AZ Desert Archer

05/19/2026

Local archers, here's an opportunity to test yourself!

05/01/2026

If you're interested and in the area.!

04/13/2026

CYS class tags for February and March. Finally got the laser engraver working!

04/10/2026

While helping the Tombstone JROTC Raiders prepare for their archery challenge later this month, one of the cadets did these at 8 yards: 48, 46, and 47 out of 50. Nice shooting!

03/23/2026

Our Scout Pack bridged two Arrow of Light Scouts to our Troop Saturday at Parker Canyon Lake. I got to loose the arrows that will hang under their plaques. I could have used the hybrid but the bare longbow was calling me.
30 #, about 25 yards.

02/03/2026

Student achievements for January

01/14/2026

In the past month I've added some certifications.

Last Friday I was certified as a NASP Basic Archery Instructor. This means I can teach NASP clubs and teams, and my short-term goal is to establish a NASP Homeschool team so homeschooled archers in the area can compete at local, state, and national events. There are currently no NASP clubs in Cochise County, so ours will be the first. Long-term, I hope to eventually establish NASP clubs at Buena and Tombstone, and possibly middle and charter schools in the area. NASP is for 4th through 12th grade, so there's plenty of opportunity to get kids hooked.

On Sunday I completed USA Archery's Level 3 National Training System Coach certification. Level 1 and 2 Instructors teach the basics, but Coaches take their students to the next level (pun intended). Level 3 & 4 Coaches are the ones taking our Team USA archers to World Championships and the Olympics. While I'd love to do that someday, I mainly took this course to learn more and better methods of helping my students become the best they can.

The week before Christmas I was certified as a Level 1 Judge. This means I can judge local and club events and assist at State events. It's like being the referee; you inspect equipment, ensure everyone follows the rules, and make scoring calls. Once again, I didn't really do this so I could be a judge at events, but so I could teach my archers how the judges are trained so they know their rights and what to look for.

All of this will help me when couseling the Scouting America Archery merit badge, because that's another chance to share all this information with new archers.

The Level 2 Instructor Trainer is where I certify new Level 1 and Level 2 Instructors. I've trained four so far, most recently yesterday. While I CAN certify anyone who applies, I will only do so when I've personally observed someone who not only loves archery, but actually cares about teaching. Remember, those who CAN, do, and those who DID, teach, so that those who MUST, succeed.

01/09/2026

I'm now a certified Basic Archery Instructor for the National Archery in the Schools NASP program. Next step is founding a homeschool NASP team!

12/22/2025

Parents, looking for an inexpensive target for home practice with those Genesis bows? Here's one for $36 if you use the 10% coupon:

The Homework Target is perfect for those NASP/youth shooters that want to practice in their backyard over Summer on a foam target with a bag cover.

12/12/2025

Tonight one of my students' parents brought in some prizes so we could have a contest, and this was one of them. Thanks, Jerry!