Yes, I know it is well into 2019, that is just how backed up I have been. Last year I came up with the ideal of honoring those clubs and staff that put so much work into what we enjoy doing. I looked around and there was no one, and I mean no one, giving them and recognition.
So, I started the “Best Shot” award. This award is to recognize any club that take the time to make a unique, fun and special shot. The standards I will admit are totally arbitrary. My whole judge is dependent on my first reaction when I see it.
Last year, every winner was from courses I went to. This year, I have several winners that were submitted to me by viewers of the YouTube Channel and my Facebook Page.
All winners get a certificate and frame. Well, I should say those in the US do. Last year, every single frame I mailed out was damaged! And, with this being the first year I have recognized clubs from outside the US and I’m trying other ways to get it to them in the hope that they are not damaged.
Here are this year’s winners:
BearPaw Kill Tournament – Germany
The child of Henry Bodnick, I found these two shots on my Facebook feed. The first is the Gar fish under the water. I love these shots. It is much harder than it looks due to “refraction” I believe. What that is, is this; where you see the fish is not were it is at. So you have to adjust knowing it. Not an easy shot, but it is fun.
The second one is for the duck in the stream. I love this. You know that duck is moving and that movement is unpredictable, and that means it is fun.
Cos Cob Archers – USA
Pete and Michael set this up and wow, were they fun to shoot. The Marble Drop is one I have seen before but never have shot. Once I finally did shoot it, guess what? I built one at the club I belong to! Yes, it is that much fun!
They get a second award for the Bunny Blaster. This is an awesome way to simulate moving small game if you are a hunter. For everyone else, shooting a small moving target is a great test of skill
Housatonic Archers – USA
This shot is not about anyone thing, but rather a sum of all the parts. Take away one part and it is just another shot. Where would you expect to find a gator? Next to water, well theirs is next to a pond, which you stand on the far side to shoot. Which adds distance. This is just a shot that works on every level.
Kamloops Archers – Canada
This is another one that is made just as much by the surroundings as anything else. This is exactly what I would picture seeing Fred Bear himself shooting at. This is exactly how I would picture hunting in the Northwest would be like. This is a shot I would love to take.
De Kromme Pijl – Belguim
These two are without a doubt the most creative shots I have seen. The egg is a great timing shot and what it took to build it shows a passion that we need more of. Then to top it all off, they go and make Sponge Bob Square Pants! And, it moves! Incredible.
Schosi Bogenparcours – Austria
Another shot were it is the sum of all the parts makes it so great. Where would you find an Ibex? Right where they put them, Up hill shot with rocks all around and look at the back drop! Snow covered mountains, does it get any better than this?
Wa-Xo-Be Archers – USA
I loved this shot. Like the others it just “felt real” and that is what I look for. Too may clubs just put the target out and forget about it. But how many ask themselves, “Why is this animal here”. Well this club did and they made it work. The bear is using a fallen log to cross a stream. Such a simple concept took what would be another 3D shot and made it into something special.
Well that is it. Congratulations to all those who won and most importantly, thank you for taking the time and effort to provide us archers with some memorable shots.
3D Archery with Gregory Richards 