JOHN DAY Local 4-H archery club youth displayed skills of focus and precision Aug. 11 in a contest held at Winners Choice Bowstrings.

Ranging in age from 10-17 and split into three age divisions, the archers took sharp aim at their targets.

I like the sound when it hits something, said Warner Robertson, 10, of John Day. It feels good when I hit a bullseye.

He started learning archery at home when he was about 5, and this is his first year in 4-H.

What does he like about the sport?

Everything, he said.

Andy Day of John Day, a 4-H archery leader for four years, says that whether a person is young or old, short or tall, jock or not, in archery it doesnt matter. Hes even seen a person pull the bow with teeth because they had a handicap.

Everyones equal on the archery range, he said, adding, Everybody should do this once, just to understand it.

He said the sport pays bigger dividends than buying video game equipment for kids.

Its safe, it helps them do better in school, get along with their teachers and it makes them feel better about themselves, he said.

There are three 4-H archery clubs in Grant County, with Day leading youth from John Day and Monument, Jay Carniglia teaching club members from the Canyon Creek area, and Mike Springer instructing youth from Prairie City.

Dorran Wilson, whos 12 and in his second year of 4-H, was excited about his score of 22/25 after a round of shooting.

Mike taught me, he said. It keeps me busy, and its fun.

Brianna Zweygardt, 11, of Prairie City, hit the bullseye repeatedly.

With archery, its a lot about yourself going into it, she added. Its more challenging than shotgun.

Older 4-H members, Jordan Hitz of Prairie City and Garrett Carniglia both use their sharpened archery skills to hunt deer.

Garrett said he chooses hunting with a bow over a rifle.

It makes it more fun, more challenging, he said.

It gives you an adrenaline rush, Hitz added.

I like the quiet, stealthy aspect of it, said Garrett.

Day said the reward of teaching archery is watching the youth get excited about it.

He said that once they get form and concentration down, the students get more consistent results.

I like watching the kids improve, and as they improve, their enthusiasm goes up, he said.

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