Scott Swanson
A new competitive archery league in Lebanon has drawn a crowd of local bowmen and women, making it one of the largest in the area, organizers say.
The league, based at M2 Outdoor Sports, an archery and firearms store at 65 W. Grant St. in Lebanon, has attracted more than 30 competitors, most from Lebanon, Albany and Sweet Home, but some from as far away as Salem. Plus, there are five competitors in a junior division.
“We were really surprised,” said Marcus Martinez, son of the store owner and one of the league organizers. He said most leagues in the area, such as one at the Bow Rack in Springfield and others that have been held at stores in the Lebanon-Albany area, average 12 to 15 shooters.
Competitors can shoot anytime during the week, he said, and the store stays open “a little late” on Tuesdays and Fridays to accommodate those who have trouble making it during normal operating hours, which are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
The shooters use an indoor 20-yard range, shooting at five-spot targets that have an X “about the size of a pinkie” in the bulls-eye. A perfect score is 300 and there have been some already, so the tie-breaker is how many of the X’s the shooter has hit during his or her round.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Martinez said.
“These guys, they don’t miss – or at least we don’t tell you when they miss,” he joked. “But even if you’re not the greatest shot, it’s cool training. It can be frustrating, I know that first-hand, but it’s a cool way to train yourself.”
Each adult division shooter takes 60 shots per week, while juniors shoot 30 arrows.
Martinez said the store is planning more competitions, including some “fun shoots” that would involve challenges like shooting at ping-pong balls.
Prizes this time around are a Badlands backpack, valued at over $200, for the best individual shooter, and Badlands Bino Caddy binocular holders for the best team in the adult division. The top junior will win arrows and bow sights.
He said the competition gives archers a good chance to refine their skills in time for spring turkey hunts and other upcoming seasons.
“It’s just having guys here practicing their archery,” Martinez said. “Here they have a chance to win, but it’s just like people hanging out. We have a really cool crowd that comes in to work on their accuracy, work on their bow a little bit and just hang out with the guys.”
For more information, contact Martinez at (541) 451-5883 or visit http://www.m2outdoorsports.com.