By PAUL DAVIS
Outdoors Editor
From the time it began as a small fundraiser in 2011 until last year's record-setting event, the 'Shootin' for St. Jude' archery fundraiser in Poplar Bluff has grown by leaps and bounds, and organizers expect that trend to continue when this year's event takes place on Aug. 11-12.
"It's going to be huge," said St. Jude Heroes team leader Miranda Fickert, whose committee organizes the event in conjunction with the Indian Creek Bowhunters organization. "The archery shoot is always an amazing event, and it grows every year."
Last year, despite persistent rain, more than 150 archers attended and raised $60,000 to support the Memphis-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
"Our goal this year is $80,000," Fickert said enthusiastically, "and I think we'll easily hit it."
Just like last year, the Saturday shoot will be preceded by a Friday-night VIP party, which will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 11 at the Black River Coliseum.
"We sold out last year's VIP party," Fickert noted, "and this year, we're going to hit 600 pretty easily."
Tickets to the social event cost $35 each, but they're going fast, she said, and you'll need to contact her to reserve yours.
Both silent and live auctions are planned, as is entertainment and a few surprises, she said.
Those attending the VIP party also will enjoy a steak dinner from Karon Campbell's Tasteful Creations.
Several outdoor television celebrities are expected to be on hand, including "Headhunters TV's" Randy Birdsong and Nate Hosie, staff from "Trained Assassin TV," the Holder family from "Raised Hunting," Don and Kandi Kisky from "Whitetail Freaks," staff from Drury's "Bow Madness," Jon and Gina Brunson from "Addicted to the Outdoors" and possibly more.
The Saturday archery shoot will again take place at the Missouri Department of Conservation archery range off County Road 546, north of Poplar Bluff. Registration and trickle starts for the shoot will begin at 8 a.m. and continue through 2 p.m.
The cost to shoot for all participants will be $15, Fickert said.
The archery course itself will feature 20 lifelike foam targets set in natural surroundings to simulate real hunting situations.
As in years past, a large silent auction will be held onsite, with even more items up for grabs this year, she said.
Some items available at the VIP party and the shoot's silent auction include an AR-15 rifle, bows from several manufacturers, crossbows, Beretta and Browning shotguns, Ruger rifles, a Labrador retriever puppy, a Big Cedar Lodge (Branson) vacation package, lots of hunting gear, Billy Joel concert tickets and more.
Ladies and children won't be left out either because there will be plenty of items geared just for them, Fickert said, including a Tiffany necklace, a Michael Kors purse and Thompson/Center Venture youth rifle.
The auctions also will give attendees the chance to win some big-ticket adventures, including a Wyoming deer hunt, a Kentucky turkey hunt, an African safari for four people, an offshore fishing trip for four and even a thermal-imaging hog hunting trip in Louisiana.
"We've got a lot of stuff up for grabs," Fickert said. "If you can think of it, we probably will have it."
Novelty shoots have been popular during past events, and they'll be back again this year.
"We have something new in the works this year," Fickert said of the novelty shoots, though the long shot and pop-up shot, with their $500 cash payouts, along with other favorites, will return.
Youths with little or no archery experience can register for one of two free clinics to learn the basics, one at 11 a.m. and the other at noon.
"There's only a few spaces left," Fickert noted, and those wanting to register should call her as soon as they can.
Because parking is limited and the road leading to the archery range is where shooters will be parking, Fickert said, a shuttle service will be available to make the walk easier.
"We're hoping we can get 300 shooters this year," Fickert said. "It's a good time, and I'm pumped."
To purchase VIP tickets, register for the youth clinics, volunteer or get more information, call Fickert at 573-718-2875. For information on the Indian Creek Bowhunters, call Tony Harwell at 573-718-7135 or Brad Massey at 573-785-0647.