Ponoka Fish and Game is gearing up to host a 3-D Archery Tournament on May 31.
The action all takes place on Range Road 261 - 15 minutes north of Ponoka, west of Highway 2.
Organizers say there will be two rounds of 25 targets and novelty shoots with sign-in set for 8:30 a.m. and the shotgun start at 10 a.m.
There will also be raffle prizes, and a concession will also be available.
Brandon Bolin, the association's archery director, said that two years ago, there was a fire on the site which swept through half of the property.
"It melted most of our targets as well." Anywhere the fire had gone had since become overgrown quickly, he said.
"By the end of the summer, you couldn't even see the remnants of the trails. It was incredible how quickly it grew back in."
Recently, some volunteers have helped clear new trails through the site, and they've also worked on improving the course. And so the tournament is a key way to get folks back to the area and taking part in a range of events and activities planned over the coming months, including in archery.
"We prefer people register first, but they can show up and we will be ready," said Bolin. "But if we don't get enough people pre-registering, it wouldn't run. So we would like as many people as possible to pre-register."
As to the 3-D aspect, it's about being outside and also being able to utilize life-size, foam targets to shoot at.
"Instead of standing in a big line and shooting at a target, this is like a golf course - you go to target one, and then you walk over to target two. It's really great."
According to the Ponoka Fish and Game website, archery enthusiasts can perfect their aim as they navigate lifelike animal targets in natural settings, "blending the art of archery with the excitement of outdoor challenges.
"3D archery offers a unique and engaging experience for enthusiasts and beginners alike. All types of bows are welcome, from traditional to compound."
Meanwhile, the range is open from May through to August.
The club itself is located about 20 km northwest of Ponoka and the clubhouse overlooks Lake Pofianga. Weekly events are listed on the club calendar, with designated evenings set aside for shotgun, pistol, rifle, and archery members.
Bolin said that archery shoots run every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and they are an ideal time for folks to come out and try the sport, too.
"We will be shooting for sure by May 7th."
In general, the Ponoka Fish and Game facilities are also available for rent to other user groups on weekends.
"We are also launching online registration, so if anyone would like to become a member of Ponoka Fish and Game, they can do so online," said Bolin.
Looking ahead, a youth camp for boys and girls between the ages 12 to 16 runs in July. Beyond that is the popular Ponoka Fish and Game Rifleman’s Rodeo in early September.
To register for the 3-D Archery Tournament, call or text Brandon Bolin at 403-596-5441. For more about Ponoka Fish and Game, head to www.ponokafishandgame.ca or find 'Ponoka Fish and Game Association' on Facebook.
