SPFGA Outdoor Woman's Program - Introduction to Archery

The Sherwood Park Fish and Game Association Outdoor Women’s Program was developed to provide enriching educational experiences and engaging activities, all within a supportive and inclusive environment. Our goal is to empower women by offering a diverse range of activities, fostering a deep connection with nature, while cultivating skills that contribute to conservation efforts and the enjoyment of outdoor pursuits.

This program will consist of a series of sessions through the spring, summer, and fall of 2024, each focused on providing a direct hands-on experience with a different aspect of Canada's rich cultural heritage of hunting, angling, trapping and the shooting sports.

Join us for an introductory archery session where no prior experience is required! Whether you're a beginner or have some skill under your belt, all levels are welcome.

During this session, participants will learn about archery and archery hunting equipment and gear, basic techniques, as well as safety rules and precautions. Our instructors will guide you through the basics of proper form, mechanics and marksmanship using both a recurve and a compound bow.

Experience the thrill of shooting targets at varying distances on our archery range. Additionally, participants will venture along the 3D archery trail, taking aim at lifelike 3D targets for an immersive experience.

Archery is not just about hitting the bullseye, it’s also about focus, precision, and the awesome sensation from releasing an arrow. Come join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of archery!

Minimum Attendance Age

If a youth is attending without adult accompaniment, they must be 15 years of age or older. If the youth is accompanied by an adult however, there really isn’t a minimum age. As long as they are old enough to make it through this day of activities and do so safely, they are absolutely welcome to attend.

Session Lead Biographies

Don Brockway has been hunting since he was 12, and bowhunting for more than 20 years. With a profound appreciation for nature, he loves hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. After a 31-year career as a Locomotive Engineer with Canadian Pacific Railway, the SPFGA is fortunate to be able to call Don our Maintenance Technician. Safety is always Don’s top priority in everything he does. and bowhunting is no exception.

Brandon Myre is one of our new SPFGA Board members who chose to join our team because his interests and values align closely with those of the SPFGA. As an Executive Union Officer and Committee Chairperson with Canadian Pacific Railway, and as an avid hunter, archer and angler, Brandon has tonnes of experience coaching and mentoring people of all ages on a multitude of topic areas topics.

Don and Brandon taught the archery session for our Outdoor Woman’s Program in 2023, and look forward to doing so again this year.

Cameron Johnson’s first passion is bowhunting but if you ask him about precision rifle shooting, reloading, waterfowl hunting, bird watching, fly fishing, biking or climbing, you may have a hard time getting away from the conversation. He has served on the Board of the Alberta Bowhunters Association for eight years and he too is a new Director on the SPFGA Board. With nearly nine years of experience in visitor services with Parks Canada, Cameron is also an experienced Hunter Education Instructor and has been teaching with the International Bowhunter Education Program since 2006.

Mike Lepine has been passionate about archery since he was 10 years old. Over the years, he has taught archery to people of all ages in varying locals including the Sherwood Park Archery Lanes. Mike was even Don’s archery instructor and mentor! Mike finds great joy in guiding others, whether introducing beginners to the fundamentals or helping seasoned archers refine their techniques. He also loves hunting, and just got back from a hunting adventure of a lifetime in Africa.

Funding

The purchase of bows, arrows and arm guards for this session has been generously funded through a grant from the Alberta Conservation Association.

FAQs

Is lunch included?

No, meals and refreshments will not be provided. Please bring your own lunch and beverages.

What happens if there's bad weather?

Unless the weather poses safety conditions, this event will proceed.

Is an SPFGA membership required in order to register?

No, these sessions are open to both members and non-members.

Refund Policy

We will refund registration fees if an event is cancelled. Outside of that, individual refunds will not be provided. Please ensure your availability prior to booking. Individuals who cannot make the event may transfer their registration to another individual.