Once again it is time for the major traditional archery event of the year – the annual Sterkrivier traditional shoot. This year marks its tenth anniversary

Nelius Mostert interviewed Henk Du Plessis, organizer of this event, and asked him what can be expected at this special gathering of stickbow shooters.

Q: What made you start this competition in the first place, and what do you remember most when you look back over the last nine years of Sterkrivier shoots?
A: Back in 1997, traditional archery was waning and something had to be done to change this. In those days I used to introduce some of my hunting clients to the stickbow and found them to be quite interested, but for most of us who wanted to compete, only compound competitions were available, which was fine, as they accommodated traditional archers.

However, these events simply ‘did not do it’ for most traditional archers, so I decided to start a competition for traditional archers only, catering for the real outdoorsman and with a shooting range that was practical but also challenging. My thinking was that if people who are interested in traditional archery could come together, get to know each other, exchange ideas and have a lot of fun, we could make something of this game. We might even get it to grow and share with others what we’ve enjoyed for so long.
What I remember most is the Sterkrivier competition where I was positioning myself to shoot a target from under a low bush. Suddenly everybody shouted to me to stay perfectly still because there was a mamba right next to me and they all got ready to shoot at it. I will never know how many arrows missed me that day, but luckily they all did and someone killed the snake.

Q: What can competitors expect on the bow range?
A: I try to make it challenging and practical, as in a hunting scenario. Most of the targets are within 30 yards, but there are a few that are further, just to keep it challenging. I also have a warthog on a slide, as well as a baboon high up in the branches of a tree at an angle of 80° from the mark.
You can expect a bush experience next to the river, open veldt, moving through trees and bushes and over a cliff – all in all, a real outdoor excursion.

Q: I’ve heard about your famous fun shoots; what can we expect?
A: I’ve put up some interesting stuff this time. Naturally, those all-time favorites, such as archery golf and golden arrow, will feature as well. Archers will shoot at aerial targets and water bottles. New this year will be the wand shoot. I guess you’ll have to come and see for yourself what that is all about.

Q: What can we buy on the day and is there anything available in traditional gear?
A: There will be a stall with refreshments and snacks for sale, and a tuck-shop at camp with drinks, hamburgers and more. Breakfast will also be on sale for those who don’t want to struggle with fires in the morning, or cannot wait to take up their bow to practice.

The likes of Derek Nourse, Johnny Snyman, Jaco Wessels and Johan van der Merwe from Combretum Traditional Bows will also be available with bows, arrows fletches, arm guards, strings and a lot more for sale. For those who only want to check things out, Cecil Lourens will have some bows and arrows to rent during the competition.

Q: Anything special planned for the evenings?
A: Fires and “pap and gravy” will be provided and Johan Smit and Johnny Snyman will entertain us with the guitar, harmonica and sing-alongs.

Q: How will the children and women be accommodated in the competition?
A: Children and women will shoot from different markers.

Q: What do you have in mind for prizes?
A: There will be prizes in all categories where an entry fee is paid, as well as some lucky draws afterwards, one of which will be a bamboo-backed bow made by me. The bow is only to be won by adult men and will be made to the winner’s specifications. This year there will be prizes to the worth of plus minus R14 000 at the Sterkrivier Shoot.

Q: Tell me more about the programme.
A: Everybody is welcome to arrive on Thursday 26 April and put up camp. On Friday we will start with a whole day of fun shooting events. The official competition will run on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. A Church service will be held on Sunday 07:30. On Monday we will proceed with a broadhead competition that will start at 08:00, with about 14 targets. Thereafter a “spitbraai” will be held, followed by the prize giving. Naturally, everybody is welcome to stay over until Tuesday before departing. Fridges will be available for those who need to keep meat cold.

The “spitbraai is gratis to competitors who have competed on all three days. Those who have only competed on one or two of the days, as well as family and guests will have to pay a fee of R40. The programme, thus, is as follows:
Friday: funshoots begin at 9:00.
Saturday: first round begins at 09:00.
Sunday: morning church begins at 07:30; second round begins at 09:30.
Monday: third round (part of the competition) is a broadhead round over 14 targets that begins at 08:00, prize-giving at 13:00.

Q: Anything else you want us to know?
A: Yes, if anyone wants to come over just to see what is happening, please feel free to do so at no cost. If you visit us during the Sterkrivier competition you will get a clear impression of what traditional archery is all about. There will be enough knowledgeable people on hand to answer all your questions about traditional shooting. So visit us and see for yourself.
All the funds that are not used hosting the competitions will be given back to the competitors in the form of prizes. This year there will only be quality prizes!

All persons who have taken part in all the Sterktivier competitions, as well as all the winners, must please contact Henk – there is something special for them.