3D Archery Association of Australia

Category: Event Story

  • Lake Macquarie 2018

    Lake Macquarie 2018

    3DAAA NSW State Series

    Thursday, still two days to go, and already the camper vans started rolling in. By Friday afternoon the club grounds were already packed. After having low numbers the previous year, things were looking much more promising this year.

    The new committee, especially newly elected President Michael McRae, had spent the last few months cleaning, painting and fixing up the clubhouse and all the facilities. The club have never looked this good and the whole club was keen to show it off to all the visitors.

    Registrations started on Friday night, and we could already see that we were going to have good numbers. In the morning, drawn in by the smell of bacon and eggs on the barbie, the masses ascended on the clubhouse to register. Treasurer Colin Keene’s experience and organisational skills made sure that everything was setup and ready to go to ensure everyone got processed quickly and get them on the ranges.

    Simo Weir and Michael McRae had been working tirelessly to set up 5 of the best ranges LMFA had ever produced. With only one perfect round recorded all weekend and multiple compliments coming back, it was mission accomplished for them.

    Saturday afternoon, with the sun sitting low, Josh Radoll ran the top ten shoot out. Jamie Bradshaw, MBO, won the Sighted comp and Estelle Boshoff, FBU, won the Unaided comp.

    After all the walking and shooting, everyone was ready for a good meal and Donna Gilroy did not disappoint. With a menu that ranged from Lambs Fry to Apple slice, there was something for every taste.

    The last day arrived and everyone was keen to shoot the last two ranges of the day. Most people got out early and soon the club house was deserted. Peter Gabriel and Yolandie Goodyear made sure the canteen was ready for when everyone returned for lunch and learned from the previous day that this was a hungry bunch of shooters, so extra provisions was brought in overnight.

    From mid morning the scores started to roll in. The usual archery excuses started to fly as people handed in their score cards, but almost everyone commented on having a great weekend. After everyone had lunch and all the scores were in, it was time for the prize giving and raffle draw. And what a raffle table it was; with targets and bows from Benson Archery and Tenzone and sets of strings from Big Fella’s Bow Strings the tickets sold themselves.

    The highest male score came from Ian Summers, MBO, with 461 and highest female score of 454 was recorded by Jenette Harvey, FBO. Highest Cub score had to be counted back as Seth Sutton and Isaac Phillips scored 443 each, but eventually it went to Isaac. Ethan Wilkinson scored 427 and took out highest Youth score, with Sarah Keene taking top female youth honours with a score of 314.

    2018 will go down as one of the best events yet at LMFA and we can’t wait to go even better next year!

  • Ipswich 2018

    3DAAA Queensland State Series

    Another Ipswich Field Archery Club shoot is done and dusted for the year. The weather was very kind to us  with glorious sunshine on both days. The first QLD 3DAAA Sanctioned shoot of the year was on the 5th and 6th May  2018.  We had a total of 105 competitors from NSW and QLD who travelled  to compete in the event. Your support is very much appreciated.

    The canteen also provided a delectable array of food and drinks to satisfy those hungry and thirsty archers. We would like to thank the Ipswich Lions Club for keeping the food up to hungry archers.

    The top 10 shoot off was held on Sunday afternoon prior to the presentation. The winner of the  sighted top 10 was  compound shooter Brett Pirlo and the  un aid  winner was recurve shooter Scott Hayden.

    The committee would like to thank you all for attending our shoot, it was a pleasure to have you there and hope you had an enjoyable weekend.

  • Lake Glenbawn 2018

    Lake Glenbawn 2018

    3DAAA NSW State Series

    Lake Glenbawn Field Archers’ (LGFA) annual sanctioned shoot was held on the weekend of April 7 and 8, 2018.  A total of 82 archers came from near and far to compete in the event which was held at Camp Kurra-Keith within the Lake Glenbawn recreation area.  This turn-out was rather impressive considering many hunters were busy on the rut and ABA shooters were slowly making their return road trip from the National Safari held at Alice Springs over Easter.
    The top-ten was held on Saturday afternoon with Ben Doyle emerging as the eventual winner after a hard-fought competition.  The raffle followed with many more winners walking away from the table with a smile on their faces.
    The weather was extremely kind with both days sunny and mild.  The small but hard-working LGFA committee had once again prepared five high class ranges that tested the endurance and mental toughness of the competitors. The steep and hilly terrain provided a wide range of challenging shots which resulted in only three archers scoring a perfect one-hundred round throughout the weekend (Isaac Scarr, Jamie Bradshaw and Alex Elvin), prompting range-master Garry Dawson to announce that the winner of the weekend was undeniably the ranges.
    Huge thanks to 2nd Muswellbrook Scout Group for their wonderful catering services during the weekend.
    LGFA looks forward to seeing all shooters once again at our second annual shoot, the Wingen Matchplay to be held in September.
  • Twin Cities – March 2018

    Twin Cities – March 2018

    3DAAA Victorian State Series

    Great weekend of 3D – Victorian Weather at its best from one day with temp in the 30 plus / sun glare and heat to the next cloudy and overcast with rain and wind

    Day one saw some challenging shots across the three ranges, from the spotted leopard shot from the shadows of trees into open sun. The crocodile shot from the edge of the bank across to the shaded area under the pines.

    The white stone sheep on the opposite bank, challenging and making archers think about their shots, these shots combined with wind gusts and the rising temperature of the day added to the fun and conversation.

    With day one over the courses were relayed, and some time to break up the afternoon before we all got back together for dinner.

    Some took the kids to the local circus, others just relaxed in the club rooms and others were fine tuning their bows on the indoor range for day two.

    Day two started out mild, by the 5th target we could see the weather was changing, first a gentle breeze to add to the fun of keeping on target, then a light rain began as you can imagine this continually grew in proportion. None the less the course was still full of archers celebrating shots taken and others well looking hopefully for their arrows.

    One of my cubs encountered a bull ant, bull ant finally loosing but Flynn was not about to give up and go in, after some minor first aid for the bite he was back on track with the targets.

    Proud of my young archers giving their all, they may have been tired, wet, hungry (no retract that – walking tuck shops), and flustered but they were determined to have a great time.
    Good to see them now working as a team and having fun, even having to deal with some disappointment, and all they all stuck together and completed the event.

    By the time we were mid-way through the course we were wet and the winds just didn’t give in, but all the archers stayed together in their groups chatting and enjoying the day as it was.

    So as challenging as the Victorian weather presented itself to the archers they all took it on and completed the event.

    Presentations done the talk was not all about the next event on the 14th & 15th of April at Mornington Peninsula Bowmen.

    Look forward to seeing you there – hopefully with better weather.

  • Bonalbo 2018

    3DAAA NSW State Titles

    After months of work cutting in ranges and setting up the awesome shots that you all find a challenge and watching weather conditions in the lead up to 24th /25th February shoot, NRFA unfortunately had to postpone the shoot due to slippery wet conditions and rising creek crossings, the weather leading up to the cancellation was unpredictable and the rainfall on the Friday prompting the cancellation was higher than predicted.

    Thankyou to the 78 shooters that returned for the March shoot. We hope you enjoyed yourselves.

    Congratulations to all shooters that took part.  Well done to Ben Reynake and Brian Turner who won the Top Ten shoot out for Sighted and Barebow respectively.

    On Saturday, due to the low numbers the decision was made for all shooters to shoot the same 30 targets so that scoring would be equitable for all in case the weather changed and for ease of bringing in the ranges on Saturday afternoon.

    Lots of chatter about the Ranges. The Bobcat on the stump shot and the alligator on the creek bank on Range B in particular (Robert and Chris love the chatter).  Great thought-provoking, challenging ranges with very few giveaways. Which, as you all know Robert and Chris evilly conceive for each of their shoots. There was a great vibe around the ranges for the weekend.

    Sunday morning saw the ranges start in the gully before climbing the hill with uphill and downhill shots.

    There was lots of lovely food on offer provided by the Old Bonalbo Hall Society and the Bowling Club smorgasbord on Saturday night.

    NRFA would like to thank the shooters who fought the weather to turn up to our shoot in February, we are sorry that we had to cancel, but as you all know NRFA only have the health and safety of our friends in mind, the decision was not taken lightly.

    NRFA would also like to thank all the shooters who returned to Bonalbo the following weekend for our March shoot.

    As 3DAAA members know there is a lot of work that goes into each shoot – thank you to all NRFA members that contributed to the successful running of this weekend.

  • Diamond Valley Archers- February 2018

    Diamond Valley Archers- February 2018

    3DAAA Victorian State Series

    Diamond Valley Archers Inc. in Victoria has a busy calendar, starting in January right through to December 2018.
    In 2018 our club hosted the start of the 3D AAA sanctioned shoots.
    With the usual dedicated 3D shooters in the State new courses were planned and targets selected.
    We knew we would be getting new juniors and some new to the sport along so planning went in to the course being challenging enough for our dedicated 3D archers through to the novice starting with us for the first time.
    Day one came along all too quickly, the weather forecast was for some rain with a temperature of 28 degrees. Registrations done, groups arranged, briefing on opening the course complete the archers too to the field.
    The kangaroos, lay back in the shade of the trees and watched as we went out to set target ranges and it was not long before we could hear the arrows making their mark and some well not quite on target but some of the “archer excuses” were impressive and the laughter continued.
    Two hours into the shoot and the humidity and heat started to build, but this did not deter anyone from continuing; the honey bear in between trees creating a tunnel shot once again caught a few of us out on ranging. The wolverine in the creek bed, created a unique opportunity to try your skills at shooting downhill, the rising boar on the top of a rise shot from the creek bed created a great shot looking towards a skyline.
    Then when we were just getting used to the heat, along came the wind gust of 20 to 40 kms, this created yet another challenge – but the archers persisted and still although sparingly laughter and jokes of shots could be hear across the ranges.
    The young group of juniors with me were exhausted, from holding in the wind and the heat but insisted that they complete the courses; thank you to all the groups that worked patiently with us as we made our way across the ranges – the encouragement given to the young ones was appreciated.
    The day ended by all groups in on time, and the discussions of shots was all through the club house and outside on the veranda.
    Team two rolled out to set up the courses for the second day (thanks to the Twin City Archers pitching in to help lay out and bring in the courses) as the rain started, and we were done in 3hrs ready for day two.
    Dinner arranged at a local venue saw those camping or staying in the area, once again bringing the archers and families together some for the first time discussing the day, the sport and what might be tomorrow.
    Day two was quick and to the point, archers now familiar with the terrain went out with confidence that the perfect round would now be achieved, sadly not to be. Challenging shots and the weather got them close but not to be
    Before long it was presentation time and the event was coming to a close with the groups discussing the next event, where they would meet and plans to do even better.
    So let me say not by anyway the least important aspect of running these events, without our dedicated team at Diamond Valley Archers, these events could not be run and managed so thank you, from my youngest cubs, their parents, our club members and our partnering clubs.
    Now while our next 3D AA Event will be at Twin Cities 17th & 18th March 2018 we have a lot in store for Victoria in 2018.
    The Victorian Clubs have come together and are putting on one event each month starting in February 2018 through to October 2018 and leading to the Nationals in November 2018 – see below schedule dates for events.
    All members from all archery associations are welcome to come along.
  • 2017 Moonan Flat Classic – NSW State Titles

    2017 Moonan Flat Classic – NSW State Titles

    3DAAA NSW State Titles
    Moonan Flat
    September 30- October 1
    The long weekend in October 2017 saw the 19th running of the Moonan Flat 3D Classic.
    114 shooters some with families in tow made the trek to Moonan Flat NSW for the  2017 3DAAA NSW State Titles and most weren’t disappointed, being greeted by 5 very testing ranges.
    Early Saturday morning saw the shooters heading out onto the ranges which covered all types of terrain, from open flat ground to steep up and down shots, with more than a few surprises to keep them on their toes.
    A couple of memorable shots were the wolf on E range ,which looked a mile away ,but in fact wasn’t that far and claimed more than a few arrows over the weekend. The turkey on D range under the peppercorn tree saw a few misses and a couple of surprising 11 shots.
    Matt Bradshaw managed a Robinhood on his dads arrow on D range, much to the amusement of those present, not so much to his dad as he was getting low on arrows.
    Thanks must go to our range setting team who travelled up to Moonan prior to the event to set the courses.
    Saturday afternoon saw the running of the Kloster Ford sponsored Top Ten Shoot -out, with this years winner being Jamie Bradshaw, who thought he may have got out of the customary, YOU WIN YOUR IN, dunk into the freezing river until the crowd reminded him to do it, he did the honours in brave style,lol.
    The Moonan Flat Classic for 2017 was won by Ben Doyle with a score of 476 making him the highest scoring adult.
    Highest scoring Junior for the weekend was Matt Bradshaw with a score of 481.
    Cessnock Archers would like to thank the Victoria Hotel for allowing us to take over for the weekend and for providing some great food and drinks.
    A very special thanks goes out to the Collison, Hayne and Garland Families for their continuous support in allowing us the use of their land.
    Thank you to the rodeo committee for making sure we had extra camping, toilets and showers for our event.
    We would also like to thank our long list of Sponsors for their generous donations of products and cash.
    Kloster Ford Hamilton                                
    Victoria Hotel Moonan Flat
    Cessnock Leagues Club
    Silva Fox Whistles
    Lakes Army Supplies
    Bunnings Cessnock
    Carney’s Archery and Camping Supplies
    Petersons Champagne House
    Lamblock Winery
    Bushbow 3D Targets
    Ten Zone Archery
    BCE Targets
    Harrigans Cellar Door
    Bohning Archery
    Abbey Archery
    Tempess Two Winery
    The Evans Family
    The Chapman Family
     
    To all those that attended we would like to Thank You for your support. Without you archers shoots would not happen.

    Hope to see you all next year, 2018, for the 20th running of the Moonan Flat Classic.

  • 3DAAA Victorian State Series – Twin City Archers

    3DAAA Victorian State Series – Twin City Archers

    It has been awhile since the Victorians had their last two day event.

    However all three clubs Diamond Valley Archers, Mornington Peninsula Bowmen & Twin Cities Archers supported the States new initiative of running the one day series, this year managed by the Diamond Valley Archers with plans to distribute to the two other clubs in 2018. A thankyou to URBAN Archery for suppling the gift certificates for the winners of the series – more to come later in the year.

    The wait was over, and the keen 3D Archers made their way down to Twin Cities Archers.

    As people made their way down to the area, the club was made available for those want to camp out on the grounds or in the club house, others went to their usual stays in the area.

    Saturday came quickly, as the rest of the members turned up, looking at the weather while a little chill in the air was still around, teams set out to face the challenges of the courses.

    Range setters were smiling (as we all do) waiting to see the surprises that awaited the competitors.

    Rain had changed some of the terrain, so it even surprised some of the ones assisting laying out the courses, but all found their way around the course.

    It was not long before one could hear the sound of targets connecting with the shot, and others that well just did not want to play a score their archer’s intended.

    The Javillina in the shadows created its challenges, as did the crocodile even though out in the open and a wet spot in the scores zone giving us a point to aim for – surprising how these arrows had a mind of their own though.

    Elevated shots also gave their own set of challenges not a far shot, but a fox! Good try some of us took up the challenge and sent a cluster of arrows into the zone all touching one another.

    Another shot that blended in, Honey Bear in a burnt out tree – well thought out shot.

    The day moved on and soon the 30 targets were being discussed back at the club house along with their challenges meanwhile the course setters were at it again; laying out the course for the 20 targets on Sunday.

    In usual fashion the members were getting together to go out together for dinner as a group with a few hours to get tidied up, wash off the day’s walking across the fields.

    Sunday’s weather held up well and once again the day went well, with all archers from cubs to the seniors enjoying the two days of fun and changing events.

    A note of appreciation to all the Twin City Archers team that assisted set the courses, arrange the meals and Brett & Julie for putting their trip away aside to make sure they were there to assist and manage the shoot for the 3D Archers in Victoria.

    As usual; a thank you to our sponsors with two of our Cub Juniors – Levi & Bella Ellen receiving a $40.00 Gift Voucher. Check out our sponsors on our website and support them, a full list can be found here.

    Check out the pictures etc. on the 3D AAA website – http://www.3daaa.com

    Next event will be at Mornington Peninsula Bowmen on the 9th & 10th of September 2017

  • 3DAAA QLD State Series – Hinterland Field Archers

    3DAAA QLD State Series – Hinterland Field Archers

    Over 100 archers attended the 2017 Hinterland Field Archers 3DAAA sanctioned shoot in July.

    Perfect weather conditions prevailed for the 2 days of the shoot, with all archers commenting on the outstanding presentation of the ranges. The cool morning starts were followed by beautiful sunny skies and calm conditions, providing excellent opportunities for everyone to enjoy the facilities.

    The ranges were set to provide a challenging but rewarding experience for all those who participated and congratulations must go to all HFA members who contributed to the setup. Congratulations to all trophy winners as well – you earned it!

    The canteen staff did an amazing job of keeping up with the demand for the large range of excellent food & beverages – the hot soup & roast beef & gravy rolls were particular favourites.

    The top ten aided shootout went to Jason Van Hass (Brian Baker took things a little too easy by taking a seat for his shot.) The unaided division went to Steve Williams.

    If you weren’t able to attend this year don’t miss out next year – you’ll regret it.

  • 3DAAA NSW State Series – Lake Macquarie Classic

    3DAAA NSW State Series – Lake Macquarie Classic

    Never trust a weather man. They’re all liars making their living off a lucky chance.

    In the days leading up to the Lake Mac Classic they’d been forecasting doom.  “A months rain in 2 days” they said, and on the Friday night there was just enough drizzle hanging around to give them credibility.

    But the morning of Saturday 20th May 2017 dawned with a bit of fog that cleared by 9:00am to present two of the most gorgeous sunny Autumn days you could ask for. It set us up for a fabulous two days of 3D competition.

    The event was the 3rd round of the 3DAAA NSW State Series for 2017, and was hosted at the Lake Macquarie Field Archers’ club grounds at Wakefield NSW.

    The hard-working crew from LMFA, led by Simeon Weir, had once again prepared five high class ranges that tested the stamina and mental toughness of the competitors. The terrain at venue provides scope for a wide range of challenging shots. Dark tunnels, undulating gullies and open woodland, used in combination with conveniently placed trees and fallen timber resulted in loads of dead ground and made distance judging a fraught business.

    You don’t have to made shots long to make them difficult to judge, and none found the ranges presented to be as straight forward as they might have liked.

    There were some fabulous scores presented, but (to Simmo’s satisfaction) no perfect rounds were recorded over the two days.

    Top men’s score for the weekend was Ben Doyle, who took out MBO division with a 479.

    Best of the ladies was Tracy Redgrove with a 442 to win FBR

    Dustyn Oloman was the winner of the Top 10 shoot-out on the Saturday afternoon.

    A busy canteen was manned by Nathan McKerrow and the team of volunteers, who kept everyone well fuelled throughout the event.

    The Saturday night dinner put together by Donna Gilroy, Sharyn Dick and Paul “Dodge” Faux led into an entertaining night of fun and laughs.

    Lake Macquarie Field Archers would like to thank the following businesses for their kind support, without whom the event would not have been anywhere near as successful:

    Attendance numbers this year were a little down on previous years, as it appears that the dire weather forecast put a few of the regular punters off. If you were one of them, then let that be a lesson. Never trust a weatherman.