Hundreds of archers have gathered in Pipestem Resort State Park for the International Bow Hunting Organization’s Outdoor National 3D challenge.
IBO President Bryan Marcum explains how the competition at Pipestem fits into the larger tournament picture:
“This is our first leg of our national championship, triple crown. So the triple crown is a combination of three events throughout the summer. Each month, we have a tournament, and we add those scores together and determine our national champion.”
Bow hunters of all kinds, from elementary schoolers to pros, compete by shooting simulated 3D animal targets placed throughout Pipestem’s wild and wonderful woods, requiring archers to judge distance, account for obstacles, and shoot accurately.
“We have 35 different classes. So the top 30 in each one of those classes qualify to come to our Outdoor World Championship, which is our grand finale for the year, and that’s in August, and that will be at Kinane Valley Resort in West Virginia.”
Beyond the competition. The two-day event is an opportunity for families and friends to come together, enjoy West Virginia’s natural beauty, and safely share an ancient hunting tradition.
IBO Vice President Ryan Bass facilitates lessons for many young archers and says outdoor archery is a great way to help youths appreciate nature. Many of those classes utilize a Genesis bow, which Bass says is more versatile and beginner-friendly than some specialized bows:
“It’s important for us to get these kids outdoors. And so we have been working with the youth for many years now. A lot of our Genesis [bow classes] we started, you know, the Genesis bow is such a versatile bow for these kids, and the whole family can shoot it. So it’s important to us that we get a whole family out here together, not just the kid. But how can we get the moms and dads and uncles and just family friends—how can we get them out here shooting together?”
“It’s just being in nature. And that’s what we try to do, is get more families involved in that outdoor lifestyle that we all cherish… And bow hunting goes back so far. I mean, it’s mentioned in the Bible, but you know, when you look at the history of hunting, it includes a bow; it includes that stick and string. So for us to be a part of that is really neat for us and really neat for everyone here.”
To learn more or find out when you can take part in a bow hunting event, visit iboarchery.com.
