By By Steve Swogetinsky / special to The Star
June 20, 2004
Kirk Smithhart of Madison shot a couple of arrows. Then he stopped and used his binoculars to see where he was hitting the field target. He made an adjustment on his bow and shot again.
That may sound a little technical, but Smithhart said he was only adjusting his sights.
"This is no an exact science," he said with a smile. "The sights were old and I was shooting to the left."
Smithhart, who has been shooting with a bow since 1967, was one of about 85 competitors expected to compete in the Archery competition in the State Games of Mississippi this weekend. The competition is being held at Bonita Lakes. It is divided by age, gender and skill level.
Also, there were two forms of competition: Targets and field 3-D classes.
"Most competitors will shoot the targets first," said veteran hunter Glynn Beasley of the Queen City Bowhunters Club. "Then they will go to the 3-D course. There are 25 targets (life-sized in the form of animals such as deer) along the course, and it takes about three hours to complete it."
It was the first time Meridian bowhunter Michael Nowell competed in the State Games, and he said he enjoyed it.
"It's good competition, but I didn't start practicing until last week," said Nowell.
Veteran bowhunter Jerry Allen of Ellisville said it helps him get ready for deer season this fall. "I've been competing for six years and enjoy it," Allen said. "It helps you stay sharp."
Wade Smith, the event commissioner, said final results would be posted after the competition ends late this afternoon.