Minidoka Bowmen Archery Assoc.

The Minidoka Bowmen Archery Association has served the archery community in Rupert, Idaho since 1948, making it one of the longest-running archery clubs in the region. With over 100 active members, the club operates as a community-focused organization that combines competitive archery, youth development, and hunting advocacy. The club maintains both indoor and outdoor facilities, with their primary outdoor range located at 780 North 1250 East in Rupert.

The organization runs on a volunteer basis with an executive board including a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and past president, along with specialized directors for range operations, big game programs, scholarships, and youth coordination. Monthly meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm, providing members with regular opportunities to participate in club governance and planning.

The club's competitive calendar centers around several major events throughout the year. The Minidoka Dam Shoot in May takes place at the scenic Lake Walcott location, while the Pomerelle Shoot in June utilizes the mountainous terrain of Pomerelle Ski Resort in Malta. These 3D archery competitions attract participants across multiple divisions including BowHunter, Buckle classes (Open, Outlaw, Senior, Young Adult), Championship, Open/FreeStyle, Outlaw, and Master Senior categories.

Recent competition results show the depth of participation, with dozens of archers competing in each division. The scoring system accommodates both single-day and two-day formats, with total scores determining final placement. Youth divisions include Chicks and Cubs categories for boys and girls, demonstrating the club's commitment to developing young archers.

Winter programming includes Vegas League, 5 Spot League, and Youth League activities, ensuring year-round engagement for members. The Shiver N Shoot in April serves as a bridge between winter leagues and summer 3D season.

The Minidoka Bowmen operates a robust scholarship program that awards three scholarships annually to local high school seniors planning to attend college. This program receives funding through "Mulligan" sales at 3D shoots ($1 each) and "Money Dot" donations from local businesses and community members. Money dots are placed on 3D courses as prize opportunities, with unclaimed funds contributing to the scholarship fund.

Recent scholarship recipients include students like Haylee Stroud, Bentley Cranney, and Ethan Randklev in 2023, with the program having supported dozens of students since 2014. The scholarship program reflects the club's investment in community youth development beyond just archery skills.

Youth leagues and competitions provide structured learning environments for developing archers, with dedicated coordinators managing age-appropriate programming and safety protocols.

Archery hunting represents a significant focus for the Minidoka Bowmen, with the club actively supporting hunting rights advocacy through partnerships with the Idaho State Bowhunters Association. Members participate in state-level discussions about hunting regulations and access, with club representation providing input on archery hunting policies.

The Big Game Awards Program recognizes member hunting achievements through a point-based system, with awards presented at the annual January banquet. The program tracks archery harvests from 2017-2023, celebrating successful hunts while promoting ethical hunting practices and conservation awareness.

The club operates from a main location at 205 K Street in Rupert (P.O. Box 556), with their primary outdoor range facility at 780 North 1250 East. The outdoor range hosts the Shiver N Shoot and serves as a practice facility for members. For major competitions, the club utilizes premium locations including the Minidoka Dam area at Lake Walcott and Pomerelle Ski Resort.

All participants must complete liability waivers acknowledging the inherent risks of archery activities. The comprehensive waiver system covers equipment use, range safety, and participation in club events, with special provisions for minor participants requiring parental consent.

Contact information includes email at [email protected] and phone at 208-260-2376, with the club maintaining active communication with members and prospective participants through regular meetings and event coordination.