Hundreds of archers gathered in Yankton for the NFAA Outdoor National Target Championships.
Archers from all over the United States traveled to Yankton, South Dakota this weekend for two days of outdoor distance shooting in hopes of achieving a national archery title.
Archers shoot a total of 20 arrows per distance at 40, 50 and 60 yards. Youth and Cub distances are shorter to encourage development in the sport.
Bruce Cull is the Executive Director of the National Field Archery Association. He said national events like this one are a major economic driver for the state.
“We’ve got 400 people here for two events this weekend, and it's great to see, we’ve got almost all 50 states represented. Huge economic impact for not only Yankton, but the whole state of South Dakota. All the airports, rental cars, you know, they are staying here and are a captive audience. Just a great thing for everyone to come out and watch,” said Cull.
The national tournament included divisions for all ages, ranging from cub - serving archers 11 and younger - all the way through a professional senior division for archers 70 years of age and older.
Bob Anderson is an archer from Rockton, Illinois. He said he enjoys the Yankton facility and the archers it attracts.
“There’s shoots all year long in different locations, and this is a very, very good shoot because of the facilities, obviously. And you get people from all over the country, and even several people from around the world,” said Anderson.
The NFAA facility in Yankton is host to multiple national and world archery tournaments. As the world’s largest archery center, the facility plans to continue bringing archers to the state.
