Taking aim, using bows and arrows (13 photos)

The animals weren’t real.

Just 35 three dimensional models.

Children, youth, adults and seniors enjoyed taking part in the Sault North Archery Club’s 4th annual 3D Spring Fling at Rankin Arena Saturday.

The club itself has been in existence since 1982.

“We’ve tried to develop archery within the community, and the Spring Fling is one of our main events for all ages,” said Tim Dodds, Sault North Archery vice president, speaking to SooToday.

Dodds said the youngest shooter in attendance for Saturday’s event (a fundraiser for the club), was eight years old, the oldest 78.

Each animal had scoring rings on its body, going from an 11 ring down to a 5 ring, each shooter racking up points to win in the Spring Fling’s two rounds.

The maximum distance to shoot for children was 35 yards, 45 yards for adults.

“I like to focus on the kids especially. These kids are the future of archery. We encourage them to come out and try the sport. It’s a great sport. It teaches hand-eye coordination, sportsmanship, creates camaraderie,” Dodds said.

Archers came from the Sault and area as well as Dubreuilville, Wawa and Sudbury for Saturday’s Fling, a total of 57 archers participating.

Lunch was served, with prizes including a new bow.

The Sault North Archery Club has an indoor range, located in the basement of 640 Queen St. E., open to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round (members have keypad access to the club’s door, in the rear of the building facing the Queen and Bruce parking lot).

The club’s outdoor range is located at 525 Landslide Rd., open to members once the snow is gone, that property leased by the club from the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority.