Today and Sunday, the Bear Lake Rod and Gun Club in Chautauqua County will host the New York State Archery Shooters Association Championship and Pro-Am Team event.

ASA Federation events include classes that span from youth to Senior to Pro divisions. Youth brackets are typically Junior Eagle (6-8), Eagle (9-11), Youth (12-14) and Young Adult (15-17). Adult divisions include Semi-Pro, Open, Pro and Senior/Super-Senior. Gear and equipment rules are regulated. Bow types include recurve, compound, bare bow, Olympic recurve and crossbow — depending on class. There are speed limits for the arrows. For adults, the maximum arrow speed is 280 feet/second (fps); for crossbows, it is 330 fps.

Course formats can vary, but are typically two rounds of 20 at McKenzie 3-D foam animal targets. There are two types of distance: known and unknown. White stake targets are up to 45 yards, red stakes to 40 yards, blue to 30 and the yellow, green and orange are youth category distances. The targets are life-size foam McKenzie targets of deer, bear, boar and more. Each target has a scoring ring of 12, 10, 8, 5 and zero. The 12 ring is the small central vital ring; the 10 and 8 are the larger vital rings. Five points for anywhere the body is hit, and zero points for a missed shot. With the scoring, the highest total wins, and there are shoot-downs to resolve ties in the pro classes.

This inclusive competition is designed to cater to all ages and families. The event format is carefully controlled by category and age brackets, ensuring fairness, fun, and safety for everyone, from 6-year-old junior eagles to senior and professional shooters. No one is left out in this exciting archery championship at Bear Lake Rod & Gun.

At Bear Lake, safety is top priority. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with a mandatory safety meeting at 8:45 a.m. We will host 30 ASA targets, offering all federation classes and yardages. The registration cost is $40 for adults and $20 for youth and eagle classes. Non-competing shooters are welcome to attend and encouraged to participate in the shooting, with a fee of $20. There will be a shotgun start at 9 a.m. on both days, ensuring a smooth and secure start to the competition.

At 2 p.m., the Bear Lake Rod and Gun will host an ASA Team Target event. This is not just a competition, it’s a chance to connect with fellow archery enthusiasts. Amateurs will be paired with professional archers from New York, creating a unique and exciting experience. The cost is $15 per shooter, and signup is open through 1 p.m. Get ready to make new friends and enjoy the thrill of the competition.

The shoot event is a rain-or-shine event. The practice range for both days opens at 7 a.m. ASA Federation requirements and rules apply; visit https://asaarchery/asa-pro-am-rules/.

The Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club is located at 4391 Stockton-Cassadaga Road, County Road 98, Stockton. Contact Rudy Abersold at 716-397-9717 for additional information. For everyone’s information, participants will find Breakfast Bob’s affordable sandwiches available each day (including egg, sausage, cheese, etc.) and more. Deliciousness before competition!? Works for lucky shooters. Visitors are welcome.

Good luck to all and special thanks to Rudy Abersold and his team.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

July 26-27: NYS Archery Shooters Association Federation Championship, Bear Lake Rod & Gun. Info: Rudy Abersold, 716-397-9717.

Aug. 1-3: Region 9 Youth Archery and Sportsman’s Camp, Elma Conservation Club, 600 Creek Road, Elma; for kids 12-15 years old. Info: Don Trzepacz, 716-863-4774.

Aug. 1-3: 20th annual Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club Walleye Tourney — Dunkirk Harbor; three fish per bag/per day, two days; Contact Chris Surma: csurmy@yahoo.com. captains meeting, July 31 at NCCC.