Appalachian Bowmen to host traditional archery weekend
Sussex County The Appalachian Bowmen will host the 15th Annual Whittingham Traditional Archery Rendezvous April 27, 28 and 29, at the Whittingham Wildlife Management Area, 118 Shotwell Road (Route 608), in Greendell. Registration opens at 7 a.m. each day, with campers invited to arrive on Thursday, April 26. The archery event is limited to traditional archery equipment: long bows, recurve bows and selfbows. This is a family-oriented fun shoot, not a competitive scoring event, drawing about 500 archers each year. Participants can use two 3-D animal target ranges set in the Wildlife Management Area, with 20 3-D animal targets, from alligators to moose, set in hunting situations. Old arrows are good for more challenging shots. A stump-shooting and novelty range consists of a series of small foam blocks set at various distances in the woods. The shots are designed to be a challenging and fun way to compete with friends for bragging rights. Spread throughout the range are stuffed animals to challenge small game hunting prowess. Blunt tipped arrows are recommended for this range to reduce loss. Also available will be the mechanized disc thrower, for aerial shooting . An archery golf course will add variety to the fun. There will be a practice range to prepare for target ranges. The Traditional Archers of New Jersey will sponsor an Eagle Eye qualifier each day, as well as a swinging block speed shoot for prizes. Steve Stivaly and Jim Pucaro, will discuss their new DVD, “Getting Stickbow Close” and Nelson Poyer of Bear Track Productions will present seminar on “Traditional Bowhunting - 60 Years of Hunting the Globe.” Vendors will display traditional archery products, taxidermy, custom bows, custom knives and wildlife art. Food will be available throughout the event. Door prizes will be given away daily and swap meets will be held Friday and Saturday. Camp sites are available. Shooting fees are free for children 6 or younger spectators. The fee for 7 to 12 years of age is $5 per day. Adult shooting fees are $15 for one day, $25 for two days and $30 for three days. Camping fees are $3 per night for adults. Call Bill at 973-534-0981 with questions. Vendors contact Steve at 732-463-0171. Visit www.geocities.com/appalbow for information on the Appalachian Bowmen.