The last weekend of February in Tennessee is a fickle beast. One moment, a biting wind whispers of winter’s lingering grip; the next, a warm sun hints at the spring awakening. This unpredictable dance of seasons perfectly mirrored the excitement and anticipation swirling around the Buck Hollow Bowhunters Pre-Spring Fling, a traditional archery shoot that had drawn me, and countless others, to its rustic embrace.
Buck Hollow, nestled deep within the rolling hills, is a haven for traditional archers. The air, crisp and clean, carried the scent of damp earth and budding trees, a welcome change from the stale air of winter. As I pulled my truck through Sylvia and parked on the grounds, a symphony of sounds greeted me: the rhythmic thwack of arrows hitting targets, the cheerful banter of fellow archers, and the distant crackling of campfires where people were warming up in between shooting sessions.
A Community Forged in Wood and String
The organizers, a group of dedicated volunteers from Buck Hollow Archery Club, greeted everyone with genuine smiles and a shared passion for the sport. There was no pretension here, just a collective love for the simplicity and challenge of traditional archery. As I gathered my scorecard and a map of the course, I felt a sense of belonging, a connection to a community bound by the shared pursuit of skill and tradition.
But the Fling offered more than just the thrill of the shoot. It was a reunion of sorts. As I walked around, I spotted several familiar faces. Thirty years melted away as I reconnected with old high school buddies and friends I’d shot traditional archery with many years ago. I remember shooting at the Baggett’s home 3-D course before they started the Buck Hollow Archery Club. We reminisced about old times, shared stories of our lives, and marveled at how our shared passion for the bow had brought us back together. It added a layer of warmth to the chilly weekend, a reminder of the enduring power of friendship and shared interests. I also met up with two friends, and we shot the 3-D course together.
Shooting the 3-D Course
The course itself was a masterpiece of natural design, weaving through the dense woodlands and steep hills of Buck Hollow that still had snow on the ground. 3D targets, meticulously placed to simulate real hunting scenarios, challenged archers of all skill levels. From the wary boar lurking behind a cluster of trees to the elusive turkey perched on a steep hillside, each shot demanded focus, precision, and a keen understanding of trajectory. One particularly challenging target was set behind a small hole in a hollowed out tree that you had to shoot through. Around mid-dayHow, the weather began to change.
Shooting the 3-D course with old friends was a delightful challenge, a playful test of skill that kept us all on our toes. My arrows often strayed outside the 10 ring, providing plenty of good-natured ribbing from my friends, but each shot was an opportunity to learn and adapt. We navigated the course together, laughing at missed shots, celebrating well-placed arrows, and offering friendly pointers. It wasn’t about perfect scores; it was about the shared experience, the thrill of the hunt, and the joy of friendly competition amongst fellow archers. The challenge of the varied terrain and the lifelike targets spurred us on, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere where the spirit of camaraderie truly shone.
Hometown Country Cooking
After shooting the 3-D course, a wave of hunger swept over me. Fortunately, the organizers had prepared a feast fit for a champion. In a heated pavilion, adorned with picnic tables and cheerful banners, a spread of home-cooked delicacies awaited us. There were cheeseburgers dripping with melted cheese, chili dogs with a kick, and golden-brown French fries. For dessert, we had a mouthwatering array of options: heath bar cake, peanut butter pie, and banana pudding. As I sat with my friends, surrounded by the aroma of sizzling burgers and laughter, I realized that the Buck Hollow Pre-Spring Fling was not just about the archery; it was also about the camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the simple joy of good food and good company.
The Art of the Trad Bow: A Living Tradition
After lunch, the sun came out and warmed the day into the mid-40’s, which was a welcome change from the high teens of the early morning. I explored the vendor booths, a treasure trove of handcrafted bows, arrows, and traditional archery gear. The craftsmanship on display was inspiring. Each bow, a unique work of art, told a story of the bowyer’s skill and dedication. I spent hours talking to the bowyers, learning about the different woods, the intricacies of bow design, and the history of traditional archery. They also let me shoot their bows to experience the quality first hand.
One particular conversation with the Jonathan Adams, the bowyer of Ol Battle Bows, left a lasting impression. He spoke of the connection between the archer and the bow, the feeling of drawing back the string, and the satisfaction of a well-placed shot. He emphasized the importance of measuring ourselves against God’s Standard, not the world or man’s standards. His words resonated deeply with me, reminding me that traditional archery was more than just a sport; it was a living tradition, a link to our heritage and our Creator.
Passing the Torch: The Kids’ Shoot
One of the highlights of the weekend was the kids’ shoot. A target area with 3-D targets and balloons, designed specifically for young archers, was set up near the main pavilion. Watching the youngsters, some barely taller than their bows, taking shots at the targets with focused determination was truly heartwarming. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and the smiles on their faces as they hit their targets were priceless. It was a reminder that the tradition of archery is alive and well, and that the future of the sport is in good hands.
A Farewell to Buck Hollow, Until Next Year
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the valley, the shoot came to an end. The awards ceremony, held under a makeshift tent, was a celebration of skill, camaraderie, and the spirit of traditional archery. Although I didn’t win any awards, I left Buck Hollow with a sense of fulfillment, a feeling that I had participated in something truly special.
The Buck Hollow Bowhunters Pre-Spring Fling was more than just a competition; it was a gathering of like-minded individuals, a celebration of tradition, and a testament to the enduring appeal of the longbow and recurve. As I drove away, the smoke of the campfires of Buck Hollow fading into the distance, I knew I would be back next year, eager to once again immerse myself in the world of traditional archery. The memory of the crisp air, the camaraderie, and the thrill of the shot would linger, a reminder of the magic that unfolds in the heart of Tennessee during the pre-spring thaw.
