Hannah Styles
hstyles@thesmokymountaintimes.com
The earliest evidence of archery dates back to the Paleolithic period around 10,000 BC, where Egyptians used bow and arrows for hunting and warfare. Rifled firearms are said to date back to at least the 15th century. The first known firearm was known as a fire lance and was invented in 10th-12th century China, using a bamboo tube tied to a spear, according to Archaeology.org.
Swain County 4-H students are learning the ancient technique of archery and riflery in the 4-H Bullets and Bows Club. Many members of the Swain County Middle and High School Shooting Sports team are in the club as it is a great way for them to practice and compete when the school’s team is not in season.
The group practices rifle on Tuesdays and Archery on Thursdays at 6 p.m. behind Smoky Mountain Bait and Tackle on Highway 19.
For archery the kids use mostly compound bows with fiber optic sights and some use recurve bows which are one of the oldest known bows and are great for any experience level. Compound bows have different draw weights, with a heavier draw weight making a deeper indention into the target.
For rifle, the students use .22 long rifles, which are very popular in target shooting for their accuracy and user friendliness. Participants not only have fun, learning to shoot targets, but also are taught the importance of gun and bow safety.
Justin Fisher, owner of WNC Defense, is the volunteer instructor for gun events and a parent of a member of the club. Fisher, an avid marksman, teaches gun safety and concealed weapon permit classes as well as competes in target shooting competitions in his free time.
He is very proud of the team for their improvements and had a peak attendance of 20 plus this season.
“They have worked hard, learned a lot and I’m very proud of the progress they made this year. We are blessed with a great group of kids and coaches. We also want to thank the Smoky Mountain Friends of the NRA for supporting us with equipment and bullets,” he said.
Fisher said his favorite part about working with the club is knowing that they can carry these skills with them.
“The best part of volunteering is knowing you helped teach firearm safety to future shooters and hunters that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” Fisher said.
At Thursday’s archery practice, instructor Patti Jo Taylor was instructing the kids as they practiced with bows and had them shooting at a balloon on their target for fun. She gave the winning archer money to get a drink from the nearby store. The archery practice had five shooters ages 9, 13, 15, and 16, but were missing several club members that practice.
Taylor said that everyone is welcome into the club, which is what makes 4-H so special.
“Everyone that wants to go to State can go. No kid is turned away,” Taylor said.
Many parents and volunteers also help the instructors and club. Parent Mindy Parton was helping on Thursday. The Bows and Bullets Club have several competitions throughout the year with surrounding counties and have a tournament Aug.13 in Polk County.
Competitors are scored in archery by shooting from three different distances: 10, 15, and 20 yards and based on the different colored rings on the target. Rifle is scored based on the rings as well from different positions, like standing, sitting, kneeling, and prone.
The club practices year-round, as weather permits. Ages 8-18 are welcome to get involved with the club, but they must complete a Hunter Safety Certification Course before joining. For more details or to sign up for next season contact the Swain County extension office at (828) 488-3848.