Folks, did you put up your bow after hunting season was over? Well, you shouldn’t have because you’re not done shooting.  It’s time to go to the target range!

We all know we need to practice consistently and stay in shooting shape for the next deer or turkey season and shooting 3D target archery during the summer is just the way to do that.

If you’ve not tried archery but have an itch to do so, this is a good time to start! You don’t have the cold weather to distract you, and you’ll be around some great people to learn from at the target range.

Summertime shootin’ is here

When our local archery clubs started their shooting season back in March, we knew it’d still be a little cool.

But the weekend I went, I put on my insulated bibs and stocking cap. I’m thankful that I had left them in the truck.

There were several of us running around that day, all bundled up like it was 20 below–it was fun!

Fast forward a few weeks, and the temperature is finally warming up even though it backsteps into winter at times. Crazy Ozark weather! You never know what to wear.

Protect yourself

Even though we’re excited about warmer weather, we’re not so excited about what comes with it: bugs, ticks, mosquitos, snakes, poison ivy and poison oak, and a host of allergies.

And let’s not forget about the sun. We are so excited to finally enjoy the sunshine that we often forget about the chance of getting a sunburn. I have a fair complexion and burn quickly, so I must use sunscreen even if most of the course is in the shade.

I guess I’m saying to start stocking up on bug spray and sunscreen. Watch for snakes and stay away from poison ivy and poison oak.  

The archery clubs we shoot at are extremely good at keeping the lanes clear, and the brush cut away. Rarely do we have any problems with bugs or ticks, and those ticks are just evil enough to track you down.

Wear something cool

To help stay comfortable, wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored, moisture-wicking fabric.

My husband’s favorite shirts have become these polyester/nylon shirts sold at Academy Sports and are considered fishing shirts. He loves them because they’re so lightweight and comfortable. They have mesh vents to keep you cool, allowing the fabric to dry quickly.

He’s bragged about them so much that I had to order a couple–they’ll be here by the weekend. I’ll let you know how they work.

Fluids, Fluids, Fluids

I know you know this, but I’m saying it anyway. Stay well hydrated! In this summertime heat, you can become dehydrated quickly, so always have a bottle of water handy.

Archery clubs are great at providing water stations throughout the course. Get you a clip-on bottle holder to clip to your belt loop or fanny pack, or if you carry a chair with you, make sure it’s got a bottle holder on it, too. My husband’s chair didn’t have one, so he bought a bicycle bottle holder and attached it to his chair. It works great!

Know the signs of heat stroke when on the target range and what to do

• Pounding headache
• Confusion or disorientation
• Light-headedness or feeling dizzy
• Decrease in sweating
• Dry, hot skin to the touch
• Stomach upset, nausea or vomiting
• Cramps or muscle fatigue
• Fast heart rate
• Fast,  shallow breathing
• Possible seizures or unconsciousness

If you think someone has heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. Keep 911 or the hospital emergency room on the line until medical help arrives.

Make sure the person is in the shade or, better yet, in the air conditioning. Try to cool the person by removing any extra clothing and fan the person while sponging him with water.

Applying ice packs or wet towels to the person’s armpits, groin, neck, head, and back may help the body cool. If possible, put the person in a shower or tub of cool water.

As you can see, heat stroke can be very serious. To help avoid heat stroke, stay hydrated, protect against sunburn, condition yourself to the heat a little at a time, and wear appropriate clothing, including a well-ventilated hat.

Most of the bow shoots we go to start around 9:00 am, so you can shoot early and avoid the hottest part of the day. Stay hydrated and cool, and enjoy your day on the archery range.

What are some of the ways you keep cool outdoors during the summer?