Ohio Mixed Bag: National Match Highlights Available Through Online Portal

Port Clinton, Ohio — The annual National Matches at Camp Perry are underway, bringing several thousand competitors to northern Ohio to take part in a marksmanship tradition that dates back to 1907.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) annually presents four weeks of marksmanship competitions at its headquarters location, Camp Perry, in Port Clinton, Ohio. Following a successful week of Bullseye Pistol, Smallbore, and Air Gun events, the focus now shifts to Highpower Rifle and Vintage Rifle before concluding with Mid- and Long-Range competitions, where competitors test their skills at distances up to 1,000 yards.

The CMP has partnered with Shooting USA to produce weekly video updates, which will be posted each Friday throughout the month-long event. John Scoutten, host of the National Match News Desk, said, “I’m honored to report on such a prestigious event and announce winners throughout the week. The primary goal of the CMP and Shooting USA is to promote the shooting sports and this is an endeavor to do just that. Every competitor who comes to Camp Perry has a unique story to tell, and we are here to share those stories with our online audience.”

Each week’s video will feature top results, competitor highlights, vendor spotlights, and special interest stories. Stay tuned for weekly updates and be sure to bookmark the National Match News Desk web page to follow all the action.

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Maysville’s Caplinger NASP Grand Champion

Daytona Beach, Fla. — The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) introduced its inaugural Grand Champion award at the NASP Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, recognizing the nation’s most accomplished all-around student archers through a new season-long championship.

Isabella Caplinger, an eighth-grader at Maysville Middle School in Maysville, Ohio, was the grand champion in the girls division.

Unlike traditional titles that reward a single outstanding performance, the Grand Champion award recognizes archers who demonstrate consistent excellence across the entire season. To earn the title, competitors combined their scores from four premier NASP events: National Bullseye, National NASP 3D, Championship Bullseye, Championship NASP 3D.

Because Grand Champion standings remained confidential, only the scoring room team knew who was truly in contention. Throughout the weekend, archers and coaches were busy tallying scores and trying to predict the outcome, but the inaugural title wasn’t officially decided until the final flight of arrows had been scored, creating one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.

ODNR Accepts Safe Boating Award

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft was recently recognized by the National Safe Boating Council with a 2026 International Boating and Water Safety Summit Communication Award for Community Impact. The award honors the popular Paddling Knowledge Clinic inside the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fair.

Fairgoers can experience the award-winning paddling program and the beloved kayak pond inside ODNR’s beautiful Natural Resources Park during this year’s Ohio State Fair, held Wednesday, July 29 through Sunday, Aug. 9.

The award-winning kayak pond is one of the most visited attractions at the fair, providing hands-on paddling instruction and safety guidance to fairgoers.

Families, first-time paddlers, and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike can enjoy safe, guided kayaking and learn practical skills that encourage confidence on the water.

The Paddling Knowledge Clinic is a cornerstone of ODNR’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to outdoor recreation and promoting safe, responsible boating practices across the state. For more information about ODNR’s boating safety programs, visit ohiodnr.gov/boating.

5K In September To Benefit Ottawa NWR

Oak Harbor, Ohio — Lace up your running shoes and experience one of northwest Ohio’s most beautiful race courses during the Run for the Refuge 5K Run/Walk & Otter Trot 1-Mile Fun Run, taking place on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.

Hosted by the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in celebration of National Public Lands Day, this family-friendly event welcomes runners, walkers, families, and nature lovers of all ages. Participants will enjoy a scenic course through one of Ohio’s premier wildlife destinations while helping support conservation, environmental education, and visitor programs at the refuge.

In addition to the races, participants and spectators can enjoy educational exhibits, community partners, live wildlife ambassadors from Back to the Wild, refreshments, and opportunities to learn more about Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and the wildlife that call it home.

The Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge is the nonprofit partner supporting Ohio’s only National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Funds raised through the event help provide educational programming, habitat restoration projects, volunteer initiatives, youth conservation experiences, and improvements that enhance the visitor experience throughout the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Registration is now open. Early registration is encouraged at www.runsignup.com/runfortherefuge. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, or additional race information, email Aimee at friendsofottawanwr@gmail.com or 419-707-7756.