Mid-Atlantic Bowhunters Chapter

In 2008, bowhunters had a problem. Outfitters didn't understand the sport. Hunting organizations wouldn't support it. So a group of passionate bowhunters started the Mid-Atlantic Bowhunters Chapter under Safari Club International to change that.

They worked. Today, bowhunting is mainstream. MABC evolved from a bow-only club into a true multiple-method hunting community that welcomes archers, crossbow shooters, muzzleloader hunters, rifle hunters, and photographers alike.

"If you love adventure, you're welcome here."

Hunts & Field Events - Potomac waterfowl hunts (January, $195-$500) - Upland bird hunts in Virginia (March, typically $200) - Access to member-organized hunts across North America and internationally - Members hunt everywhere from Virginia woodlands to the French Alps to Zambia

The Annual Banquet & Auction March 21, 2026 at River Creek Country Club in Leesburg, VA. This is their flagship event. Members bid on hunts of a lifetime, premium gear, and experiences. 2026 features a refined lineup based on member feedback, a Golden Ticket raffle (100 tickets only, in-person only), and multi-course dinner. Doors open at 5:00 pm, live auction starts at 8:00 pm.

Conservation & Education Work

They don't just hunt. MABC invests in what matters:

• •Nanzhila Basic School Partnership: Raises funds for a school in Southern Kafue, Zambia. Goal: improve facilities and add wildlife education to the curriculum.
• •National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP): Supports VA schools teaching archery to grades 4-12. VA has trained and certified 2,800+ teachers.
• •Virginia 4-H Shooting Sports Ambassador Program: Sponsors 18 elite youth ambassadors who promote firearm safety and shooting education across the state.
• •Frederick County 4-H Shooting Education Club: Teaches marksmanship, gun safety, archery safety, and leadership skills.
• •American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS): Sponsors teachers for an 8-day SCI Foundation program that teaches conservation education across all subjects—math, science, language arts, social studies, PE, art—using the outdoors as a classroom.
• •Lovettsville Youth Fishing Derby: Annual spring event where MABC runs a booth showing kids animal hides, skulls, footprints, and teaches archery basics.
• •Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation: Recent donation to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Conservation Police K9 Fund for food, veterinary services, and training.

Joining MABC requires Safari Club International membership first. The process:

1. Complete MABC membership application 2. Join Safari Club International (select Mid-Atlantic Bowhunters Chapter at signup) 3. Chapter dues are free—you only pay SCI membership 4. Gain access to members-only trophy room and all chapter events

Already an SCI member? Renewal is simple through the chapter portal.

Mem­bers live the hunting lifestyle. Some stalk Virginia woodlands. Others glass the French Alps. Kids learn archery through school programs. Teachers get trained in conservation education. A school in Zambia gets rebuilt. Conservation police K9s get funded. And every spring, a group of hunters gathers to celebrate the adventure and support the heritage that makes it all possible.

Membership isn't about buying gear. It's about being part of something bigger—a community that hunts, conserves, educates, and believes the outdoors belongs to everyone brave enough to step into it.