The largest youth archery competition in Alabama, the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Alabama State Championship, will be held April 6-7, 2023, at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl located at 220 Hall St. in Montgomery, Alabama. The media and public are invited to attend.

This year’s event will feature nearly 2,000 student archers in Grades 4-12 from schools across the state who earned an opportunity to compete in the state championship after competing in one of eight regional qualifying tournaments. These students will compete for the title of state champion and the opportunity to advance to the NASP Eastern National Championship on May 11-12, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky.

The first round of shooting begins at noon on Thursday, April 6. An awards ceremony will take place after the last flight on Friday, April 7.

The public is encouraged to attend and enjoy the many fun activities planned for the event. During the awards ceremony, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will be awarding up to $10,000 in scholarships to select archers. The University of Montevallo will be awarding additional scholarships to the top high school male and female archers. There is no entry fee to attend.

The NASP in Alabama is a joint venture between ADCNR's Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) and the Alabama Department of Education. The program uses the lifelong skill of archery to teach discipline, concentration and teamwork as part of a school’s physical education course or after-school program. Scoring is based on Olympic-style, target archery in three divisions – elementary, middle and high school. Competition is on team and individual levels.

The state championship would not be possible without the generous sponsorships of the Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association.

For more information about the NASP in Alabama, contact WFF Hunter Education Coordinator Marisa Futral at (334) 242-3620 or Marisa.Futral@dcnr.alabama.gov. Learn more about the state championship at www.outdooralabama.com/archery-schools/nasp-alabama-state-championship.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com.