By Ryan Duey

Fort Riley has announced that it will host its 6th annual Bow Slinger 3-D archery tournament on Saturday, August 17th, and it’s open to the public. The course features 30 three-dimensional targets, including “Bigfoot of the Flint Hills.” Archers of all ages are invited to compete in any of seven different categories. There will not be a separate category for youth.

Registration is open at riley.armymwr.com. Competitors can also sign up at Fort Riley’s Outdoor Adventure Park, 5202 Normandy Drive. The cost ranges from $40 to $50, depending on the category. The top shooters in each category will win cash prizes. Archers must bring their own equipment. Registration fees increase $15 after August 1st. Pre-registration is required.

Check-in will begin at 7:00 a.m., the day of the tournament, with a mandatory shooter’s meeting at 8:30 and the tournament starting at 9:00 a.m. The Belay Cafe will be open to purchase food from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants who do not have a DOD-ID card, but a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license can apply in advance for a visitor’s pass online at https://pass.aie.army.mil/riley. Applying at least two days in advance is recommended. Visitors can apply for a pass in person at the Fort Riley Visitor Control Center at Exit 301 off I-70. Pick up your visitor pass by Aug. 16, as the visitor control center opens at 8 a.m. on weekends. For questions about accessing Fort Riley, visit home.army.mil/riley or call 785-239-2982.

For more information about Fort Riley’s one-of-a-kind archery tournament, call 785-239-5412.