Appalachian Bowmen Summer 3-D Shoot
Our Summer Shoot
Our Summer Shoot is always the third weekend in August, rain or shine! The 2007 summer shoot will be our 27th annual shoot! The Appalachian Bowmen have enjoyed many successful shoots over the years. From "humble beginnings" in a booth at the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show, to our annual event at the Whittingham Wildlife Management Area, the club has brought the shooting public a place to unwind, sharpen skills, and have a great time with friends. Easily recognizable with their many buttons, it is incredible to see shooters that have attended our events since the beginning. With over fifteen hundred shooters on our mailing list and with annual attendance of over twelve hundred, the Appalachian Bowmen's 3-D Shoot is one of the longest running 3-D events available to shooters.
The annual summer shoot is held on the third Saturday and Sunday of August. Club members maintain three ranges of twenty 3-D targets. The targets are situated throughout the forests and fields in realistic hunting situations. Some shots are not so realistic as they force the shooter to press his skills and to test his equipment.
Shooters may test their abilities on the novelty ranges. The ever-popular running deer target is always a challenge. There are two competitive running deer shoots, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Shooters register to shoot the running deer and the closest to the center of the vitals earns a trophy suitable for the victory. The running deer is open all weekend. Thanks to our ingenious member, John Traylor, shooters may also test their skills on the running rabbits and on the pop-up groundhogs.
Inside the barn, shooters may browse through the tables and displays of local sporting goods stores, wildlife artists, taxidermists, and more. The Appalachian Bowmen maintain a club table to provide information, some souvenirs, and in most years, used equipment.
Door prizes are distributed on Saturday and again on Sunday. Winners must pick up all prizes by Sunday's drawing or they will be redistributed. Winners must be present on Sunday, as the cost of mailing prizes to the winners is prohibitive. Many local and national organizations and companies donate prizes for our shoot and we ask that you patronize these businesses. Their donations help to further the sport that is so important to all of us.
Food is available and camping is nearby at Swartswood State Park. If you wish to speak to a club member or to obtain specific information, contact the club any Tuesday evening at
(973) 383-6787.
