Archers gather at annual Barber Ranch shoot

Three-hundred archers from all over the region and Canada gathered at Barber Ranch this weekend to compete in the 18th annual Bear Paw Bowmean Archery Shoot.

Anyone entering the Barber Ranch was confronted with a sign that said, "Welcome to the bow shoot. Please drive with care. Lots of children but none to spare."

The event hosted men, women and children archers, as well those who shot traditional and compound bows. Campers and tents filled the parking area. It was a very family-friendly atmosphere.

Luke and Jeannine Nickels, from Minot, North Dakota, came to shoot as a family. They brought their 11-year-old son, Ethan, who's been shooting bows for five years, he said.

Luke Nickels said the family has missed only two of the last 11 shoots.

The family of three was on one of the wooded courses. The courses had life-size plastic deer, bear, cubs, skunks and mountain goats spread out for shooting. The family found a deer and Luke Nickels and Jeannine Nickles shot at it, after which Ethan shot from a closer range. All three hit their target.

The Nickelses are originally from Glasgow, but have relocated to Minot, where Luke Nickels works at a gas company. They are looking forward to getting back to Montana one day, Luke Nickels said, with Jeannine Nickels nodding in agreement.

Amy Daniel of Havre was working the registration booth. She said the group holds other target shooting contests, such as the fun shoot, which is a more conventional target shoot.

A beef dinner was held Saturday night.