Payson Roundup

With big game seasons just over the horizon, it’s time for archery hunters to begin fine tuning their skills.

Among the opportunities to do just that is a 3D Archery Shoot to be held Aug. 9 on the Jim Jones Shooting Range at Tonto Rim Sports Club.

The shoot, which is being sponsored by retired law enforcement officer Les Conner and TRSC, is the fourth 3D shoot to be held in the past two years.

Registration opens at 7 a.m. and scorecards must be turned in by 2 p.m. An awards ceremony will follow. The fee is $30 for families, $20 for adults and $25 for youths. Children under 14 years compete free of charge.

The shoots are unique in that archers walk an outdoor course firing arrows at McKenzie life-sized 3D foam targets of bear, deer and mountain lions.

“There are 14 targets and they’re shot at twice from different distances, making 28 targets,” Conner said.

Among those who have been event winners at past competitions are Wes Lathen, Amity Justice, Chris Wolf, Jamie McNeeley and Denny Harger.

Dylan Justice has been a winner in the Cub Division.

In addition to the 3D shoot, a long distance Clout Shoot will be held that features a 50-50 cash prize.

The distance in Clout Shoots can vary but they usually are about 100 meters at a bull’s-eye type target.

During a shoot held in May, George Toot won the competition scoring a perfect bull’s-eye.

Conner calls the 3D competition, “A valuable opportunity to get in some practice and check out equipment before the hunting season (begins).”

He also issued an invitation to all archers to, “bring the children and enjoy a great family sport.”

For more information, call Conner at (928) 472-7443.

Prize change

The tickets for the upcoming Payson Volleyball Alumni Game benefit dinner are priced at $7 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets are available from any volleyball player, coach or manager.

The dinner will be served 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1 in Wilson Dome.

The menu includes steak, potato, salad, beans and drink. At 6:30 p.m., also in Wilson Dome, the alumni tournament will begin. In the fray, Lady Horn varsity hopefuls will play against past PHS court stars.

“The tournament is open to anyone who played varsity volleyball for Payson,” Stonebrink said. “It should be a lot of fun and nostalgic.”

Last year, the first season the tournament was held, the varsity defeated a spirited Class of 2005 in the championship final.

Stonebrink anticipates six teams will enter this year’s shoot-out.

Clothes for children

The annual Elks Clothe-a-Child Golf Tournament will be played Aug. 1. Check-in is at 7 a.m. and an hour later the fray gets off with a shotgun start. The format is four-man teams of best-ball play, but golfers who do not have a team will be assigned one.

The fee is $80 per golfer, $65 for members of PGC, which includes 18 holes of play with a cart, lunch, raffle prizes and awards for closest-to-the-pin and longest drive.

The evening of the tournament, a dinner, cocktail hour, silent auction, music and dancing will be held at Payson Elks Lodge #2154, located at 1206 N. Beeline Highway.

An Aug. 2 morning breakfast will also be served from 7 to 10 a.m. at the lodge.

For those who don’t golf, there will also be plenty of activities going on at the lodge including bingo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, call Becky Waer at (928) 476-3678 or the lodge at (928) 474-2572.