Iowa is home to dozens of archery clubs, indicating the popularity of the sport there. While clubs in Iowa run the gamut from field archery to bow hunting, the majority of Iowa archery clubs focus on 3D shoots and hunting. Regardless, there is a club for any Iowan interested in the physical and social benefits of archery.
History
Archery came to Iowa in about 500 B.C. when Native Americans discovered the advantages of a bow and arrow over a spear for hunting. Though primitive and little like the technologically advanced archery equipment of today, the early bows and arrows made by the Native Americans were able to kill animals as large as elk and bison. Fast forward to the 20th century, when the Mohawk Archery Club was formed in 1956. It's likely the oldest Iowa archery club still shooting. The sport has grown tremendously since then, now as a sport of precision as well as a method of hunting.
Physical Benefits
The physical benefits of archery likely have something to do with its popularity in Iowa and elsewhere. It is a sport that builds stamina and strength, especially in the core muscles. People enjoy archery because it provides exercise and a fun thing to do outdoors. The sport is accessible to anyone who can hold a bow. People of either gender and almost any age and size can participate. Technology makes archery accessible to those confined to wheelchairs as well, and has become popular enough that there is an archery Olympics specifically for wheelchair-bound archers. Many Iowa clubs accommodate disabled members. Mohawk Archery Club is particularly welcoming to all.
Social Benefits
The social benefits of joining an archery club include planned activities and events with others who enjoy the sport, the ability to learn to shoot with your peers, and the opportunity to volunteer or take a leadership role in the sport. Archery is inclusive and noncompetitive, making it particularly good for those who are not traditionally athletic. It builds focus, concentration and confidence, which makes it an especially good sport for children. Because archery is accessible to all, clubs are a good way for an entire family to participate together.
Club Types
Iowa's bounty of archery clubs means there is a wide variety of club types. Most clubs in Iowa emphasize 3D shooting and bow hunting, likely because Iowa is one of the best locations in the world to hunt whitetail deer. As a subset of the bow hunting group, there are clubs that cater specifically to those interested in traditional bow hunting only, which is the use of traditional bows and arrows rather than the latest in bow technology. Other clubs emphasize field archery, which involves a challenging course of varying terrain and targets placed at varying distances from one another. These clubs tend to be youth- and teaching-oriented. Clubs also vary in terms of social opportunities, with clubs like Iowa Bowhunters sponsoring a weekend-long Fall Festival and a Spring Banquet, while other clubs exist more for the organizing of group hunting events or competitive shoots.
Considerations
Given the variation in club emphasis in Iowa, be aware of exactly what you want from your membership before jumping in. You will want to be with like-minded people and join a club that offers the kinds of lessons, shoots and activities you're looking for. Once you decide, take time to learn the club rules and etiquette at shoots. They can vary slightly, and it is best to know the dos and don'ts in advance. Many club rules involve safety, so pay particular attention to those.
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