bushland behind Nambucca Beach Holiday Park at the weekend, competing in the 2009 National 3D Archery Association of Australia (3DAAA)

championships.

Competitors had to contend with hot, humid conditions, leeches and green ants as well as one of the most challenging courses ever seen at this level.

Lifelike animal targets were set in natural bushland at unmarked distances.

The titles attracted 278 of the association’s top shooters, all vying for national honours and final points in the Shooter of the Year competition, which is determined by points accumulated at events throughout the year.

Local archers to stand out at the nationals were Mike Parker, from Gumma, taking out the Male Compound Unaided division; the Steven Reeks Memorial trophy; Shooter of the Year; and the Top 10 Barebow Shootout.

Ebony Parker from Gumma, competing in Youth Female, placed third and was also named Female Youth Shooter of the Year.

Merrylyn Sheather from Nambucca Heads won her Female Bowhunter Open division.

Mike O’Neil from Gumma placed third in the Recurve Unaided division and was a participant in the Top 10 Barebow Shootout.

Visiting American professional archer Darrin Christenberry was a popular speaker at ‘Meet the Pro’ night at Nambucca Heads Bowing Club on the Saturday evening.