Archery season opens in the north state

BEGINNING ARCHERY: Cliff Dewell, left, helps amateur archer Mike Clark with proper form with a bow. Dewell

Archery season opened on Saturday in northern California and brought with it an annual rush of business to Cliff Dewell's archery shop, Shasta Valley Archery in Anderson. Archery season starts well before hunters with rifles get their shot at game in California.

"Archers get a jump on the game because our weapons are short-range weapons," Dewell said. "Archers have to have more skill or luck to get close enough to harvest a deer."

Anderson residents Robert Balcon and his son stopped by the store last week to chat with Dewell and get some arrows overhauled. His son just killed his second buck. A long-time friend of Dewell, Robert Balcon talked about how what makes bow hunting special.

"It's not about how well you can shoot," he said. "It's how well you can get close to your game to make that shot count. A deer's job in life is to notice everything around him. Getting close, that's what attracts a lot of guys to bow hunting."

Although many people learn to enjoy archery through family, Dewell said archery is an attractive hobby regardless.

"There's a certain romance about watching an arrow flight that people enjoy," he said. "Kids are fascinated with bows. A lot of young people get into it."

One out-of-town customer with a load of used archery equipment stopped in for repairs and information.

"I didn't know anything about it, so he's setting me up," said Mike Clark, of Cambria, who said he became interested in archery after reading "Zen in the art of Archery."

Dewell repaired the old bow and made adjustments.

"It's an older bow," Dewell said as he worked. "We're going to make it so he gets plenty of enjoyment out of this."

Dewell also gave him a quick archery lesson in the back of the crowded store.

Dewell, 67, got started in archery while growing up on a ranch in Montana. He made his own bows and arrows and hunted rabbits. He has run Shasta County Archery since 1977.

For beginners in the hobby, Dewell said a new set-up can be had for about $350, including bow, sight and arrows. While a cheaper option could be had at a large retail chain store, Dewell said they merely provide a "bow in a box with no instructions on how to do anything. A bow has to be right for the individual."

Dewell said he tunes the bow and arrow selection to the person doing the shooting. Additionally, Dewell said he gives a free lesson to anyone buying a new bow.

For those interested in learning archery, Dewell recommended joining the Straight Arrow Bowhunters Club in Redding.

Located at 5200-F Industrial Way, Shasta Valley Archery can be reached at 365-9315.