The winter rains have arrived in full force and the green grasses of spring are coming on strong. If you can make it out between storms this is one of the nicest times of year to shoot, cool temperatures and no bugs. Just be sure to bring some waterproof shoes. The harsh weather takes a toll on our targets and brings down tree limbs so we are actively trying to get the place cleaned up, we appreciate any help you can possibly give. Even picking up a little while you are shooting makes a big difference. In this newsletter I’ve included information on the Oasis shoot, Wednesday night league shooting, some important news from the last two meetings, a schedule of events, and finally some shoot photos. As always please send any news or pictures that you would like to have added to our website to sayers@ucdavis.edu. The website can be accessed at http://yolobowmen.com/.
Hope to see you all at the range soon.
–Shaun Ayers
Oasis Shoot March 15, 2009
The Oasis Shoot is quickly approaching (March 15th), this shoot is our primary source of income so we’re having work parties every Saturday trying to get the range looking great. We got the 3D animals professionally repaired this year so they are in great shape. We still need help getting donations for the raffle.
Once again we’ll be having a member BBQ on the evening before the shoot (March 14th). In addition to the great food we will have popup 3D animal targets (Nor Cal Motion Targets) set up and available to shoot throughout the evening. If you've never tried popup shooting you’re missing out, it's a lot of fun. We will eat around 6pm however the shooting will probably be available around 3pm. We are asking for an adult food donation of $10, I think Chad will be cooking ribs again; the food last year was great. There will be fee, dependant on participation, for shooting the popup targets as well. We need to get an idea of how many people will be eating and shooting so please RSVP to Chad Reis at creis@ucdavis.edu by March 6th (I will be out of email contact for a while).
On the day of the shoot volunteers will show up at first light to set up targets, food concessions, registration, etc. Jeff and Brett have volunteered to once again take care of food, Jim will handle registration, Paul will stake the range, and Randy may handle the raffle again unless someone else wants to take it on. Mike has offered to make up aluminum safety trail signs and has offered to get tents for the shoot and BBQ if necessary. Many other members will be working hard to make this shoot happen, thanks to all of you.
Nor Cal Motion Targets will be setting up a station at our shoot. We decided to have people shoot all the way through our tournament before participating in motion target shooting.
Wednesday Night League
On March 8th we switch to Daylight Savings Time. This typically marks the beginning of our Wednesday night league shooting. We start around 5:30pm and shoot 14 targets of a field round (either a hunter or a target round). This is great practice for those trying to better their competitive archery skills or develop more consistent shot execution for the hunting season.
Range Report
The rain and heavy winds have taken a toll on the targets. Please bear with us as we try to keep up with the maintenance. Mark, Chad, Dave and Randy have been out mowing both sides of the range. Mark and Chad also fixed the water leak on the south side. We have another new leak that has just sprung at the corner of the practice range near the entrance road for the Sacramento Valley Soaring Society. A couple of the power poles are apparently not well grounded and may be a hazard. We need to get the county involved, as the electrical problems are quite complicated. Randy got some waterproof glue for targets so hopefully they’ll stand up better to the rain. We are considering putting motion sensor lights in the bathroom to help conserve electricity. The work party on 2/7/09 was a huge success with many new and returning members, thanks to all.
Meeting Notes
• We ordered $1500 worth of Pacific Bow Butts, which got us 23 bales, more than enough to do the practice range. Mark should be getting a call with a delivery date soon. We may try to put them in place prior to the Oasis Shoot.
• We discussed having a 50th anniversary party sometime after the shoot, but have to make sure it does not interfere with another club’s shoot. We will likely take action on this at the March meeting.
• We need to replace one of our small buildings. Chad called the Tuff Shed Company and will try to work a deal on a previous year’s model. He will present more details at a future meeting.
• We also need to get another cargo container to more securely protect our 3D targets. Mark found a place that sells used 40 ft. cargo containers and is working on pricing.
• It was voted to start work on the new practice range, more discussion and detailed plans at the next meeting.
• The 4H group got a new instructor but is still in need of things like armguards, finger tabs, and kids bows. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Robert Williams.
• Please, the next time you are at a hunting or sports store, talk to someone about donating items for our raffle. Tell them you are affiliated with a non-profit organization and a Tax ID form can be provided.
Upcoming Events:
• February 28th work party.
• March 3 club meeting, 6:00pm at the range.
• March 7th work party.
• March 8th club shoot Sunday.
• March 11th Wednesday night league shoot.
• March 14th work party.
• March 14th member BBQ and popup target shooting.
• March 15th Oasis Shoot.
• March 18th Wednesday night league shoot.
• March 25th Wednesday night league shoot.
• April 1st Wednesday night league shoot.
• April 1st club meeting, 7:00pm at the range.
• April 4th work party.
• April 8th Wednesday night league shoot.
• April 12th club shoot Sunday.
• April 15th Wednesday night league shoot.
• April 22nd Wednesday night league shoot.
• April 29th Wednesday night league shoot.
Note: The Yolo Bowmen have a group of competitive archers that attend all of the local and state 3d and paper target shoots. These shoots are attended by all skill levels, are a lot of fun, and a great opportunity to hone your skills. We try to carpool whenever possible so please contact an officer for information on a meeting place the morning of the shoot.
For a full list of archery shoots visit http://www.cbhsaa.net/calander/2009%20Calendar.htm
Yolo Bowmen Start Times:
Work Parties – 9:00 am – Noon
Yolo Bowmen Club Meetings – 6:00 pm (Winter) 7:00 pm (Day Light Savings)
Yolo Bowmen Club Shoot Sunday – 9:00 am
Club Meeting Host: TBD
Range Records:
• Free Style A - 550 – Bill Hornof Jr
• Bow Hunter Free-Style - 538 – Mark Rubio
• Bow Hunter, No Sights - 449 – Chuck Ackerman
• Traditional - 256 – Steve Synhorst
• Recurve - 390 – Steve Synhorst