Donald Teuma-Castelletti
OTTER LAKE Aug. 20, 2017
Archers arrived in Otter Lake ready to shoot from all over the Pontiac, and a bit beyond, to participate in an annual tournament.
Hosted by the Pontiac Archers, on the property of Jerry Dubeau, 42 shooters came out armed with their recurve and compound bounds, plus full quivers.
Featuring 3D, life-sized targets and two courses of 15 targets, archers were offered plenty to take aim at. Whether they hit it or not, well that’s another story.
Open to men and women categories, as well as junior and cadet options, there was plenty enough competition for everyone involved.
Speaking with Flo Cartier, vice-president of the Pontiac Archers and one of the event coordinators, he said a lot of people don’t want to come out because they’re afraid they won’t know anybody.
“Well, you’re only a stranger for the first shot,” said Cartier. “You’ll get a lot of support from the other archers.”
This proved very true, even with this reporter doing all the shooting through a camera. Joining Lloyd Kluke, Gilles Villeneuve, Thomas Villeneuve and Sabrina Preusser on their run, I was taught much and alienated none.
Cartier shared that this tournament is an excellent lead-up to the hunting season, and welcomes other archery clubs from the surrounding areas.
He also said that archery has become more popular in the last few years, especially amongst a younger crowd.
“The Hunger Games brought out a lot of interest,” said Cartier. “We’re starting to get more kids out, and by the kids being interested, it brings their parents out, too.”
He also highlighted that the costs are relatively more affordable than other popular sports.
“It’s become a good family sport, and it’s cheaper than hockey,” he said, highlighting the cost of hockey registration, never mind gear upkeep.
Though there was an entrance fee for Sunday’s shooting, it was affordable. Adults had to pay $20, while kids were $15, with a family option of $35 for two adults and their children.
Archers were scored based on where they hit the animal-shaped targets, with ten points awarded for a heart shot, eight for vitals and five for anywhere else on the target. Medals and plaques were awarded to the winners of the various categories.
Cartier highlighted the importance of sponsors in a niche sport like archery, as there are a lot of costs that go into running even a one-day tournament. He explained that targets, especially the robust ones used here, range anywhere from $125 to $315 in price.
Still, what good are sponsors if there’s no one to run the show? Cartier has remained in his position with the Pontiac Archers out of necessity for the group to survive, and is quite happy to have the success of popular media bring out younger archers.
Hopefully, he shared, he’ll start to see the next generation of sharp-eyed snipers organizing tournaments in the years to come.
