2012 mi youth shoot follow up report
DESCRIPTION
Here's the complete coverage from the 2012 Michigan Youth Bowfishing Championship. For info on next year's shoot, "Like" our page on Facebook for updates: http://www.facebook.com/MiYouthBowfishingTRANSCRIPT
June 9, 2012
Year # 2
22001122 MMiicchhiiggaann YYoouutthh BBoowwffiisshhiinngg
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• Youth event is 100% FREE!!!
• Michigan's only annual youth bowfishing tournament
• This event doubled in size in one year!
• 8 kids shot their first fish!
Highlights:
Great Cause 1
The Format 1
Perfect
Conditions 2
Final
Standings 3
Photo Gallery 5
Many Hands Make
Light Effort 6
Brian Gilson (616) 240-1196 [email protected]
Michigan’s second youth
bowfishing event went off
without a hitch. On
Saturday, June 9, fifty
children from across the
state converged at Echo
Point boat ramp on Lake
Allegan for a day of
bowfishing, archery, and
games.
Hosted by volunteers from
the Bowfishing Association
of Michigan, the intent was
to introduce our next
generation to the great
sport of bowfishing. The
event was 100% free and
all prizes/supplies were
provided by donors.
Once again, the B.A.M.
crew decided to team up
with the Allegan DEQ for
the second year in a row.
The Kalamazoo total
maximum daily load
Great Cause
The Format
This event was developed
for kids from the ground
up. The format is very
similar to other big 10
bowfishing tournaments
with two exceptions: 1)
adults are not allowed to
shoot and 2) the kids are
scored individually. The
kids love the idea that Dad
can’t beat them to the fish!
Typically, kids haven’t
developed an eye for
spotting fish in the water,
so they frequently get beat
to the punch by other
shooters in the boat.
Since adults aren’t
allowed to shoot during
implementation committee
and the Allegan
Conservation District has
successfully hosted their
annual “Lake Allegan
Carp Derby” for several
years. The youth shoot
and carp derby were
planned in conjuction with
the DNR's free fishing
weekend. The goal is to
reduce the over-abundant
carp population on the
lake.
Carp are not native to America, but they have managed to establish a firm foot-hold throughout the continental U.S. and they range from central Canada to central Mexico. This species is one of the most widely distributed fish species in North America, and also one of the most detrimental.
Carp are bottom feeders and their feeding habits are very destructive to the waters that they inhabit. They “root” down into the bottom much like pigs do when they are looking for food. This activity stirs up sediment and uproots aquatic plants. The sediment gets suspended- therefore creating muddy water that light cannot penetrate. The lack of sunlight kills plants that are necessary for underwater life. Carp have also been proven to eat the eggs of more popular game fish. Bowfishing plays an important role since we can selectively harvest these destructive fish while leaving game fish unharmed.
the event, it gives the kids
some extra shot
opportunities that they
may not normally get.
They also receive the
adult’s full, undivided
attention.
All children 17 and under
were welcome to
participate. Trophies were
awarded to the top three
places for each division.
There were three divisions
for both boys and girls as
well as an overall winner
for each. The top spots
were awarded to the
heaviest three fish for
each division. Additional
prizes were also handed out
for big fish, small fish, and
highest 3D score.
B.A.M. members Capt. Doug
Curey and Michigan
airboating/bowfishing legend
Ron Miller Sr. volunteered to
give airboat rides and bring
the kids bowfishing. The
airboat rides were a huge hit!
There was also a 3D archery
range where kids could shoot
a round of 10 shots for a
chance to win a trophy.
Since this is a bowfishing
tournament, if a child shoots
a fish, he/she would beat the
target shooters.
B.A.M. Youth Shoot Page 2
“When can we do this again?”
Morgan Helsel
(first-time bowfisher)
Before the tournament began, schools of carp could be seen spawning from shore. With a forecasted high temperature in the upper 80’s, the bright sunny day spurred high expectations of big fish and full barrels!
After a brief morning
meeting, the kids eagerly
headed off to the water at
9:00am. Most were armed
with bows and arrows, but
some of them were toting
spears. Michigan’s
spearing regulations and
bowfishing regulations are
shared. Bows and arrows
have a distinct advantage
over spears, but some of
the youngsters cannot pull
enough poundage to
penetrate a fish with a bow
yet. Therefore, spearing is
an accepted method of
Perfect Conditions Don’t Equal Fish in the Barrel
The beautiful weather and
intermittent schools of
spawning carp kept many
kids out on the water all day.
Most youngsters made a pit
stop at the landing for lunch,
popsicles, and some shade.
At the end of the day, eight
kids returned with a full 3 fish
stringer. Many kids
experienced bowfishing and
archery for the first time and
I have a feeling that we’ll see
them again next year.
harvest for the tournament.
The conditions were perfect,
but the fish proved that
bowfishing is not as simple
as shooting fish in a barrel.
Almost as if they had a sixth
sense, the spawning schools
of carp would sink in the
muddy water as the young
fishermen approached.
Finding fish was easy, but
getting the youngsters within
range with their light-
poundage bows was a
difficult task. The kids that
scored early in the morning
had an advantage since the
spawning activity diminished
throughout the day.
Occasionally, teams would
return to the landing for
some food and games.
Grilled hotdogs & chips were
on the menu for the hungry
fishermen. Most of the kids
quenched their thirst with
some Hi-C punch. The
evidence of the orange
punch was apparent in the
crowd of youngsters by
some impressive orange
mustaches!
The 3D range is always a
big hit with the kids and
adults alike. B.A.M.
member Rob Miller helped
the kids shoot their ten shot
round for a chance at a
trophy. After the child shot
his/her round, the range
was available for open
shooting. All of the kids had
fun slinging arrows at the
lifelike animals.
Aside from the archery, the
kids took turns playing
ladder ball, lawn jarts, and
washers. The popsicle
station was also a huge hit
with everybody!
Altogether, eight kids shot
their first fish during the
tournament! That is why this
tournament was created… to
get kids hooked on the
outdoors.
Lake Allegan is known for
their large population of
miniature carp, but Brian
Huddleston shot a whopper
10 pounder to claim the AMS
Retriever prize for big fish.
The best shot of the day was
by Ally Bruursema with her
1.0 lb carp to claim the
prize for the smallest fish.
The battle for the highest
3D score ended in a tie
between Julie Miller and
Christopher Russell with
an impressive score of 90
out of 100.
Our overall winners are
Sydney Huddleston with
3.6 lbs and Peter Pierson
with a 3 fish limit of 15.4
lbs.
Page 3 B.A.M. Youth Shoot
Girls 10 and Under
Place Name Age 3D Score
(Perfect: 100) Fish #1
Fish #2
Fish #3
Total Weight
1 Riley Becker 7
2.0
2.0
2 Ally Bruursema 9 31 1.0
1.0
3 Makenzy Heinselman 10 53
4 Delaney Bryce 9 48
5 Carlie Kowalewski 6 39
6 Keziah Metz 6 37
Boys 10 and Under
Place Name Age 3D Score
(Perfect: 100) Fish #1
Fish #2
Fish #3
Total Weight
1 Hunter Riggins 10
5.8 2.8 2.2 10.8
2 Riley Scofield 8 54 2.8 2.0 2.0 6.8
3 Ryan Donley 9
2.0 1.6
3.6
4 Gavin Fritz 9 61 3.0
3.0
5 Haiden Kowalewski 10 36 2.6
2.6
6 Eian Kowalewski 4 31 2.2
2.2
7 Riley Stout 9 59 1.4
1.4
8 Breslin Nykamp 5 49 (1 X)
9 Tanner Wolters 6 45
10 Max Edwards 9 36
11 Hunter Zeedyk 5 28
12 Noah Metz 4 28
13 Avery Bruursema 4 20
14 Isaiah Metz 2 DNF
Girls 11-14
Place Name Age 3D Score
(Perfect: 100) Fish #1
Fish #2
Fish #3
Total Weight
1 Sydney Huddleston 11 49 3.6
3.6
2 Morgan Helsel 11 66 2.0
2.0
3 Katelyn Helsel 11 51 1.8
1.8
4 Ashleigh Jarrard 11 59 (2X)
5 Brittany Lenhart 14 47
6 Brianna Lenhart 14 43
Final Standings
*= Small Fish **= Big Fish ***= Highest 3D Score
B.A.M. Youth Shoot Page 4
Boys 11-14
Place Name Age 3D Score
(Perfect: 100) Fish #1
Fish #2
Fish #3
Total Weight
1 Kadon Keon 14
7.6 2.6 2.4 12.6
2 (Tie) Gavin Keon 12
3.6 3.4 3.0 10.0
2 (Tie) Brian Huddleston 14 88 (1X) 10.0
10.0
3 Tanner Edewaard 14 78 3.6 2.6 2.2 8.4
4 Nick Tarman 13 57 2.0 2.0 1.8 5.8
5 Christopher Russell 14 90 2.6 2.2
4.8
6 Tyler Reeves 13 50 2.8 1.4
4.2
7 Seth Heinzelman 14 50 3.8
3.8
8 Elijah Metz 12 42 (1 X)
9 Hayden Fritz 11 80
10 Gavin Trewhitt 13 73
11 Evan Knigge 13 69
12 Maxwell Robrahn 11 61
13 Tyler Williams 11 48
14 Micah Metz 11 34
15 Zach Bryce 12 26
Girls 15-17
Place Name Age 3D Score
(Perfect: 100) Fish #1
Fish #2
Fish #3
Total Weight
1 Julie Miller 16 90 (1X)
2 Salena Gilson 15 88 (4X)
3 Hannah Metz 15 29
4 Caitlin Bell 16 DNF
Boys 15-17
Place Name Age 3D Score
(Perfect: 100) Fish #1
Fish #2
Fish #3
Total Weight
1 Peter Pierson 17 66 (2X) 9.8 3.0 2.6 15.4
2 Hunter Smith 16 42 2.8 2.6 2.0 7.4
3 Travis Potter 17
3.2 1.8
5.0
4 Austin Sloan 15 52 1.6 1.6
Final Standings Continued…
*= Small Fish **= Big Fish ***= Highest 3D Score
Page 5 B.A.M. Youth Shoot
“I fell in the water, but I
didn’t let my bow get wet!”
Hunter Zeedyk
(5 years old)
B.A.M. Youth Shoot Page 6
Many Hands Make Light Work
The Bowfishing Association of Michigan is dedicated to promoting,
educating, and protecting the sport of bowfishing. An affiliate of
Michigan United Conservation Clubs, BAM and MUCC work
together to preserve our sportsmen’s rights.
About Our Organization…
Bowfishing Association
of Michigan
Brian Gilson
E-MAIL: [email protected]
We’re on the Web!
See us at:
www.BowfishBAM.com
www.facebook.com/
Special Thanks To Our Generous Donors:
Thanks to a fantastic crew of
donors and volunteers, this event
will continue to grow and always be
100% free.
Download high-resolution pictures
and stay updated on our Facebook
page!
Facebook.com/MIYouthBowfishing
Also, keep an eye on
BowfishBAM.com for information
on next year’s event.
“Take a kid hunting and fishing. It’s
our future.”
Randy Woodward
Youth Bowfishing Assoc.
I think it is safe to say that our
second youth shoot was a
huge success. Eight kids shot
their first fish and everybody
had a great time. We had
twice as many kids this year,
but the effort involved to host
the shoot seemed easier than
last year. Why? The reason
is simple. Getting youth
involved in the outdoors is a
great cause. Youth events
bring out the best in people
and they get inspired to step
up to help the little ones. They
say that many hands make
light work and the saying is
definitely true.
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