I've been giving this some thought.

An informal group that meets at different archery clubs/ranges for shoots/events would be a good option. That would promote traditional archery in the various archery ranges in the middle of the state.

In Champaign/Urbana you have the ECIA (which has a great outdoor 3-d range, btw). In Perkin you have the Pekin Archers (They used to have a trad event annually). What do we have in Danville, Charleston, etc?

Having this informal traditional archery group meet at the different clubs for events would be good those respective club's businesses. The ECIA, among other clubs, has regular outdoor shoots in the Spring-Fall, and even winter leagues.  No need to create a traditional shoot or anything; just attend a clubs regular shoot.  McShane mentioned the UBI. That's a good idea.

It could start off small: just the traditional archery folks showing up for a club's regular 3D shoots. From there it could expand into the occasional selfbow jamboree or traditional-only event. Traditional-type events would be subject to the respective archery clubs discretion, of course.

So, the first baby-step would be for a group of us to decide which shoots and clubs to go to. Set up a schedule of which dates/times/locations that we'll attend. One event a month for a few months. Go to Champaign/Urbana on month, Danville the next, Pekin, etc. Shouldn't be too hard for us to all agree to attend certain shoots on certain dates...to meet up as a group.

Well, those are my thoughts on it.

Count me in.

Todd,

Didn't know who you were but when I checked your profile I know who you are related to, I will try and track you down at the banquet and introduce myself.

Shane

QuoteOriginally posted by shamus:
I've been giving this some thought.

An informal group that meets at different archery clubs/ranges for shoots/events would be a good option. That would promote traditional archery in the various archery ranges in the middle of the state.

In Champaign/Urbana you have the ECIA (which has a great outdoor 3-d range, btw). In Perkin you have the Pekin Archers (They used to have a trad event annually). What do we have in Danville, Charleston, etc?  

Just a few miles south of Danville there is Illiana bowhunters. They have monthly shoots that can be shot on Saturday evenings after 3 p.m or on Sunday morning. It's a nice 30 target 3d course with targets set up very freindly for tradional archers. theres normaly around a dozen or so trad shooters at each shoot but more would be great! 2009 dates are not out yet but should be soon.

Hey guys, I've got a few drivers that are in the Decatur,Morton,or Aurora areas some weekends and would love to get in on something like this.

I'll spread the word and see what I get back from them.

We couldn't make many events but, having some chance to shoot with others would be better than tennis balls - alone!

there is an awesome range in Monticello, Backwoods archery.  the have an indoor 3-d I think it is 20 targes, a 5 spot range and a technical hunter video range.  Perhaps after the season is over we could meet there for the first time.  What do you all think?  I know it will take a while to get some of the shoot's set up for some club's don't have a schedule yet, put feelers out to the ones I know.  anyone from Newton?  I heard they have a great shoot called Nancy I think.  Shelbyville has a little outdoor roving backstop course of foam that DNR keeps up and Clinton has a little range too, guess we could meet up there for the first time too.  As far as Bowfishing Shelbyville, I can get 4 average guys on the boat at one time.  three shooters, have done it before and rotate everytime some gets a fish/shot.  Likely be looking at the middle or end of March to hit it.  Will discuss this more, little later.

I'm in, live 45min nw of spingfield and am a member of menard archers maybe we could have a trad only shoot some weekend.

Hi Todd,
 Sounds good,count me in.
 I will be looking forward to seeing you at the U.B.I. banquete this year.

 Tim Nuss

I would also be very interested in this. I'm in Morton just SE of Peoria. I'll bookmark this thread and check it regularly.

Bump

I'm in Nauvoo, IL on the Mississippi. We host an archery tournament at our Grape Festival on Labor day weekend. Carnival, flea market, entertainment tent, parades, food vendors, pageant for 2 nites. Terrific fun. Be interested in making this a Trad event. We also have a nearby 3d range. Interested parties email me.

Sam

Bump

wow-- lotsa Illinois folks. I'm between Winchester and Jacksonville. Larry

I often shoot at DesPlaines conservation area in willmington illinois.There is a nice range with targets and a stand.Also there is a walking course through the woods.Does anybody else shoot there?Might be a good place for a meet.Best of all it`s free our tax dollars paid for it!!It`s located near joliet illinois ,close for anyone??

I didnt know they had a range there. We go to Nascar and IRL races at Chicagoland every year and get off the interstate there. We might have to bring the bows along and stop for a bit to shoot some next year.

bump

COUNT ME IN.THERE IS 4 TRAD SHOOTERS HERE IN TOWN THAT WOULD LIKE SUCH AN OPPURTUNITY TO SHOOT WITH OTHER TRADERS.KEEP POSTING ON PROGRESS AND POSIBLE SHOOTS.GOOD SHOOT AT SAMM PARR PARK END OF MAY....CHRIS

im in i live in manito about 20 miles south of peoria  both me and my brother shoot trad it sounds like a good time

Yeah, Todd, I'm in!  It would be great to have a roaming get together once in a while.      Panther Creek Bowhunters, just south of Spfld, is having their first Trad shoot this Aug 1-2.  

I'm game for this!!!

Lexington Sportmen Club(Lexington,IL) has a 3D shoot every 3rd saturday of the month from march to sept. I can make sure the 3D committee sets up for trad to since I'm the president of the club this year.(they set up for trad shooters anyway)