National Archery Program In Montana Inspires Youth Through Compet

Hundreds of students are set to compete in the Montana archery tournament at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena, tomorrow and Wednesday.

The students competing will represent more than 20 elementary, middle, and high schools from across Montana.

The tournament, which is hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, is part of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

Competitors make up a small fraction of the more than 10,000 students in grades 4 through 12 who participated in the program last year.

“NASP has spread to all corners of Montana,” said Ryan Schmaltz, FWP’s NASP coordinator. “It’s a great way for schools that are so different to come together and connect on the outdoors and Montana’s fish and wildlife.”

NASP offers in-school archery lessons and aims to enhance student focus and academic discipline through the practice of learning archery, as well as build self-confidence, and encourage Montana's youth to pursue archery and other outdoor recreation pursuits.

“When teachers help kids shoot straight in this sport, they are helping them shoot straight in other areas of their lives, too,” Schmaltz said.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks gives basic archery instructor trainings as well as implements cost shares for equipment to help offset some of the costs associated with archery.

A recent study conducted by the Archery Trade Association found that 18.9 million Americans age 18 and older participated in archery and/or bowhunting in 2012.

The ATA’s 2012 national participation survey was conducted between January and February of 2013.