08/31/2026
Being a Hunter Ed/Bowhunter Instructor for the State of Idaho Department of Fish & Game, I get to help out at the Fish & Game youth archery 🏹 exhibit at the Kootenai County Fair.
This year Kostas was officially allowed to assist us. We worked the opening shift today from 11am-2pm, and helped around 80 of our North Idaho youth.
They were given pre-shot instruction by Craig Phillips, a veteran of Fish & Game for almost 3 decades. His instruction included first identifying their dominant hand, then their dominant eye, proper grip of the bow, proper horizontal position when knocking the arrow on the string, making sure proper position of the fletching, rotating the bow to vertical, grip on the string, draw back to your face, finding your aim, and letting it fly.
Before allowing the youth onto the firing line, they all have to acknowledge that they will keep the arrow and bow aimed down range at all times, treating it like a fi***rm.
Once they pass the safety pre-shot instruction, they are fitted with a forearm guard, and directed to a shooting position. From there Craig, Kostas & myself assisted/observed everyone as they shot. Parents are always allowed to assist their children, who are smaller and a little shyer than others.
This was the 4th year I have volunteered, and every year it is an amazing time.
Can’t wait for next year!
