3D SHOOTS - New York Bowhunters

New York Bowhunters, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to growing and protecting bowhunting in New York State. Since their founding in 1991, NYB has grown to nearly 4,000 members—making them the largest bowhunting organization in the state and among the largest in the country.

NYB operates across eight regions throughout New York, connecting bowhunters and organizing activities that range from competitive 3D shoots to conservation work. The organization manages a full-time office in Canandaigua and maintains an active leadership structure with regional representatives in every part of the state.

"We have only raised our membership dues twice since our inception in 1991. It is very important for the organization to recognize the need to keep membership fees at an affordable level and place an emphasis on youth."

One of NYB's flagship initiatives is their free youth bowhunter education program. Since 1993, they've trained over 1,800 young people ages 11-18 in bowhunting fundamentals. These multi-day camps are completely free and include all food, equipment, and instruction.

Youth campers learn: - Complete New York State bowhunter education courses - Archery instruction and shooting practice - Arrow and bow building from raw materials - Tree stand safety and deployment - Blood trailing and tracking techniques - Map and compass navigation - Ethical hunting practices - Turkey hunting seminars - Scent and lure application - Wildlife conservation principles

NYS-certified bow safety instructors staff all events. Most campers complete their NYS bowhunter certification during the program, enabling them to purchase their bowhunting license at age 12.

• •Free classifieds in Full Draw magazine for hunting-related items (equipment, land, guides)
• •Member shots section — publish your bowhunting photos and hunting stories
• •Swap hunts feature — organize hunt exchanges with other members
• •Bits & pieces forum — find hunting partners, locate land, source obscure equipment
• •Member discounts from participating outfitters, guides, and hunting-related businesses
• •FLLT cooperative hunting — exclusive access to Finger Lakes Land Trust properties in Regions 7 & 8 through NYB's partnership
• •Email alerts on local bowhunting information and opportunities
• •Full Draw magazine — quarterly publication with regional booster listings, hunting stories, and member content

While NYB doesn't host 3D shoots directly, they maintain a comprehensive schedule of shoots hosted by regional clubs throughout New York. Their website serves as the central informational hub for bowhunters looking to find shoots in their area.

NYB takes clear positions on issues affecting the sport. Their detailed stance on crossbows reflects their commitment to traditional bowhunting—they've conducted extensive research on equipment effectiveness, wounding rates, and the definition of archery equipment. The organization opposed crossbows being classified as archery equipment but accepted the compromise of allowing them during the final two weeks of bow season.

• •Spikes Youth Program — Dedicated membership tier for hunters under 18
• •Camo-to-Camo Program — Peer mentoring and hunting partnerships
• •Physically Challenged Program — Adaptive equipment and specialized support
• •Urban Deer Program — Management and hunting in suburban/urban environments
• •Rendezvous 2025 — Annual gathering and banquet
• •Regional representation in Regions 1-9 covering all of New York State

Members cite the affordability of dues (unchanged for decades), strong youth focus, regional community, access to private hunting lands through FLLT partnerships, and a unified voice protecting bowhunting in New York against anti-hunting legislation and public misconceptions.

New York Bowhunters, Inc. 5937 County Road #33 Canandaigua, NY 14424 (585) 229-7468 [email protected]

Full-time office staff available to answer membership questions and help members maximize their benefits.