Barber Ranch archery shoot this weekend

The Bear Paw Bowmen Archery Club this weakend will be hosting its family-friendly Barber Ranch Two-Day Archery Shoot in the Bear Paw Mountains near Lloyd for the 19th year in a row.

The event is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

It's the family-oriented atmosphere that makes the event unique, Archery Club President Clyde Thomas Jr. said.

"With the concept of 'family sport and fun' in mind, the shoot has become an annual family vacation spot for well over 400 shooters and families that's continually growing every year. In fact, the shoot has become somewhat of an international event, with equal amounts of Canadian shooters as well as shooters from several neighboring states," a statement for the event says.

Thomas said the Barber Ranch Shoot is the largest archery shoot in the state.

The shoot happens on private land, where four courses with 20 targets are spread out on the large swath of land, all to prevent "bottle-necking," Thomas said.

The event has shoots for every age, and a free beef barbecue dinner will be provided Saturday, made possible by special contributions from corporate sponsors.

Participants can also expect to win prizes.

Following the competitions and awards Sunday afternoon, the club will offer raffles, live and silent auctions, and bonus prizes.

"Each year, club members attempt to solicit as many local and national donations as possible in order to try to ensure that everyone leaves with at least one prize," the statement says.

Proceeds from the shoots are donated to local charities, scholarship funds and community improvement.

The shoot was started by a group of young guys in Havre who knew the Barbers and asked if they could have an archery shoot, Thomas said.

The event has grown exponentially since.