The Johnson County Archers were founded in 2001 to rehabilitate the archery facilities at the Macbride Nature Recreation Area with the goal of hosting public 3D shoots and generally promoting archery in the area. In the 2+ decades of our existence we have held over 80 public shoots, dozens of archery classes, many club gatherings, collaborated with various community groups and partnered with several local business to promote archery. These days, due to declining participation in the sport we simply host a few public 3D shoots a year.
What we do.
Maintain the archery facilities at MNRA
Setup and host public 3D shoots
What we don't do.
Provide supervision/instruction in archery
Provide archery equipment
Membership in the Johnson County Archers helps us to pay the bills. Like all organizations we must have insurance. We need to buy supplies to maintain targets, backstops and buildings. MOSTLY what we need is your help. Physically, mentally and emotionally. The same core group of 5 or so members has been managing things since the beginning. A few new people have started helping out but we always need more. With 4 or more people to set up we can be done in a couple of hours. The same for take down.
If nothing else please just come shoot our 3D shoots! 20 years ago we saw shooter numbers over 300 a weekend. A couple of seasons ago we had 3, it was a father and his two kids. INTEREST in archery is high but participation in 3D archery is declining. People want to hunt with their bows but don't put in the practice at 3D shoots. What better way to practice real world shooting is there than to walk the woods shooting at targets YOU DIDN'T SET up and that you DON'T know the distance. Real animals don't stop and give you perfect shots after telling you how far away they are. AND if you don't hunt, never plan to, don't want to hurt anything living with your bow then WE ARE PERFECT for you too! Our 3D targets are made of polyurethane foam, they don't bleed or feel pain. And our targets are repaired with recycled foam.
The university does not providing any funding for our activities or for our upkeep of the archery facilities. Their contribution is allowing us to use the facility, maintaining the shelter and mowing the grass.