 Gerry Tadina USA - CA 1363
8 Pedro Henrich USA - CA 1356
9 Larry Kirkendall USA - CA 1299
10 Mark Leufkens USA - CA 931
Silver Senior Female Bowhunter Freestyle
1 Kathlene Pradere USA - WA 1425
2 Gabrielle Garrett USA - CA 1390
Master Senior Male Bowhunter Freestyle
1 Mark Hanson USA - AZ 1462
2 Randy Spanfellner USA - OR 1450
3 Joseph Sobota USA - TX 1447
4 Ed Terribilini USA - CA 1389
Young Adult Male Bowhunter Freestyle
1 Easton Roberts USA - UT 1445
Young Adult Female Bowhunter Freestyle
1 Elsie Sheehan USA - TX 1432
2 Aria Beck-Wines USA - CA 1038
Youth Male Bowhunter Freestyle
1 Emmett Charbonneau USA - WA 1457
Youth Female Bowhunter Freestyle
1 Rebecca Dillow USA - WI 1410
2 Peyton King USA - OR 1338
Cub Male Bowhunter Freestyle
1 Finn Bartle USA - WA 1512
2 Oskar Hayes USA - WA 1162
Cub Female Bowhunter Freestyle
1 Samantha Wognild USA - WA 1230
Adult Male Freestyle Limited
1 Trevor Luescher USA - CA 1519
Senior Male Freestyle Limited
1 Wesley Yeremenko USA - CA 1006
Silver Senior Male Freestyle Limited
1 Dean Thornton CAN 1490
2 Rob Sampley USA - CA 1343
3 Jack Persall USA - CA 1007
Master Senior Male Freestyle Limited
1 Darrel Sandquist USA - OR 1302
2 Greg Cameron USA - ID 1284
Adult Male Freestyle Limited Recurve
1 Austin Raglin USA - CA 1362
2 Marc Ting USA - CA 1337
Adult Female Freestyle Limited Recurve
1 Melissa Chee USA - OR 1290
2 Elizabeth Elizondo USA - CA 1196
Senior Male Freestyle Limited Recurve
1 Stephen Williams USA - CA 1318
Silver Senior Male Freestyle Limited Recurve
1 Stuart Aldridge USA - CO 1284
Silver Senior Male Traditional
1 Alan Eagleton USA - CA 1198
2 John Wainwright USA - OR 854
Master Senior Male Freestyle Limited Recurve
1 Jim Yoakum USA - CA 1130
Young Adult Male Freestyle Limited Recurve
1 Oliver Lambert USA - IN 1334
Youth Male Freestyle Limited Recurve
1 Marc Gock-Hayes USA - CA 1231
Youth Female Freestyle Limited Recurve
1 Ella Phillips USA - TX 1232
Adult Male Barebow Recurve
1 Kevin Jensen USA - UT 1366
2 Joel Turner USA - MT 1362
3 John Winker USA - NC 1355
4 Christopher Garcia USA - CA 1353
5 Andrew Cousins USA - CA 1316
6 Gene Hildebrandt USA - WA 1276
7 Binh Tran USA - CA 1274
8 Nolan Encarnacion USA - CA 1273
9 David Rolander USA - CA 1241
10 Josef Dolai USA - CA 1238
11 Nathaniel Wallace USA - WA 1199
12 Troy Santiago USA - CA 1121
13 Mason Farris USA - CA 1048
14 Curtis Graves USA - OR 693
Adult Female Barebow Recurve
1 Lesley Winker USA - NC 1121
Senior Male Barebow Recurve 1 Matt Yacca USA - CO 1328
2 Ryan Ostler USA - OR 1294
3 Elliott Tecsi USA - WA 1189 4 Kyle McCormack USA - WA 1171 5 Andreas Schulten
2025 Service Pin recipients
Beth Alderman 10
Allen 10 Jerry Allen 10
Alves 10
Jeff Anderson 10 Philip Anderson 10
Liko Arreola 10 Ryan Arreola 10
Jacqueline Arthurs 10
Richard Bachman 10
Larry Bailey 10
Shannon Barnett 10
Dennis Beach 10
James Becker 10
Jacqueline Belanger 10 Raegan Bender 10 Simon Besher 10
Lorna Bills 10
Black 10
Blake 10 Seamus Blake 10
Blankenship 10
Broussard 10
Buckley 10
Burkhardt 10
Burley 10
Burley 10
Cain 10
Caires 10
Cameron 10
Campbell 10
Campbell 10
Carmin 10
Cassady 10
Cassady 10
Chapman 10
Chen 10
Colin 10
Collier 10
Connors 10
Cook 10
Cody Morelock 10
Glenn Mucha 10
Heather Mucha 10
Kiersten Mucha 10
Jeff Nelson 10
Tawny Nelson 10
Everett Nishimura 10
Trevor Olson 10
Hans Olufs 10
Lee Ortiz 10
Bobbi Paquin 10
Burton Parnell 10
Russell Pelekai 10
Robert Pelletier 10
Mark Pengra 10
Denice Person 10
Greg Peters 10
Sawyer Trent Peters 10
Maria Peterson 10
Jacob Pettit 10
Anton Pirtz 10
Ellen Pirtz 10
Danielle Pollard 10
Tom Pollei 10
Philip Powell 10 Richard Pozniak 10
Quiocho 10 Chase Quiocho 10
Geraldine Quiocho 10
Raizen 10
Ramsbacher 10
Raredon 10
Raymer 10
Rigby 10
Rosenau 10 Adam Ross 10 Michael Ruetten 10 Jeff Sanchez 10 Samuel Sanchez 10 Joe Sanford 10
Gabrielle Sasai 10 Emma Schaefer 10 Nicole Schmitz 10 Erik Schwartz 10
Peter Scott 10
Stephen Scott 10 David Sears 10
Shuler 10
Snelson 10
Stephen Russell 15
Louis Russo 15
Ronald Ryba 15
Stephen Santos 15
Reynold Sarns 15
Troy Saunders 15
Gregory Scott Scherer 15
John Scordo 15
Mark Sebastian 15
Wayne Seelinger 15
Glenn Shuey 15
Jonathan Smith 15
Stan Snajkowski 15
Libby Roberts Snelling 15
Robert St Jean 15
Karen Stanphill 15
Karen Stewart 15
Donnie Thacker 15
Donald Torchio 15
Alexis Webb 15
Brian Webb 15
Robert Whalen 15
Kent White 15 Pete Whitworth 15
David Abbott 20 Jeff Adelman 20
Allensworth 20
Audeh 20
Beaman 20
Beck 20
Bertram 20
Bielecki 20
Bodle 20
Bowles 20
Bowman 20
Branning 20 Roy Brokaw 20 Robert Brown 20 James Burrell 20 Norman Carver 20 George Cavelius 20
Julie Chambers 20 Marty Chambers 20
Lewis Chiang 20
Michael Cinnamon 20 Rodney Cook 20 Gary Crain 20
Curl 20 Steve Dow 20
Decades of Dedication: 2025 Service Pin Stories
Jim Cox
NFAA Member for 60 Years
Jim joined the Salinas Bowmen, CBH, and NFAA in March of 1965 after purchasing his first competition bow, a Bear Magnum recurve. In 1970, he opened Elkhorn Archery Shop in Salinas, California, a full sales and service archery shop. From 1974 to 1995, Jim served as Chairperson of Martin Archery’s Advisory Council, as well as Field Test Supervisor and in Research & Development, where he was instrumental in designing Martin’s first metal-handle riser, the Cougar, offered in custom colors. In the 1980s, Martin Archery introduced Jim’s line of bows, which included four Dynabo models, the Magnabo, and the Jim Cox take-down recurve, with the Dynabo becoming the first bow to feature a positive stop.
Jim sold Elkhorn in 1989 and opened Jim Cox Adventures Archery Shop in 1990. Prior to the closure of Catalina and Santa Cruz Islands to hunting, he regularly organized trips—often filling one or two buses at a time—bringing both new and experienced hunters to the islands while also field testing a wide range of products. After the islands closed, Jim established the JCA Big Game Hunting Ranch in 1995 and introduced a bowhunting school in 1997, where participants learned proper equipment setup for broadheads, arrow placement, tracking, and field dressing. During this time, he also leased the 27,000acre Laguna Ranch in Southern Monterey County, hosting 300–400 hunters each year and steadily growing the number of bowhunters.
In 1999, Jim designed and engineered the Borsalino takedown folding compound bow, which was later cataloged with Bear Archery through 2000. Over his sixty years in archery, Jim has achieved numerous accomplishments, including being a member of NFAA, CBH, and Salinas Bowmen since 1965, serving as CBH Measurer #3, and becoming a CBH Senior and Lifetime Member. He was named CBH Bowhunter of the Year for competition from 1978–1980, received the CBH Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, and was inducted into the CBH Hall of Fame in 2018. He was also one of the first members of the California Pro Shooting Division, field tested products for numerous manufacturers, served as a coach and technical advisor for the U.S. Army Recreation Service Division at Fort Ord, and spent six years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
A licensed and bonded California guide, Jim has operated a successful archery pro shop from 1970 to the present. Through community outreach, he has consistently taught archery to schools, special needs youth and adult programs, 4-H, Scouts, corporate groups, evening leagues, and community events. An accomplished archer and bowhunter, Jim has hunted in 26 states as well as internationally in Mexico, Canada, Africa, and Australia. Throughout his career, he has developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and values the many friendships he has built along the way.
Michael Andrews
NFAA Member for 50 Years
My first exposure to the wonderful sport of archery was as a 13-year-old Scout where at camp we shot fiberglass recurves and cedar arrows. I was so impacted by this experience that I surprised my parents with a request that for my next birthday I’d like to have a bow and arrow set of my own. And it was so, with a “Root” branded recurve and my own set of feather fletched cedar shafts I began my journey in archery.
At the tender young age of 15 a local archery shop enlisted me to become an “arrow builder” that introduced me to competitive target archery and my first “4-wheeler” Astro compound bow. Now with upgraded aluminum arrows, a movable Killian Chek-It Sight and some well-intentioned influence from adult archers I was ready to compete. Winning my very first NFAA State (WI) Field Championship in 1975 there was no looking back, I was on my way to love the sport in a way that still impacts my life today.
With my wife, Lynn and our girls we traveled and competed across this great land together sharing much loved adventures around archery competitions. Several (NFAA Indoor/ Outdoor) State Championships (WI/CO/MO), NFAA Sectional Championships (GLS/SW), a NFAA National Championship, a full-ride archery scholarship (CNCC), World Police and Fire Championships (WPFG), 10 years as an NFAA Pro and many hundreds of local shoots later I am overwhelmed to think of all that this sport has done to me and for me. I love archery.
Still involved but not as competitive I now fulfill my passion by instructing kids at my local school district (Mountain Home, AR – go Bombers!) where in only 3 years competing in NASP state competitions we’ve placed in the top 10 teams for our state. I am so incredibly blessed to spend time with these young archers, guiding and instructing them to love archery the way I do.
Even though I may not have the hold-steady aim I once possessed I will never leave this sport this side of Heaven. Thanks go out to all of the folks both past and present who impacted me deeply for this sport, many who have now gone before and I now hope that they are continuing to hit their mark in their heavenly home. And, of course thank you NFAA for helping me to fuel my passion for over 50 years in the sport of archery!
2026 Shooter of the year ProGram
The Shooter of the Year (SOY) Program has been updated to provide a broader array of NFAA tournaments, offering a more complete representation of the nation’s best all-around archer for the year. Point multipliers are applied to tournament rankings to reflect each event’s broadly perceived prestige and/or its longstanding tradition within the NFAA calendar. The SOY categories have been greatly expanded to include all NFAA shooting styles, ensuring that every archer has the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding achievements.
SOY Series Events & Point Multipliers
July 24-26, 2026
August 29-30, 2026
base point allocation
August 28-29, 2026
Points (Pros only): +2 Points for
SOY Categories
Provided there are eligible archers, a Shooter of the Year winner will be named in each SOY Category within every NFAA shooting style. Scores from each SOY event will be combined within each shooting style and SOY category. Placement points will then be awarded based on the cumulative rankings. Placement points will then be awarded based on the cumulative rankings. View the full SOY Program & Rules page for an outline of SOY categories and inclusive shooting styles.
eligibility
- Archers must compete in at least 4 SOY events within the same SOY category and NFAA shooting style to qualify.
- An archer’s top 6 placement points, including event multipliers, within the same SOY category and NFAA Shooting Style will count toward the final SOY standings.
- If an NFAA shooting style is not offered at an NFAA Foundation event (e.g., FSL, Longbow, Traditional), archers holding SOY ranking in that shooting style will receive 2 base points (multiplied by the event’s factor) for participating in the event in another shooting style.
- If an archer competes in one or more SOY events as a Young Adult prior to their 18th birthday, they will remain in the Junior SOY category for the entirety of that SOY season.
2025 Amateur shooters of the year 2025
2026 Ranking (as of may 1, 2026)
Clean Up your bow arm for tighter groups by terry wunderle
During the second day of an NFAA championship, an archer once walked up and said, “Thanks, Terry. I listened to what you said yesterday and shot my highest score ever today.”
“You are going to have to help me out,” I said. “I don’t remember your name.”
“We’ve never met before,” he explained. “I was shooting next to another archer on the practice range and overheard you working with him. I listened while you were helping him clean up his bow arm, so I did the same thing.”
The most important part of the shot is the bow arm, where over 90% of the misses occur. True, the reason for a bad bow arm can originate from another flaw in form, but a good bow arm can still save the shot. Whenever an archer is having a problem grouping arrows,
he or she should immediately look at this part of the form to correct the problem. The bow arm has to react exactly the same on every shot in order to maintain a tight group.
For the bow arm to perform the same during every shot, it has to be set the same way before the shot explosion. First, the bow shoulder has to be relaxed and set in a low position. If you have tight muscles and the shoulder is high, the shoulder is being held up by the muscles. Can you maintain that shoulder position with the same degree of muscle tension every time? Probably not. That is why the groups will open up. Feel the placement of the shoulder when it is in a down position and you do not have tight muscles supporting it. This is where your shoulder should be when you are executing your shot.
Next is the bow arm. It can be straight or slightly bent if you shoot a compound bow. If you are a recurve or longbow shooter, straight is the main option. The bow arm should be relaxed in either case. Unnecessary tight muscles in the bow arm or bow shoulder will produce bow and sight movement. The only muscle tension in the bow arm should be the muscles needed to
maintain a steady force on the bow handle, pressing it toward the target. It is very important that the same degree of forward pressure is applied on every shot or you will experience high or low groups. When the arrow is released, the bow arm should break directly toward the target at the same angle on every shot. This is a must. If it doesn’t, you will be pushing or pulling your arrow in another direction. Set up a video camera about 15 feet in front of you when you are practicing. Shoot 10 shots without moving the position of your feet. Play back the video and see how your bow arm reacts. If you are using perfect form, it should react identically every time.
I always have maintained that you can make a lot of form errors, yet still save the shot as long as you have a good bow arm. Clean up this part of your form and your groups will become tighter.
More of Terry’s shooting tips can be found in his book, Archery: Think and Shoot Like a Champion found at wundelearchery.com.
