SUAMICO, WI -- This weekend, deer hunters across Wisconsin will keep the tradition alive during the state's nine-day gun deer season.
But there's another tradition that's growing fast. And as the members of Golden Arrow Archery Club in Suamico will tell you, archery is getting more people to head outdoors.
About 15 minutes north of Green Bay, hidden within the late fall foliage of Wisconsin's northwoods, is a club that's all about the bow.
"We're here to accommodate every form of archery possible," says club President Aaron Cleven, "whether it's kids, crossbows, compound, recurve--you name it, we can help them."
With every release of an arrow straight into a bullseye dozens of yards away, it's clear that Cleven is an experienced archer.
"It is a sport of discipline," explains Cleven. "It sharpens your focus."
When Cleven isn't busy bringing archery to the masses at local expos, he's bringing people here to take a shot at it.
"If it's right before a season, you might see 40 people here," explains Cleven.
Today is quieter at the club because, for bow hunters, deer season has been underway since mid-September.
"Actually, we're standing in Brown County right now, which is a metro unit, which runs through the end of January," adds Cleven. "So, you have a lot of time, and a lot of opportunities to be a bow hunter."
Cleven says, with two deer in the bag already, it's been a good season.
"The adrenaline gets going a little bit more," explains Cleven, "because you have to wait for the right moment to draw your bow when the deer isn't looking."
Those monitoring the deer herd say this year should see solid numbers in Northeast Wisconsin.
"I expect hunters to have a good time afield," says David Halfmann, of the DNR. "Again, the forecast and the population are doing pretty well in this area."
If you're a hunter who likes an adrenaline rush, Cleven says the average deer taken by a bow hunter in the Badger State is shot at a distance of just 14 yards.
But it's not just a passion for hunting that's drawing the next generation of archers. Cleven says the silver screen deserves a lot of credit.
"You've got the 'Hunger Games' movies," says Cleven, "and Disney['s] 'Brave'."
As a competitive target archer himself, Cleven is hopeful for the future of archery in the Badger State.
"It's a way to better ones self," he adds.
And, while archery is a sport, passion, or even a hobby that everyone can truly enjoy, Cleven says you'll enjoy it even more with a little practice.
"Lots and lots of practice," Cleven adds, laughing.
And if you're a total newcomer who's intimidated by a big, flashy bow, Cleven says don't be as help is within sight.
"Get a little instruction, and it will be a lot more fun," says Cleven, "because you'll hit what you're aiming at a lot faster."
It's help that Cleven says is ready and waiting at Golden Arrow.
