4J Archery Grand Finale 3D Shoot Off a Success
Bill Cooper 9-6-16
4J Archery, north of St. James, is owned and operated by Bryan and Janet Jenkins. In just four years they have brought 4J Archery to the forefront of archery shops and ranges in the Midwest. Over Labor Day weekend they hosted the grande finale 3D competition to wrap 2016 activities.
“Archery is a passion for us,” Janet said. “Bryan, my husband, introduced me to archery and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
“I’ve bow hunted for well over 20 years, Bryan stated. “I love bowhunting so much, opening a bow shop seemed like a natural step. And there was a need for a quality 3D range in this area, so we took the steps to make it happen.”
Quality begets success and the Jenkins have clearly demonstrated they are all about quality, service and hard work. The Labor day weekend shoot provided a perfect example.
A phenomenal 133 archers showed up to participate in the Labor Day Weekend 3D Shoot Out. They came from all over central and southern Missouri.
Youngsters, men, women and families enjoyed the 3-D course, which meandered its way through an oak-hickory forest, intermittent stream and open fields. A variety of 3-D animal targets placed at various ranges gave competing archers targets to shoot at under realistic conditions.
Dent-Phelps R-3 student Anna Howard has been participating in archery competitions for three years as part of the National Archery in the Schools Program. In 2016 she placed 14th among hundreds of Missouri students in her grade. The 4J Archery range is a regular part of her practice routine.
Brian and Sheila Arthur, of Edgar Springs, were on the course with their two children Austin and Callie. According to Brian, they have been enjoyed archery for a long time. “We love to shoot,” Brin said. “It is something we can do as a family. Too, it allows us to get outside and get some exercise together.”
Mike Turnbough, of Steelvile, shot the course with his two sons, Mikey and Austin. “We love it,” Mike stated. “The folks at 4J maintain an excellent 3D course and they put on some quality events. I recommend this place for anyone who is into archery.”
The Turnboughs are definitely into archery. Mike is a Pro Staffer for Commando Hunting Products. Mike took third in the men’s Known Distance Division, while Mikey took first place in the Junior Youth Division and Austin took first in the Cubs Division.
Justin Sapp and the crew of “Keepin’ It in the Ozarks” Online TV Show shot through the course as well. Shooting gave them a much needed break from filming and editing shows.
After all shooters completed the course, everyone gathered at the range by the archery shop. The top 5 shooters in each category, for the year, then competed for three places.
When all scores were tallied, the winers for the Ladies Division were 1. Lacey Crain of Rolla, 2. Kristine Gerbing of Edgar Springs and 3. Sheila Arthur of Edgar Springs.
In the Men’s Bowhunter Division, First Place went to Bill Edwards of Rolla, 2nd to Josh McBride of Rolla and 3rd to Lonnie Heinbaugh.
In the Men’s Open Division, national archery champion Dusty Snelson, of St. James, tool First Place, while Kevin Stricklin of Sullivan took 2nd and Richard Rawson of Farmington took 3rd.
In the Men’s Know Distance competition, once again Dusty Snelson took top honors, with Wes Kinder of Licking taking 2nd and Mike Turnbough of Steelville taking 3rd.
In the Kids Cubs Division places were 1st. Austin Turnbough, Steelville, 3rd. Austin Arthur, Edgar Springs, 4th. Harlie King- Newburg.
In the Junior Youth Division, 1st. Mikey Turnbough, Steelville, 2nd. Callie Arthur, Edgar Springs, Placed, Zeke Turner, Newburg.
In the Youth 14-16 Division, Remington Boyer, of Sullivan, took 1st, while Allen Noltkamper, of Rolla, took second.
The competition proved keen in every category. “There were some excellent shooters in the competitions today,” said Dusty Snelson. “I really had to concentrate to make the necessary scores to win.”
Sideline activities included marshmallow golf. Many of the archers were fine golfers as well. It took a special finesse with the clubs to chip a fat marshmallow into a Grizzly cooler 10 yards away. What can you say. Competition is competition. Some just can’t resist a challenge.
Most of the crowd hung around for drawings for dozens of top quality give-a-ways. Tree stands, quivers, targets and a host of archery supplies sent everyone home happy.
Bill Edwards summed up the crowds feelings about 4J Archery. “Bryan and Janet Jenkins are two very fine people. They do an incredible job with the shop and range. Any one needing equipment, service n a bow, or if they simply want to shoot a range, 4J is the place to come.”
The Jenkins expressed their gratitude to their customers by providing free concessions for the day.
4j Archery hours are Monday and Tuesday 6pm.-9p.m. and Saturdays 9a.m.-2p.m. The phone number is 573-201-8659. Check them out at www.Facebook.com/4Jarchery, www.aoutdoorstv.com and www.Facebook.com/Outsidealways.
