Raising an Archer

In this episode, we break down USA Archery Indoor Nationals and the USAT Qualifier Series —what they are, how they work, and why they matter. Whether you're a parent, athlete, or coach, this episode explains how these events fit into the USA Archery competitive pathway and what archers can expect at each level.

Know Your Bow Class:  USA Archery vs. NFAA Bow Classes Confused about bow classes, divisions, and what actually belongs on your setup? You're not alone and that's exactly why we made this episode. In this episode, we break down the bow classes for both USA Archery and NFAA , explaining: ✅ The differences between Recurve, Barebow, Compound, Bowhunter, and Freestyle ✅ What equipment is allowed vs....

Parents Behind the Line: What We're Really Thinking Ever wonder what's going through a parent's mind while their kid's at full draw? Spoiler alert: it's not always calm and quiet! Join hosts Scott and Kari, along with youth archers Milla and Ellie, as they pull back the curtain on the unspoken world of archery parents — the nerves, the pride, the rules we pretend to know, and the moments that make...

The Aggie Invite is back — and it's bigger than ever! In this special episode of Raising an Archer , Scott and Kari dive deep into one of the most exciting tournaments of the indoor season. From the history and traditions that make the Aggie Invite so unique to what archers can expect on the line this year, we will cover it. Learn what sets this event apart, and get insider tips on how to prepare...

In this episode of Raising an Archer: Indoor Season , Scott and Kari break down all the indoor target faces — from the classic Vegas 3-spot to the NFAA 5-spot and everything in between. They share how each format changes your scoring, practice, and mindset, plus a few pro tips. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned archer chasing those X's, this episode helps you understand the targets.

Part 2 – The Gear Reset: Tuning for Indoors It's time to hit the reset button. Outdoor season is over, and that means your setup needs a fresh look before heading indoors. In this episode, Scott and Kari break down everything that changes when the range gets shorter but the precision expectations skyrocket. From adjusting draw weight and arrow selection to fine-tuning your rest, nock fit, and timi...

The outdoor season is over — it's time to trade the wind, sunburn, and mosquitoes for bright lights, packed ranges, and the sound of arrows echoing off the walls. In this first episode of our Indoor Season Series , we explore what it really takes to make the shift from outdoor archery to indoor precision. Join Scott and Kari as they break down the big switch — from 70/60/50/40/30 meters to 20 yard...

NOTE:  Don't bring 25 of your closest friends to be fed for free.  LOL. Also, all food is prepared by the Ranching & Wildlife Committee!  Thank you!! Please verify within the rules if you have a question. To clarify:  Fixed pins back bar has no limit in the Target competition, but 3D will only allow a 12" back bar. deohouston.com/archery Step behind the curtain with  Raising an Archer as we take y...

Scott and Wendi gives you all the information you need to be successful at the 2025 USA Archery JOAD Target Nationals! Event Overview Shooting at Altitude Gear Checklist Schedule and Format Local Tips What Parents should bring Advice for First-Timers Catch you guys at the next target! https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher

Wendi and Joe talk with Jenifer Jameson and the owner of Hit or Miss Archery, Neil Overbay.  Talk about things to do and see in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Also, talk about the venue and what to expect!   Be prepared for shooting at 5000 feet.  Many of us will not know how to survive that elevation :) Hurricane Beryl caused some issues, but we were able to find cell coverage to make this happen! 

Raising an Archer has the pleasure of talking with Jewel and Landry Blakey.  Talked about their transition from NASP to Target Archery. Jewel and Landry have been shooting for a few years and are top NASP shooters in the country.   https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher

Scott and Wendi talk about what not to wear in an Archery competition!  There are some obvious answers but there are some that are not so obvious.  https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher

We needed a break but we are back!  Let's kick this off with an Outdoor Season episode!  Scott and Wendi sit down with Zach Rebstock who came in 3rd place at Lancaster Classic this year.  He lets us know how he sets up his bow for outdoor season and what it takes to get ready! https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher

Wendi and Julia sit down with Micah Xie.  Micah is a Multi-National Champion who moved from Barebow to Olympic Recurve in the last couple of years.  He is one of the up and coming Recurve archers to watch!   https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher

Scott and Wendi sit down with TFAA Hall of Fame inductee Toby Ragsdale.   Always a preasure to hang with our friend Toby! The Ragsdale family joined the NFAA/TFAA in 1965, when Toby was just 5 years old. He vividly remembers that year because he was one year shy of being able to compete, which didn't sit well with the naturally competitive young Toby. Toby only waited that one year before he began...

Wendi and Julia will let you know what to expect at the 2024 USA Indoor Nationals and JOAD Indoor Nationals.  What to expect when you show up! https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher

Scott and Wendi talk about when it's time to regroup and change equipment.  Wendi's daughter got a new bow and struggled with it for 6 months before we made the decision to switch back to the old bow. Moving back to the old bow was the right decision.  It allowed us to regroup and figure out what works best for her. https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher

Scott and Wendi talk about what it takes to get to that next level.  How do you pratice when weather is bad or your range is not close.  It's taking 4+ days of good pratice for these top athletes to keep up.  We all know life gets in the way and we have to creative to get our archers the time they need! Get more informaiton and help support us! https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher  

Scott and Mollie talk about this new exciting shoot called the Texas Ringer ProAm.  75% of the registrion fee goes back into your division and cash prizes are handed out.  Live Scoring, Live Broadcast, and Live Finals!  Mollie joins Raising an Archer as a host for the weekend.  We are all very excited! https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher  

Wendi and Scott get your ready for the 2024 Vegas Shoot!  We give you all the information, you need to know if you are going to the coolest archery competition of the year!  We talk about registration, to flights, to what to expect once you get there.  Love what we are doing?  Get more information and hlep us keep doing what we are doing!   https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher

Scott and Wendi had the pleasure of sitting down with Mel Nichols and picking his brain on how to be a better coach.  Mel has coaches many top archers in the world including Brady Ellison!  It starts with Mental Management!  http://www.pineapplearchery.com https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher  

Want to know how to get archery into your school? Well here you go! Scott and Wendi get the opportunity to talk with NASP President Dr. Tommy Floyd. Tommy tell us to who to contacted and what to do to get archery into your school! https://www.naspschools.org/ https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher  WHAT IS NASP® NASP® is an activity that doesn't discriminate based on popularity, athletic skill, g...

Scott and Wendi talk about all the divisions for NFAA.  If you want to know more about each division, you should listen to this!  The crossbow division explanation is hilarious!    https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher https://www.raisinganarcher.com/  

While Scott and Wendi were at the Houston Live Stock and Show, we sat down with Makayla Alford.  She told us all about Texas Brigades Camp! Texas Brigades is a nonprofit organization with a mission to educate and empower adolescents with leadership skills and knowledge in wildlife, fisheries, and land stewardship to become conservation ambassadors for a sustained natural resource legacy. Texas Bri...

Scott and Wendi sat down with Matthew Parmenter who is one of the top Youth Recurve Archer in the Nation.  Matthew talks to us about how he got into the sport, how he's progressed over the years and what's his plans moving forward. Want to see the Video person of this?  Go check it out at on our patreon account. https://www.patreon.com/RaisinganArcher