In the heart of central Ohio, despite deer hunting season being four months away, the sport of archery target shooting is thriving with an array of events that cater to enthusiasts of all levels. 

Mike Debolt, owner of PRO-FORMance Archery, said 3D shoots serve not only as practice for bow hunting but also as social gatherings and competitive challenges.

"3D shoots are the most popular around central Ohio or Ohio and that's, foam animal lifelike targets at known and unknown distances," Debolt told the Mount Vernon News. "A lot of people started out as just good practice for bow hunting."

Debolt detailed the landscape of major archery organizations like the International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) and the Archery Shooters Association (ASA), each hosting tournaments across the globe and throughout the United States.

"There's two different major organizations, the IBO, which is International Bowhunting Organization, and the (Archery Shooters Association), the IBO is based out of Vermilion, Ohio, and they have shoots all over the world," Debolt said. "And then ASA which is the Archery Shooters Association, they're based out of Georgia and they have a lot of national shoots."

Highlighting the inclusivity of these events, Debolt emphasized the rise in popularity of non-competitive shoots like the Total Archery Challenge (TAC), where participants enjoy the course without the pressure of formal competition.

"TAC…they're not tournaments. They are basically just the course. No one really keeps score," he noted. "They're just basically fun shoots."

In addition to traditional tournaments, local shoots such as the Archery Hike event in Logan, Ohio, offer participants a chance to traverse woodland courses and hone their skills in various shooting scenarios.

"There's a shoot called the Archery Hike, down in Logan, Ohio. That is, July 12, 13 and 14. And that's a similar type deal…it's a fun shoot, where you hike through the woods," Debolt said.

Despite the range of events available, Debolt encouraged newcomers to explore archery without intimidation, advising them to connect with organizations online to find nearby shoots and start honing their skills.

"The best thing to do is go to the web pages, the Archer Shooters Association or, IBO or even TAC and, find their web pages, find their social media accounts, and just start following them," he said. "Don't be intimidated. Everybody has to start someplace."

Looking ahead to the upcoming deer archery season in Ohio starting Sept. 30, Debolt underscored the importance of preparation and practice, whether at organized shoots or in one's own backyard.

"It's the  time of year to start thinking about their bows and equipment, even if they're not shooting 3D tournaments and stuff like that, if they have their own little backyard range," he said.

For Debolt, the joy of archery lies not just in competition but in the personal satisfaction of mastering the sport.

"It's a fun sport, it's very self gratifying," he said. "When I set somebody up here in my shop and they go out there and shoot a bullseye, man, they really just light up."

The Archery Hike, a sanctioned IBO event, will be held at the Tucked Away Cabin, located at 15920 Burcham Rd., in Hocking Hills, Ohio. 

The Hike will feature two challenging 3D courses known as the Eastern and Western Adventure. 

These courses span a total of 3 miles, winding through picturesque landscapes that include uphill climbs, downhill descents and traverses across scenic valleys. 

Participants can expect a cumulative elevation change of 1,700 feet, promising a test of both endurance and precision.

The event organizers welcome all skill levels, including beginners. 

"At HOCKING HILLS 2024, we're thrilled to offer archers an unparalleled experience in natural settings," the event organizers note on the event’s website (archeryhike.com). "Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a newcomer to the sport, this event is designed to challenge and inspire."

Those interested can register at archeryhike.com for one, two or three day packages. 

In addition to the Archery Hike, the IBO is set to host one more major event in 2024 in the IBO World Championship that will be held August 8-11 at Cacapon Resort State Park in Berkley Springs, West Virginia. 

Interested participants can register at the IBO’s website (iboarchery.com).

The ASA is also hosting a lineup of Pro/AM events across various locations in 2024. 

While the ASA’s archery season began in February, those interested can still participate in competitive shoots and register for tournaments prior to the season’s end in August. 

The remaining circuit stops are the Mathews Pro/Am in Metropolis, Ill. to be held June 27-30, and the season-ending tournament at Delta McKenzie ASA Classic in Cullman, Ala. Aug. 1-4. 

Each event promises competitive archery action and an opportunity for participants to showcase their skills on a national stage. 

PRO-FORMance Archery, a retail pro archery shop and indoor archery range, is located at at 2984 Mt. Vernon Road in Newark. 

The facility serves as a hub for archery enthusiasts, offering a wide range of equipment, expertise, and a dedicated space for practice and training sessions.

(Photos below provided by Debolt depict participants at recent archery shoots.)