Oakland County Sportsmen’s Archery Club invites archers of all ages and skill levels to its 40th annual Bowhunter Jamboree, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 10, and 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Aug. 11, at the club, 4770 Waterford Road.
The event will include dozens of 3D targets, moving and spinning novelty targets, long-distance shots, and other challenges on 35 acres of woods for traditional and compound bows, as well as crossbows.
“For those who shoot archery in winter indoors at paper targets, this will be a whole new world,” said club Board of Directors member Don Brown.
“The atmosphere out in the outdoors is like being up north, a way to get away from everything even in a busy suburban area,” said Ron Hall, board member.
The course offers good practice for those getting ready for deer hunting season in the fall, with targets set up at various, unmarked distances, some downhill from a platform.
“It’s a good test of skill,” Hall said.
Targets will also be set up for new shooters, and club members will help new archers get started.
“It’s friendly to everyone,” Hall said. “If you’re just beginning, this is a good place to learn. It’s a lot better to learn skills here than in the woods.”
“Kids are coming back strong to archery, especially young girls, fans of ‘The Hunger Games,?” Brown said. “We’ll teach them something from the movie.”
Actress Jennifer Lawrence displays good technique in the films, the second of which opens in November, he said.
“She learned to shoot from an Olympic archer,” he said.
The club will also have information on its leagues, tournaments, and events, including indoor and outdoor competition and co-op instruction with Independence Township Parks and Rec.
The club also works with Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles on M-15 in August.
“We help the kids learn archery, its a fun event,” Brown said. “Their faces light up.”
For more information, call 248-623-0444.