Ardent Archers

Equipping others with the gear, skill, and confidence to become a successful archery hunter

Archery deer hunting is an activity that allows individuals to have up close encounters with one of Minnesota’s most majestic animals, the white-tailed deer. While there are few who partake in this sport and don’t become passionately involved, there are many who never even get the opportunity. There are financial, cultural, and learning curve barriers that can be huge obstacles in terms of being introduced to the sport. Ardent Archers was formed as a platform to eliminate these barriers so that the transition from non-hunter to hunter is a smooth and easily accessible one.

How It Works

Classroom/ Shooting Sessions
The program begins with a culmination of classroom and practice shooting sessions.  Participants meet once a week (usually in August) to learn about different aspects of whitetail archery hunting such as deer behavior, using different stands, field dressing deer, and finding good hunting spots.  The group will also spend the second half of the sessions practicing shooting.

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Group Hunts
Upon completing the classroom and practice sessions, each program attendee will participate in a group hunt.  During these hunts participants have great opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to the test in areas that are preselected for their deer abundance.  It is a wonderful blend of camaraderie and skill building in a sport that is nothing short of addicting.

Giving Veterans a New Passion
Ardent Archers was originally formed as a program solely for disabled Veterans. Our camaraderie driven style provides a familiar atmosphere for Veterans as they get to learn, practice, and hunt with their military peers. The majority of our Veteran participants learned about Ardent Archers through our collaboration with Wounded Warrior Project.

Creating Diversity In the Hunting Community
Ardent Archers is open to any willing individuals, and we furthermore seek to actively create more diverse populations within the hunting community.

Creating Awareness About Local Archery Clubs and Shops
Ardent Archers currently runs its program at South Forty Archery Range in Lakeville, MN. This beautiful club sits on a huge plot of wilderness land and has many different target stations for shooting. The club also hosts various shooting events that are tons of fun. Our participants are encouraged to continually frequent the club even after the program s complete.

For 2023 the gear for the program is purchased through All Seasons Sports in Delano MN. In the past we have also give through A-1 Archery in Hudson WI and Bwana Archery in Little Canada MN.

Creating Awareness of Places to Hunt
Minnesota has tremendous hunting locations all across the state. Part of the program is to create awareness about these areas so that folks can have the opportunity to become familiar and accustomed with places that they can recreationally enjoy all throughout the year.