Local archery club hosts annual Bob Jones Safari Jamboree

With summer in full swing, the local Citrus Archery Club will host another event next month. The organization’s next competition, the third annual Bob Jones Memorial Scholarship Safari Shoot, will be held on August 17. Club President David Ireland and his team host events throughout the year, and like many others, this one is for children and adults and is in support of the club’s youth scholarship fund.

As part of the festivities, archers will shoot a safari round of 30 targets, including 16 3D and 14 paper targets. Each competitor will shoot two arrows from a distance of 10 to 45 yards. The different shooting classes are TRAD (traditional), youth, adult freestyle and bowhunter. The event will be held at the local club in Spring Hill. Registration begins from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

While there are no competitions in July, the organization resumes its schedule in August. After the Bob Jones Memorial shoot, the club competes in the NFAA Nationals in Yankton, South Dakota (August 21-25). In September, Citrus Archery is in full swing, with 4-H, Fall League and other shooting competitions spread throughout the month.

According to the club’s website, shooting practice is held on the third Saturday of every month and the 4-H club meets the second and fourth Saturday of every month (September through May). They also host two eight-week handicap leagues in the spring and fall, as well as their summer youth days, which just concluded on June 18th.

The members-only, family-oriented archery club provides training and equipment for members of the 4-H program. Founded in 1953, the organization is a registered member of the Florida Archery Association, a two-star registered NFAA club since 1978, and the first NFAA National Club of the Year.

The annual August shoot is named after former Citrus Archery Club President Bob Jones, who was an avid archer for over 40 years and sadly passed away during his tenure. With Jones suffering from illness later in his life, the organization was forced to move from its previous property four years ago. At that time, Ireland became president, reorganized the club, and temporarily moved the group to its current location in Spring Hill. Ireland and company are looking for a more permanent place to settle.

“The annual scholarship shoot is our way of remembering Bob for his selfless dedication to archery in Florida and will remain his legacy to the club he loved so much,” Ireland said.

It’s a great time to get out in the fresh air and feel the summer sun. Archers have the chance to hone their skills and put their efforts to good use. President Ireland invites everyone to come along, support their scholarship fundraiser and experience the fun that archery has to offer.