Kimberley Archery Club to host 3D shooting event

THE KIMBERLEY Adventure Archery Club will be hosting the African Bow Hunting Organisation’s 3D Leg 1 competition in Kimberley from April 22-23 at the Kimberley Big Hole Driving Range.

This will be the first ever sanctioned 3D event held in Kimberley, and archers or hunters will be able to rack up scores that will eventually count toward their yearly totals. From these totals, they will be able to receive district, provincial, national, and Protea colours in archery.

And if anyone is curious about what 3D bow hunting is, it is an exciting and challenging activity that combines archery and hunting skills. Unlike traditional archery, which is practised in a controlled environment such as an indoor range, 3D bow hunting takes place in the great outdoors, often in rugged terrain with natural obstacles.

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During the 3D bow hunting competition, participants use specialised compound bows equipped with high-quality sights and arrows to shoot at life-like rubber animal targets placed throughout the hunting area. These targets are designed to simulate real hunting scenarios, and hunters must use their skills to aim accurately and hit the target.

One of the main advantages of 3D bow hunting is that it allows participants to experience the thrill of hunting without causing harm to live animals. Instead, the focus is on developing archery and hunting skills, such as proper aiming technique, accuracy, and timing.

This activity is perfect for adventure seekers who love spending time in the great outdoors and are looking for a unique way to hone their archery and hunting skills. Whether you are an experienced archer or a beginner, 3D bow hunting offers a fun and challenging experience that you won't soon forget.

Adventure Archery co-ordinator for the African Bow Hunting Organisation John Filmalter, had a quick chat with the DFA regarding this exciting sport.

John joined Adventure Archery in 2021 because he felt that he needed something to do with his extra time. In March 2022, John took part in his first competition in Bloemfontein, where he won the competition in his age category.

After competing in Bloemfontein, he competed in three more competitions in Gauteng and placed in all three of those competitions, finishing third overall for the year.

“I realised that I could do better if I put my mind to it and put in the practice, so that's what I did. I spent at least five days a week practising for an hour or so, honing my technique.

“In February, I competed in the Triple Crown Leg 1 competition and finished third, and in the Northern Gauteng Championships, I took first place. Currently for the 2023 season, I am in second place in my age category, just three points behind the leader,” said John.

According to Filmalter, there are about 40 people in Kimberley with compound bows who use them for hunting, but they are not part of any club activity, which would help them hone their skills.

“We want to get those guys involved in shooting 3D. By doing that, you will be able to improve your hunting capability and hunt ethically. We also want to get the younger generation involved to show them how it works and to teach them about hunting and doing it in an ethical manner.

“By joining the club, you will have access to a shooting range that simulates your real hunting experience, and you will be able to shoot arrow after arrow to make sure that when you actually go hunting for real, you will be comfortable shooting from different distances,” he said.

During the upcoming event later this month, 20 3D animals will be placed at different distances and sections of the bushes at the driving range. Archers are only allowed to shoot one arrow per target, and at the end of each event, the archer with the highest total out of 220 will be crowned the winner.

“We invite all the bow hunters and spectators from all over to come to the event,” Filmalter said. “Come and see what it is all about, and if you like what you see, join the club and start perfecting your hunting skills.”

So with the sport of archery becoming more and more popular in Kimberley, the Kimberley Adventure Archery Club’s 3D Leg 1 competition promises to be an exciting event for bow hunters and archers, providing an opportunity to hone their skills in a controlled and ethical environment.

Whether participating in the competition or joining the club to improve hunting capabilities, the event offers a unique way to challenge oneself and, at the same time, have fun.

Registration for the competition costs R250 for one day or R350 for both days, with team entries costing R100. Online registration closes on April 19, 2023. A full bar and restaurant will be available, but unfortunately, no cooler boxes will be allowed.