Duran Martinez - AM Outdoors Radio Show

THORNY ACRES ARCHERY CLUB 1960 - 2010

Back in 1960, a group of Archers got together to create a place where like minded individuals could meet and shoot together. Since then, members have had a place to shoot, gather and enjoy the company and traditions that archery has created from the making of the first bow.

In that 50 years, archery has seen many innovations. From new and lighter materials to create traditional equipment like long bows and recurves to the invention and refinement of the new super-fast compound bows. Innovations in arrows from cedar to aluminum to carbon have all been introduced in that same 50 years, weeding out the weak and saving the strong for future improvements.

As archery equipment has improved for the better, the one thing that made this club strong has deteriorated. The family structure has suffered greatly in American society. Many single parents have been left to work two or more jobs leaving the children to entertain themselves through video games and television. Although I believe they have their place, it seems that their level of importance has been elevated beyond the need to get outside. With these circumstances, clubs all over America have seen a decline in memberships. Current members are getting older and not participating at the level they once were, and enlistment new members is at an all time low. Believe me when I say that “I know money is tight.” Investment in a club may not be affordable at this time, but it’s more than just an investment in the club, it’s an investment in Michigan’s future and the future of your children to become good sportsmen and to keep Michigan’s voice loud and clear from our hunter’s, angler’s and shooting sports enthusiasts.

2010 3-D EVENTS

Each year, Thorny Acres features three, 3-D events that welcome archers of all levels. From the beginner or youth (Cadet) archer, to the seasoned competitor in the sharpshooter division. ( for more info: http://www.amoutdoorsradio.com/events.html) A kitchen with food and snacks is open and the club welcomes all shooters to each event.

NOVELTY SHOOTING

Every year, I look forward to the novelty shoots that the club has set up. From the flying pig, where archers take aim at a large 3D hog that comes flying down a zip line, to the moving “backyard buck,” and “beat the skunk,” where archers shoot at suspended clay targets and try to avoid a hidden black can that drops when the target is broken. My favorite challenge though, is a game called “air ball.” a canister vac blows air through a tube and bounces a ping pong ball on a jet of air. The trick is to not only shoot the ball out of mid air, but to stick you arrow through the ball itself. An accomplishment I have only done once. I have knocked it off many times, just through it once.

   AIR BALL

As I mentioned, air ball is my favorite in the novelty shoot competition. This year, my daughter Eryn tried her hand at shooting the ball out of the air. Being he first full year of shooting, her confidence was not very high. With a little prodding from friends at the club and a nudge from her old man, she took a few shots. On about her 5th shot, SUCCESS! She buried her arrow right through the bouncing ping pong ball at 15 yards. A feat that club founder Jerry Barnum said he has still never accomplished.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

I guess part of the reason for that story was to share a proud dad moment. But it was also to get kids inspired to want to to learn about archery and shooting. Because of friends like Bob Miles of Martin Archery and Tom Nelson and Steve Gruber, I now shoot. I picked up a bow at the age of 39 and have not set it down since. My love of archery has inspired me to teach my daughter and reintroduce my own dad back into the sport. The time spent together teaching and learning with friends and family is priceless. Knowing that someday she might teach her own children gives, me comfort in knowing that my skills as a dad are not as bad as I sometimes think they are.

Please, whenever you can, get out into the woods and waters of Michigan. Go hunting, go fishing and take the kid’s with you. They are the future of our outdoor sports.