It was packed upstairs at the CBD Club in Wallaceburg on Saturday for the annual National Pop’n Jay Archery competition.
Carl Benn, president of the CBD Archery Club, said the Wallaceburg team were the defending champions.
“We won the national last year, so got to host it this year,” he said. “(Friday) night at an open shoot we had 85 shooters, (Saturday) we have 130 shooters, 23 teams.”
The Wallaceburg squad could not repeat this year, as the Bothwell team won the mens division with a score of 18.
Delhi captured the ladies trophy.
Benn said the teams came from Alymer, Delhi, Waterford, Chatham, Bothwell and Wallaceburg.
“We have 23 teams with six people on each team, they take 10 shots at these birds and most point for the day wins it. Whoever wins it, hosts it next year.”
Benn said the tournament has been going on since 1951.
“It’s a family game, so we’ve got ages from 12 and up. It’s nice to see the families, husband, wife and kids, grand kids… that’s always interesting to me. It’s comradery, it’s friendship, clubs and it’s competition.”
Benn said the Wallaceburg club gathers twice a week.
“Each week we shoot Wednesday nights at the CBD Club, at 7:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday night. We have a pretty good turn out, usually around 10 to 30 shooters. It’s fun.”
The club is always looking for new members.
“If you’re not sure you could always come up and take a look at it. If you’re interested, we have equipment that we loan out, both bows and arrows. A few people will help direct you and teach you a bit. If you really like it, then maybe you can get into buying your own equipment. We like giving people a chance to see it first. Most people, once they have tried it or they see it, they get hooked on it.”
If anyone is looking for more information, give Benn at call at 519-627-2469.
Here are some photos from the competition:
