Bowhunters hold annual jamboree

STANLEY — The Idaho State Bowhunters held their annual Jamboree in Stanley, Idaho on July 15. The event has been held for 31 years, and this year there were 800 archers attending, 200 of whom were competitors.

This year, much like last year, Region 1 left its mark. Shooters from Bonners Ferry, Sandpoint, Clark Fork and Coeur d' Alene made the long trip to Stanley to compete.

The Region 1 Director, Vicki Wininger, of Sandpoint, presented a $683 check on behalf of the local clubs at the Jamboree to The Hunt of a Life Time, a nonprofit organization that arranges and pays for dream hunting and fishing trips for boys and girls 21-years and under with a life-threatening, critical or terminal disease. It was received with much appreciation.

Wininger joined her husband Ed, and daughters' Kendra and Camille to leave their mark on the event, both literally and figuratively. Vicki won her fifth state title in the last seven years and Ed finished second for the seventh straight year in their respective divisions. Camille finished ninth in her division and sister Kendra joined mom as an Idaho state champion.

"Archery is a passion in our family. It's one sport that keeps our family together," says Wininger. "We camp together and it's a tight bond for the whole family."

The jamboree marks the end of the 3-D archery season and the beginning of the hunting season.

Next year the Jamboree will be the final stepping stone to an even bigger goal, should area youth qualify to compete at the International Bowhunters Competition. In the past this event has been held at Snow Shoe Resort in West Virginia, as thousands of archers and competitors from all over the world will be there.

Kendra, 15, is one of a handful of talented local shooters that has what it takes to try and qualify.

"Awesome form," says the proud mom. "She goes up to shoot, that's it. People don't distract her."

Chris Book (Sandpoint), Christian Taylor (Clark Fork), Ryan Farrens (Bonners Ferry), Macie Bird (Sandpoint) and Able Fischer (Sandpoint) will join Kendra in trying to qualify next year for the world championships. Several of the youth have been involved for years and are looking to go to the next level, while others have a natural talent and are exceptional archers.

"All were picked because of temperament and behavior on the course," says Wininger.

Results of the 2006 Jamboree

Women's Freestyle — Amy Tye, Bonners Ferry, 335, 2nd Place.

Men's Freestyle — Damon Severson, Bonners Ferry, 407, 2nd Place.

Men's Freestyle Unlimited — Ed Wininger, Sandpoint, 334, 2nd Place.

Men's Hunter, Chad Farrens, Bonners Ferry, 377, 7th Place.

Women's Recurve, Vicki Wininger, Sandpoint, 235, Idaho State Champion.

Youth Boys A Sites (12-14)

Ryan Farrens, Moyie Springs, 393, Idaho State Champion.

Thomas Rickman, Sandpoint, 297, 9th Place.

Tyler Oaks, Sandpoint, 290, 10th Place.

Youth Boys A No Sites (12-14)

Bryce Bare, Clark Fork, 229, 2nd place.

Youth Girls A Sites (12-14)

Macie Bird, Sandpoint, 252, 3rd place.

Youth Girls B Sites (15-17)

Kendra Wininger, Sandpoint, 258, Idaho State Champion.

Camille Wininger, Sandpoint, 203, 9th Place.