State archery tournament returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines March 1-3

An estimated 2,300 students from more than 140 schools from across Iowa will be in the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center and the 4H Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines on March 1-3, to participate in the 18th National Archery in the Schools Program State Tournament. This is the largest youth archery tournament in Iowa.

Iowa student participation in the National Archery in the Schools Program has grown each year beginning from scratch in 2006 to now more than 4,600 participants in 2024.

“The National Archery in the Schools Program is an excellent youth sports program because it has no limitation. Students of all physical and athletic abilities can partake and succeed,” said Zach Benttine, archery coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Archery is safe, personally rewarding, and teaches many life lessons.”

Competition begins at 5 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The bullseye competition will be in the Jacobson Center where 50 targets will be set up allowing 100 participants to shoot at a time. The 3D competition will be in the 4H building with 30 targets set up allowing 60 participants to shoot at a time. 

Admission is $5 for 18 and older, 17 and younger are free. Participants and coaches are allowed free admission to the Iowa Deer Classic at the Iowa Events Center upon showing their official wristband. 

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Archers Shoot for College Cash & Equipment

Archers participating in the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program can earn money for college. More than $20,000 will be awarded in college scholarships based on performance at the state tournament.

An additional $10,000 will be awarded outside of the state competition to archers participating in the program based on academics, essays, and other established criteria.

Teams also placing at the state tournament will also be eligible to receive an estimated $18,000 in equipment for their schools. 

Scholarships are provided by Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, Whitetails Unlimited, Iowa Bowhunters Association, Safari Club International, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Haney Family Foundation, Chuck Hallier Memorial, and the National Archery in the Schools Program.

For more information on the Iowa Archery in the Schools Program visit www.iowadnr.gov/nasp.