MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is proud to support and celebrate the first-ever National Archery Day set to take place on May 9, 2015.
“Hunters collectively recognize that bowhunting for elk is among the most challenging and rewarding of hunting pursuits available for sportsmen and women,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “As an organization, we stand behind all efforts to introduce archery to more men, women and children.”
National Archery Day is the brainchild of Colleen Pusateri, a home-schooling mother who is also program manager of the Greenville Home School Hurricanes Archery Program in Greenville, SC. She contacted National Archery in the Schools (NASP) leadership suggesting a day be set aside to bring attention to the sport that means so much to her and her students.
“NASP enables us to bring children together to participate in a safe and competitive archery community creating friendships, memories and skill sets that will last a lifetime,” said Pusateri.
NASP identified the second Saturday in May as National Archery Day which will coincide with the same weekend as the NASP National Tournament, the largest archery tournament in the world, held each year in Louisville, Ky.
The National Archery in the Schools Program began in Kentucky in 2002 and since spread to 47 states and 10 countries, with more than 2.1 million kids participating each year.
RMEF is a staunch supporter of youth archery and NASP. Since 2003, RMEF has provided $213,516 in grant funding to NASP participants in 27 states to assist with equipment and other expenses. RMEF offered an additional $125,777 in support to non-NASP groups and events such as 4-H, archery camps and other programs that, when combined with NASP funding, covers 33 states. RMEF also provided funding for multiple other programs such as youth field days, Becoming an Outdoors Woman and others that include archery instruction.
“We appreciate all of the archers, mentors, instructors and volunteers who support NASP, archery and bowhunting. They are making valuable contributions to help ensure the future of our hunting heritage for generations to come,” added Allen.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Founded over 30 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 205,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 6.6 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
