The Moose Mountain Archery Club enjoyed final sessions until autumn.
The club formed last October as the Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation funded its creation obtaining targets, bows, arrows, and a backing behind the targets to catch arrows.
Running from October to December the club started sessions again from January to March. They held sessions three nights a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with both an early (5 p.m.) and late (7 p.m.) group coming in.
“We had about 100 people take part from six-years-old to adults registered,” Paul Delalleau, one of the instructors explained.
“We have a front line of the younger guys, and a second line of adults. Each line shoots then retrieves their arrows and the next line then prepares to go. Our first three or four sessions were training: how to stand, aim, and shoot. Now I just have to keep watch as they shoot and help if they have any questions. Every time they come out they improve.”
With people coming from Stoughton, Lampman, Arcola, Carlyle, Manor, and Kenosee Lake, it has been highly successful.
They plan to begin again in the fall, but are looking for more instructors. Currently there are three instructors including Delalleau, Evan Meisner, and Tom Sharp.
The sessions are considered a fun way for family to spend time together.
“It's nice to see kids out shooting, they're getting 10s or bulls eyes now,” Delalleau said. “At first they were barely able to draw back, but now they're shooting well.”
Kim and Perry Claffey attended the early Tuesday sessions and enjoyed watching as their son improved at the skill.
“It's a lot of fun and good for the little guy,” Perry said.
Kim added, “Other than hockey or skating there isn't a lot to do outside of after school activities in the winter. There's soccer and ball in the spring, but this is a good activity for wintertime for all of us.”
Registration for the sessions were a membership to the Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation, which are $20 for an individual or $25 for a family.
The final days of the spring session were held on March 25 and 26, as well as March 31. They enjoyed their usual sessions, while they also brought the 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. sessions together for a pizza party on these days.
Youth were presented with medals for finishing the year as well. Both the supper and the medals were donated by the Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation.
More information can be found on their Facebook page: Moose Mountain Wildlife Archery Club.
