Jay Mykietyn is aiming for his biggest target yet at this year’s Mad Trapper’s archery shoot.
The ninth annual shoot took place over the weekend with fundraising earmarked for the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Association Burn Fund.
“It’s getting more and more popular and more successful each year,” said Mykietyn, organizer of the event, adding that over 50 archers went through the course.
The goal for this year’s event was to raise between $8,000 and $10,000 — which Mykietyn believes is totally attainable.
“Last year I predicted between $5,000 and $6,000 and we got $5,500,” he said, noting the success of the raffle tickets and food throughout the day. That money went to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Mykietyn added the final tally won’t be determined for a couple of weeks until all donations have been signed, sealed and delivered.
David Como, firefighter and Trail’s representative for the Burn Fund, said Mykietyn approached them and asked if they would like to partner up this year.
“We thought it would be a good idea for a fundraiser this year, we’re always looking for something different to do.”
The crew helped out from the beginning, getting involved with cutting trails, setting up targets, getting licenses and prizes, printing advertising materials and more.
This year the event saw lots of new faces from new places and Mykietyn also tried some new things with the shoot this year — including partnering with KBS radio and setting up a new course.
“The course is more challenging and more fun — like, we’ve got a little saddle down there you have to sit on and shoot (the target) but not with your own bow, with a kid’s bow, so everybody’s on the same page. Which is cool, they’re all having a blast down there trying it out.”
Vernon’s Aaron Frye got his first taste of the Mad Trapper shoot and enjoyed every minute.
“It’s been awesome, super cool actually and a great day,” said Frye, who was in the region visiting family in Nelson.
“Very cool up and down shots, but I don’t like the flying turkey — I got a zero!”
The event featured more than $8,000 in prizes — including a guided fishing trip, $250 worth of gas and ladies jewelry.
Mykietyn acknowledged the support of the event’s sponsors, saying they’re very important to the success of the event.