The Alberni Bowmen returned to McLean Mill for a 3D archery shoot this weekend, bringing archers from all over the Island, Lower Mainland and as far away as Alberta to one of the largest shoots on the island.
This is the second year the Bowmen have taken over the McLean Mill Historic Park for an archery shoot, but it’s the first year the Bowmen have hosted a two-day shoot. Last year’s shoot had more than 175 archers registered and was the largest shoot the club had put on.
“McLean Mill is a draw in itself,” said Jason Carl Kienas of the Bowmen. “People want to come out here just because of the location.”
Two, 20-target courses were set up in the woods and grounds around the mill. Each shot featured a 3D full-sized target animal, from deer to buffalo, to even dinosaurs.
The course drew about 60 people on Saturday, despite the pouring rain.
“Everybody’s having a blast,” said Kienas.
The Bowmen have been in talks with the McLean Mill Society about setting up a permanent location on the McLean Mill site so they can host more of these events throughout the year.
“We want to support the community,” said McLean Mill Society executive director Deanna Beaudoin. “We want to bring many groups here. The property is beautiful, and we really want to bring life back into this place.”