By Mitch Bach

Top archers in Canada clashing in Elkwater this weekend

Jul 14, 2017 | 3:03 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — When there’s hunting, there’s sure to be a few bows and arrows.

A vast amount of wildlife and game flourish in Southern Alberta. Therefore, it’s no surprise to hear this part of the province is home to the most talented archers in the country.

“Everybody kind of gets into it to bow hunt,” said Dan David, who’s fresh off winning his seventh provincial title in Drayton Valley last weekend. “You bow hunt a little bit in the fall, and the rest of it is targets and 3-D.”

The hunting community is strong in Western Canada, but David says that’s a small piece to what the sport of archery is all about.

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The four-time national champion travels to club shoots every weekend, bow in hand, alongside many of his friends and comrades who also compete provincially and nationally.

“It’s as competitive as you want it to be,” David continued. “There are some of the top shooters in the country right here in Alberta, so I get a workout every weekend.”

This weekend, the Hatter has a shorter trip to make as the Medicine Hat Saamis Archers host it’s Annual 3 D Outdoor Shoot in Elkwater.

David says the level of competition is always very high, but many people come out for the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

“It’s pretty family oriented,” added David. “there’s lots of kids and wives and families. It’s a camping thing also, there’s a food truck out there so there’s no shortage of food or water or anything.”

David also encourages those who’ve never tried shooting an arrow to come out and give it a try.

“If you’ve every wanted to shoot a bow, this is a good time to give it a try or at least come and see how it looks,” he said. “We do have bows to try at our club, or someone you know maybe your same size and you could try that. Once you try it, the fun factor’s high.”

The event begins early Saturday morning from Elkwater and wraps up around 4:00 p.m. Day two of the competition begins early Sunday morning before the awards are handed out around noon.

Camping is available at the Hidden Valley Ski Resort or the Elkwater Campground.