Registration open for whitetail archery academy at Gardner Camp

HULL, Ill. – Gardner Camp, in partnership with Whitetails Unlimited, Rivers Edge Chapter, will be the host of a whitetail archery academy for area youths on Aug. 14-15. 

The academy will provide youths ages 12- 17 with an opportunity to be outside shooting a bow at multiple targets on a variety of archery ranges. Campers will learn about the anatomy of bow and arrow, planning for a hunt, tree stand safety, shot placement, game recovery, trail camera tactics and deer management. A 3-D range competition will take place. Selected campers are chosen to return to Gardner Camp for a two-day bow hunt, completing the learning circle.

“To increase the number of hunters in our area, we focus on recruiting and retaining young hunters and shooters through multiple outdoor learning events,” said Amy Lefringhouse, Gardner Camp executive director. “Our whitetail archery academy will equip young bow hunters with the skills, practice and preparation they need to kick off the upcoming season and, ultimately, pair them with a hunting mentor.”

A national R3 movement — which stands for recruitment of new hunters, retention of existing hunters and re-engagement of lapsed hunters — was released by the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports in 2016.  The R3 movement has gained momentum with state natural resource agencies and industry partners. Gardner Camp is joining with the R3 movement and doing its part toward transforming youth into knowledgeable and responsible outdoor citizens.

Registration is free (and meals are provided) for the overnight tent camping event.

Gardner Camp, located outside of Hull, is a not-for-profit, private foundation established by the generosity of the late John Willis “Jack” Gardner II.  Gardner appointed State Street Bank Trust Department to develop Gardner Camp into an outdoor education and recreation center for youth organizations in the local region.  Guided by a local advisory board, Gardner Camp offers mentored youth hunting, shooting sports and outdoor education events year-round.