2026 Lancaster Archery Classic Dates Set

The 22nd version of the East Coast’s largest, annual indoor archery tournament will run Thursday, Jan. 22, through Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim, Pennsylvania.

Registration for the 2026 Classic will open in a few months, but archers can book their hotel rooms now and take advantage of special pricing Lancaster Archery Supply has negotiated with area hotel operators. Booking can be done by clicking here.

Also returning in 2026 will be the Easton Youth & Collegiate Trophy Tournament, which will run Jan. 24-25, also at Spooky Nook.

The Lancaster Archery Classic is the premiere archery event of the year — a must-attend for competitors, fans and industry representatives alike. With more than $300,000 in cash payouts and prizes, the unique competition format that emphasizes “survive and advance,” the unrivaled final shoot-ups featuring the high-risk, high-reward 12 ring and an electric atmosphere, the Classic is the gold standard for archery competition.

The 2025 edition of the Classic and Easton tournament saw more than 3,000 competitors, and the hope is for many more to attend in 2026. For those unfamiliar with the Classic or the Easton Youth & Collegiate Tournament, they can learn more about both competitions here.

National Deer Association Signs on as Official +ONE Partner

The National Deer Association (NDA)has joined the +ONE Movement, a national mentorship initiative led by NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, that encourages peer-to-peer mentorship in hunting and shooting sports. As an official +ONE Partner, NDA strengthens a national coalition of organizations working to recruit and support new hunters, ensuring the future of hunting and conservation.

Research shows that millions of people are interested in hunting but lack the knowledge or guidance to get started. By fostering peer-to-peer mentorship and supporting organizations with structured, adoptable mentorship programs, +ONE ensures new hunters have the resources, confidence and opportunities to participate. While individuals play a key role in mentoring others, +ONE Partners like NDA provide large-scale solutions that introduce new hunters to the field in a meaningful way.

As a leader in science-based deer management, hunter education and conservation advocacy, NDA is committed to uniting hunters, state and federal wildlife agencies, conservation groups and non-hunters in support of wild deer and their habitat. At the core of NDA’s R3 (Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation) efforts is its nationally recognized Field to Fork program, which provides structured, hands-on mentorship experiences to help new hunters develop the skills and confidence needed for success.

"Mentoring new hunters is about cultivating a legacy of stewardship and community,” said Elizabeth Kligge, Director of Hunter Recruitment. “That impact is magnified when we provide opportunities to those who need it the most and to those who are positioned to share that experience with others. These principles form the foundation of our Field to Fork program. We are proud to stand side by side with the NSSF as a +ONE partner, combining our mutual passion for conservation and multiplying our efforts to recruit a new wave of mentors."

“NDA’s Field to Fork program has helped to set the standard for structured, scalable mentorship programs in hunting,” said Justin Morrissey, NSSF Director, Social Media and +ONE Liaison. “By giving new hunters direct access to education, in-the-field experience and one-on-one mentorship, they are making hunting more accessible and welcoming to those who have the interest but struggle to find access and opportunity. We are proud to welcome NDA as a +ONE Partner.”

Through this partnership, NDA and NSSF will work together to expand hunting mentorship efforts, engage more first-time hunters and encourage experienced outdoorsmen and women to step into mentor roles. By supporting structured, hands-on programs like Field to Fork, the +ONE Movement continues to strengthen the future of hunting, shooting sports and conservation.

For more information on how to get involved, visit LetsGoHunting.org and LetsGoShooting.org.

NSSF Opens Hunting Heritage Trust Grant Applications

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has opened the application period for the 2025 Hunting Heritage Trust Grants that offer a total of $100,000 in support for programs that work to expand participation in hunting and the shooting sports.

Qualified non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may apply for a portion of this year’s $100,000 Hunting Heritage Trust Grant total, to be used to support recruitment, retention and reactivation programs, known collectively as R3 efforts. NSSF will place emphasis on programs that focus on increasing participation by attracting new participants and reactivating past participants.

Only project proposals submitted by and in the name of NGOs are eligible for funding. NSSF advises potential applicants to read the application guidelines carefully to fully understand which projects are, and are not, eligible for Hunting Heritage Trust Grant funding.

“We are excited to offer this new round of Hunting Heritage Trust Grants to encourage organizations to expand programs that facilitate participation among diverse groups in target shooting and hunting,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “We’ll be looking to reward programs that address the needs of this growing participant base. If you’ve got a program in mind that meets the grant guidelines, a Hunting Heritage Trust Grant can help elevate your efforts.”

Grant applications must be submitted through the application link provided on the NSSF HHGT webpage no later than 5 p.m. (Eastern time) April 18, 2025. All projects awarded grant funding in 2025 must be completed by February 9, 2026.

Please carefully review the grant application guidelines and the grant proposal outline before starting your application. The link to the online application can be found here.

If you have questions, email John McNamara, NSSF Managing Director, Member Services, at jmcnamara@nssf.org.

S3DA Hosts Record-Breaking 4th Annual Western Indoor National Championship

The Scholastic 3-D Archery (S3DA) program continues to make history, as the 4th Annual Western Indoor National Championship shattered previous records with over 250 youth archers competing. The event, held March 21-23, 2025, at the prestigious Easton Archery Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, brought together young archers from 21 teams across nine states, all vying for the title of Western Indoor National Champion in their respective class and age division.

For the second consecutive year, the Easton Archery Center served as the perfect backdrop for this high-energy tournament, providing a state-of-the-art facility designed to support archers of all skill levels, from beginners to elite competitors. S3DA Executive Director Holly Helton said, “Working with the Easton Archery Center to host this national championship is incredible. The infrastructure is already in place and the center design is nearly perfect for the large number of archers and spectators that S3DA draws, and that makes this tournament very efficient. S3DA National Sponsor, Bohning Archery, also had a representative on hand to answer questions and interact with the archers. We are always so appreciative of Bohning for going above and beyond to support S3DA!”

"It is so exciting to see the western tournaments grow in participation, as well as witness the level of competition continue to increase each year," said Andrea Waldridge, S3DA Western National Tournament Director. "This year, there were numerous shooters who shot 300s, including an Eagle archer, Alaska Harris, who shot 59 Xs! This growth is a direct result of the dedication and commitment of the archers, as well as the parents, coaches, and coordinators who support them. It is an honor to serve in this role as tournament director, and we are excited to continue expanding opportunities for youth archers across the western region.”

The Western Indoor National Championship is more than just a competition – it is a celebration of sportsmanship, precision, and passion for archery. As S3DA continues to grow nationwide, this tournament serves as a key steppingstone for many young athletes aspiring to compete at higher levels.

National Archery Association Foundation Becomes the USA Archery Foundation

The name may have changed, but the incredible role it plays in helping grow the sport of archery has not, with the National Archery Association Foundation now known as the USA Archery Foundation.

Back in the 1980s, an endowment was begun, to create a foundation to provide funding to support the National Archery Association (i.e. USA Archery). This was the start of the National Archery Association Foundation. For many years, this organization managed the endowment, and earnings on those endowed funds were used to directly support USA Archery. Each year, USA Archery requests a grant, which is paid out from the Foundation.

As USA Archery continues to grow the sport at all levels and find the financial resources needed to support our athletes, the USA Archery Foundation has rebranded, and engaged a dynamic and talented board of directors. The USA Archery Foundation will be actively fundraising to support the organization.

Unlike other nations, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports receive no government funding. As a nonprofit, USA Archery, its athletes, and the sport's future is directly supported by the USA Archery Foundation.

USA Archery receives crucial financial support from the USA Archery Foundation, which in turn is poured into expanding access and growing the sport at all levels, from grassroots to elite athletes.

How are Donations Used?

• To develop talent by supporting youth, adults, and para athletes
• To fund grants for local clubs, college teams and high-performance programs
• To advance world-class coaching at all levels

Learn more about the USA Archery Foundation by clicking here. There are also ways to donate, either a general donation or to the Team28 donor program, which is designed to ensure elite archers are supported heading into the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles three years from now.