Before we had kids, my husband dreamed of the day he could buy his son his first bow and take him into the woods. The universe had different plans: my husband and I were blessed with three girls. Our girls are little (7, 5 & 2), but they have been talking about shooting a bow with daddy for what seems like forever. So while the dream looks a little different, the end result is much the same. My husband enrolled our two oldest daughters in an archery class and is spending quality time sharing something he loves and is passionate about. The girls are learning the sport of archery, including safety, precision, and focus, but they are also having fun!
Historically archery has been used as a method of hunting and combat. And, in Wisconsin, it is synonymous with fall and bowhunting for whitetail deer. Coming from a family of hunters and having married someone who lives and breathes bowhunting, that is all I ever knew…until recently. Archery is much more than simply bowhunting. It teaches focus, self-control, and discipline. It does not discriminate based on gender, athletic skill, or age.
USA Archery
USA Archery is the organization that oversees the sport of archery in the United States. It helps select and train the American archery team for international competitions like the Olympics. It also organizes archery tournaments, sets safety standards, and supports coaches and athletes at all levels.
USA Archery encourages people of all ages and abilities to try archery as a fun and competitive sport. They offer outreach and education programs to increase participation in the sport.
Youth Archery Near the Fox Cities
Old 45 Archery, Hortonville
Jeanette Bearwald owns Old 45 Archery with her husband, Chad. She is passionate about arming kids with the proper skills for both safety and success with a bow. Old 45 Archery offers group and private youth lessons for ages 4-17. Their archery instructors are helpful and patient. If you are looking for a unique birthday party, your child can also host his/her birthday at Old 45 Archery!
- Old 45 Archery, N2779 State Hwy 15, Hortonville
- 920-779-0922
Omro Bowhunters, Omro
Omro Bowhunters Club was first established in 1954 as a place for people to gather to practice and improve their archery skills. The philosophy is still in practice today. They have youth archery clubs and leagues and youth memberships.
- Omro Bowhunters, 1230 E Main Street, Omro
- 920-685-6869
Underground Archery, Brillion
Underground Archery is a full-service bow shop with an underground and video archery range. Youth leagues are offered for kids 14 and under. Leagues are determined by skill level; pros from Underground Archery will work with the kids to assess ways for improvement throughout the league.
- Underground Archery, 910 W Ryan Street, Brillion
- 920-756-5001
Park & Recreation Archery Programs
Many local park and recreation departments offer lessons during the spring/summer sessions.
- Appleton – Ages 9+
- Kaukauna – Grades 3-8
- Little Chute – Ages 8-Adult
- Menasha – Ages 8-15
- Neenah – Grades 3-8
- Oshkosh – Ages 9-17
