Archers from around the world gathered to compete at the IBO Championship Tournament, hosted by Canaan Resort in Davis, West Virginia. The tournament took place from August 2nd to August 8th. I had a great time covering and competing in the event. If you couldn’t attend, here’s what you missed!
Jam-Packed Schedule
On Tuesday, enthusiastic archers and their families gathered at Canaan Resort and dove right into the exciting Bowhunter Defense courses. These sessions let archers refine their skills in target recognition, distance judgment, and bonding with friends. Offered daily, these courses not only help prepare for the upcoming tournament but also contribute to important anti-hunting initiatives through their proceeds. A huge shoutout to IBO for your fantastic work! Let’s keep the momentum going and continue making a positive impact together!
The Clinic
I’m thrilled to share my experience at the IBO Clinic, an exciting event that has blossomed over the past few years! This is a fantastic opportunity for archers to learn from seasoned professionals while competing alongside teams. Each team is made up of one pro and four enthusiastic amateur archers, teaming up to shoot ten targets on the Bowhunter Defense courses. We began at a designated target, all working together to rack up the highest scores. I had an incredible time with my teammates, and we did really well! Excitingly, four teams took home cash prizes for their outstanding performances. I’m eagerly looking forward to taking part in this amazing event again next year!
First Day of Competition
The excitement of competition kicks off bright and early for the archers, with some starting their rounds at 7:30 AM! I loved seeing everyone gather at the bag target ranges and Bowhunter Defense courses to squeeze in a few practice shots. My shoot time was set for 9:30 AM, so I arrived at 8:00 AM, eager to start the day. I shot a dozen arrows at the bag targets, soaking up the atmosphere before hopping on the wagon to head to my course.
I had a fantastic time connecting with my fellow archers at the check-in tent! Alongside Brian, Bill, and Chad, we embarked on an exciting adventure, tackling twenty targets throughout the day. The course was not only beautifully scenic but also a joy to navigate. We took our time aiming, relishing the challenge together. Once we completed our targets, we happily recorded our scores at the tent before returning to the resort, feeling accomplished and eager for the second day of competition.
What an exciting conclusion to day one of the Bowhunter Defense Shoot-Off! This thrilling knockout tournament culminated in an epic face-off between two finalists competing for the championship title. The International Bowhunter Organization (IBO) randomly selected participants based on their engagement with the Bowhunter Defense courses throughout the year. These skilled archers battled it out to determine who would advance in the competition. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd was absolutely thrilled by the intense action and remarkable skills on display. Congratulations to Scott Monroe, who took home $1,000 for first place, and Ed Bumbarger, who secured second place and $500.00.
Competition Day Two
On the second day of the tournament, we faced a little rain, but our spirits stayed high as we hoped for a break in the weather. While at target #15, a gentle drizzle began, and by the time we reached #19, the rain picked up. Luckily, we finished all twenty targets right before the heavy downpour! We had such a fantastic time together, shooting with Brian, Bill, and Chad—what an adventure! Although we didn’t qualify for the Saturday shoot-off this time, our enjoyment was the real highlight of the day.
After completing my twenty targets on the second day, I headed over to Vendor Village. It was great to see friends who shoot in different classes and to hear about their experiences on the courses. I spent a lot of time at the Black Eagle/Darton booth, checking out the targets. The delicious aromas from the food vendors made my mouth water, so I decided to try some BBQ. Everything was delicious!
The Eagle Eye Shoot-Off kicked off at 6:00 PM, with all the talented archers arriving early to secure their spots in this thrilling competition. The energy was electric as each round progressed, and we cheered for those who hit the coveted orange dot. It was an exhilarating experience! In the end, we celebrated the winners who truly excelled. What an amazing event!
1st Place: $1000 Brandon Reitz
2nd Place: $500 Logan Stevenson
3rd Place: $250 Jeff Kirkland
Championship Saturday
Every competitor dreams of reaching Championship Saturday, and it’s exciting that only the top five scores from each class earn a spot at this remarkable event! Archers, along with their supportive family and friends, come together at each course to cheer on the Best of the Best. The thrilling finishes were incredibly close, showcasing intense competition. A huge congratulations to all who ascended to the podium—your hard work and dedication truly shine!
What an incredible year it has been participating in all the IBO shoots! I’m thrilled to share that we’ll be reuniting in 2027 to launch the shoots once more. Mark your calendars— the World Shoot is returning to Canaan Resort! I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to join the IBO and seize the opportunity to qualify for this amazing event. I can’t wait to see all of you next year!
