Current News: St. Jude's Shoot September 7, 2008 Click here for more info.

It all began some twenty years ago when a group of area sportsmen's clubs got together with a common goal to promote the sport of archery, bow hunting in particular. Out of this meeting Bay State Archers was born.

The plan was that each of the then 20 member clubs would host a Sunday shoot. They would set up a course of 30 standardized targets that meandered through the host club's property. To address another desire of the organization, deer hunting practice, animal shaped targets would be set at ethical unknown hunting yardage. Scoring rings on the targets were worth anywhere from 5 to 12 points. The winners were those hitting the highest scores in several categories, determined by the type of archery equipment used (ie: compound bows, traditional bows, sighting aids, releases, etc.). A trophy, certificate, or reward along these lines was presented to the winner. This is still the way shoots are held today with only a few minor exceptions.

As 3-D bow hunting increased in popularity, and interest in bow hunting in general rapidly grew, archery equipment manufacturers wasted no time in producing better and better products. Bows and arrows became faster, more complex and accurate. Targets evolved from flat, one-sided, rather simple ones, to three dimensional, life-like animal targets. Not only were targets available representing traditional game animals (deer, boar, bear, etc.), they're also available in African safari animals, and even your favorite dinosaur!

Over the years, these events have produced many positive results. Firstly, archery became a family event due to the inexpensive shoot fees, and children under age 12 being able to shoot for free. It is not uncommon to see a mother, father and several children sharing some quality time on the course.

BSA also discovered a wonderful way to give back to the community through fundraising opportunities. Shoot fees and donations throughout the years have raised thousands of dollars for St. Jude's Hospital, Support Our Troops, and Toys for Tots.

Host clubs also generated additional funds, which in most cases was poured back into the shoot events to purchase targets, etc. This enables the 3-D shoots to regenerate themselves year after year.

Lastly, BSA has met a goal by perpetuating the sport of archery over the years. It has introduced new generations to the sport, which will carry on the legacy of ethical bow hunting and shooting into the future.

We at BSA urge you to check out our current schedule and come to one of our events with the family. Not only will you be out in the fresh air and meet some great people, but you will have some fun too.