The Williams Lake Trail Riders Arena was transformed into somewhat of a wildlife exhibit on the weekend as the Cariboo Archers hosted its annual Indoor 3D Shoot.
Bears, moose, dinosaurs, snakes, elk, beavers and several other foam targets strategically placed throughout the barn provided the challenge as competitors took aim Saturday and Sunday accumulating points based on their accuracy throughout the weekend.
In total, 65 archers attended the event from Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Quesnel, Prince George and Kamloops.
“[The indoor shoot] went well despite the chilly conditions in the Trail Riders’ Arena,” said Al Campsall, treasurer of the Cariboo Archers.
An encouraging observation for the sport locally, he said, was 22 of the competitors were youngsters.
“Many were in their first 3D shoot and I understand they loved it,” he said.
Cole Skerry, 7, and sister Calleigh Skerry, 5, were two of the youth competing. Both have been learning the sport since they were one year olds.
“I like having fun,” Cole said when asked what the best part about archery is.
“And I’m getting better all the time.”
Calleigh said she also likes having fun with archery.
“I think I shot pretty good,” she said.
Calleigh and Cole competed in the Pee Wee Compound division, where Cole picked up second place, and Calleigh won third. Taking first in the division was Ty Thurow.
“I did pretty well this weekend,” Cole said. “I got an eight just now on the raptor, and a 10 on the bear.”
In the youth Pee Wee Traditional category it was Konnor Iverson sniping first place, Kolbee Iverson winning second and Kaylee Iverson claiming third.
Brayden Feeley, in the Pre-Cub Compound division, marched away with first place, while Nic Flinton won second and Tnesa Fitzpatrick claimed third.
Also for youth shooters, in the Cub Compound division, Cameron Brockel shot to a second-place finish, while Jesse West claimed took third.
For Women’s Recurve it was Sharon Allan in first, and Nikki Mobbs in second.
On the Men’s Recurve side Fred Streleoff and Dan Mobbs finished first and second, respectively.
Ed Oliver, in the Masters Recurve event, won first place, with Lorne Barron coming in second.
For Women’s Recurve it was Mavis Skerry taking the overall title, with Allan coming in second.
In the Men’s Open category Dan Cooper sniped first, with Lee Jackman taking second.
Williams Lake’s John Walker, in the Men’s Unlimited division, finished second.
Lastly, in the Masters Men’s Open division, Al Campsall and Kelly Bennett finished first and second, respectively.
Coming up for the Cariboo Archers is its annual Outdoor 3D Shoot May 11-12 at the Bond Lake Rod and Gun Club.