NWTF New Mexico Women in the Outdoors Bow Shoot Brings Women Together Through Archery
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — For some participants, the weekend began with a bow in hand for the first time, and for others, it was an opportunity to put their archery skills to the test. For all in attendance, the third annual National Wild Turkey Federation Women in the Outdoors 3D Bow Shoot offered a weekend built around learning, friendly competition and time spent outdoors together.
Hosted by the New Mexico NWTF State Chapter at the scenic Sacramento Mountain Retreat in Mayhill, the event brought almost 30 women together for a weekend of archery, good food and friendship.
The event began with an archery and 3D competition basics course designed for women new to archery or looking to gain confidence before stepping onto the course. Following registration, participants had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals through a Genesis Archery beginners class, giving newcomers a chance to practice in a welcoming environment before competition day.
That evening, the group gathered for dinner, sharing bison Frito pie before settling around the campfire for s’mores and conversation.
The following morning, participants gathered for a group photo before heading into the mountains for the main event: a 20-target 3D archery course designed to mimic hunting scenarios. The targets ranged from straightforward shots to more challenging setups, giving archers of different experience levels an opportunity to test their skills.
Participants competed in novice, open and bowhunter categories, with each course presenting a different challenge as archers worked through the course and navigated realistic shooting situations.
After the morning's competition, everyone gathered for a lunch of grilled burgers and hot dogs before taking on the long distance buckle shoot. Each archer took three shots at a 3D target positioned at an unknown distance, with the closest arrow to the bullseye earning the coveted buckle.
The weekend concluded back at the lodge with a raffle and awards ceremony. Participants had the chance to win prizes ranging from a new bow to an aoudad ewe hunt in Texas with Helen Butt in May 2027. Buckles were also awarded for the long distance shoot, Genesis, open and bowhunter classes.
The event was made possible in part by the generous support of 19 sponsors and the dedicated volunteers who helped bring the weekend together.
“Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for supporting our Women in the Outdoors event,” said Helen Butt, NWTF New Mexico State Chapter president. “Most of all, thank you to our four volunteers Justin, Maggie, Dave and Melissa. They worked hard cooking, setting up and tearing down. I could not do this without them!”
While the competition provided plenty of opportunities to test archery skills, the weekend was ultimately about something bigger: creating a place where women can learn, challenge themselves and build connections through the outdoors.
From first-time archers learning to draw a bow to experienced participants competing for a buckle, the Women in the Outdoors 3D Bow Shoot demonstrated the power of creating welcoming opportunities for women to discover, or rediscover, the outdoors.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.7 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $25 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.