What is SABA
The Southern Alberta Bowhunters Association (SABA) was formed in 1979 by a group of bow hunters. It boasts the privilege of being one of the oldest archery groups in Alberta. Over the years, the association has evolved from being strictly dedicated to bow hunting to include other aspects of archery as well. While an evolution of the association was necessary to make the sport more widely available and more attractive to the community as a whole, a Board of Directors ensures that the integrity of the association and the sport remain intact and that traditional values in regards to archery and bow hunting are upheld. There are currently about 300 SABA members who consist of men, women, children, and families.
SABA is run by a dedicated group of volunteers. These volunteers play a very important role in helping the association to keep its services very affordable. The association's mission is to "Provide an opportunity to all people regardless of age, sex, handicap or social status to enjoy the sport of archery and/or bow hunting. To ensure that the Southern Alberta heritage of archery is continued for generations to come." With this in mind SABA memberships, which includes unlimited access to the outdoor range, is only $75 person/year! Obviously, there is not enough money generated from membership fees to run all of the association's programs (which will be described below) as well as provide rental equipment and equipment repairs. The association generates funds for its facilities, programs, and equipment via entry fees for shoots, the Alberta Sports Lottery, and from Casino funding.
The policies upheld by SABA include rules for their archery ranges which encourage safe and responsible use of the facilities, as well as rules and regulations for entry of animals into their annual Pope and Young scoring day. The latter ensure that animals entered for scoring are harvested under rules of fair chase and according to legal regulations. For a copy of these rules and regulations, please see the Appendices at the end of this information packet. SABA is also involved in governmental issues related to bow hunting and archery. They are currently involved in lobbying the government to stop legislation that would place restraints on traditional, ethical bow hunting in some Southern Alberta Wildlife Management Units. They also work with Fish and Wildlife to take part in the decision making process for the hunting regulations that will be implemented each season. These are only a couple of examples of how SABA is involved in these types of issues.
SABA is run by a dedicated group of volunteers. These volunteers play a very important role in helping the association to keep its services very affordable. The association's mission is to "Provide an opportunity to all people regardless of age, sex, handicap or social status to enjoy the sport of archery and/or bow hunting. To ensure that the Southern Alberta heritage of archery is continued for generations to come." With this in mind SABA memberships, which includes unlimited access to the outdoor range, is only $75 person/year! Obviously, there is not enough money generated from membership fees to run all of the association's programs (which will be described below) as well as provide rental equipment and equipment repairs. The association generates funds for its facilities, programs, and equipment via entry fees for shoots, the Alberta Sports Lottery, and from Casino funding.
The policies upheld by SABA include rules for their archery ranges which encourage safe and responsible use of the facilities, as well as rules and regulations for entry of animals into their annual Pope and Young scoring day. The latter ensure that animals entered for scoring are harvested under rules of fair chase and according to legal regulations. For a copy of these rules and regulations, please see the Appendices at the end of this information packet. SABA is also involved in governmental issues related to bow hunting and archery. They are currently involved in lobbying the government to stop legislation that would place restraints on traditional, ethical bow hunting in some Southern Alberta Wildlife Management Units. They also work with Fish and Wildlife to take part in the decision making process for the hunting regulations that will be implemented each season. These are only a couple of examples of how SABA is involved in these types of issues.
SABA History
It's well known that S.A.B.A stands for Southern Alberta Bowhunters Association and has been existence since 1979 and its membership continues to grow each year. S.A.B.A is also the host of the oldest 3-D shoot in Alberta. The year 2001 marks the 25th anniversary of the shoot.
A Letter On How S.A.B.A Started:
"When I stop and try to remember how the Southern Alberta Bowhunters got started, it really comes down like this. (from a personal level).
Dick Visser and I were co-workers in 1977 and he suggested we should take up bow hunting, because the archery season was earlier and a lot longer than the rifle season in the Porky's, so I bought a used bow from a customer of mine and Dick and I started practicing. We went out that fall and Dick shot a fork Mulley and put a little pressure on this Rookie bow hunter. I remember the result of wanting to match Dick's accomplishment as if it were yesterday. Dick and I drove up White pine, spotted a few Mullies to our left. I just walked up toward the Fork Mule Buck as it fed along the side hill in some short poplars, drew back and let the arrow fly. Thank goodness Dick was there to witness the miracle because the shot was true and I had my first bow kill.
I remember that event clearly. I have taken many animals since, but it is odd, I don't remember a lot of those events clearly or have a great collection of photos. I remember more about times that I missed a 200 class Mulley or froze my hooves while watching a P&Y ram up pigeon mountain or got caught in an avalanche up by the 18th green. Over the 20 plus years of only bow hunting, the real attraction is still the challenge and the solitude.
But, back to S.A.B.A., Dick and I hung out at "The Archery Factory". I know Dick said that there should be some kind of organization to serve the local archers over a cup of coffee. A consensus was reached to set up an executive and have a meeting at my warehouse. In true S.A.B.A. fashion, I was told I would be the vice. Dick was the treasurer, Frank Huzar was the first president and I believe Joan Homans was the secretary. As it ended up, Dick Visser was truly the one that made S.A.B.A. happen, then the son of a bow left us and moved to B.C."
-Richard Orich
Since then, S.A.B.A. has evolved and gone on to flourish. It is a testament to the strength of its members and to the solid base from which it came.
A Letter On How S.A.B.A Started:
"When I stop and try to remember how the Southern Alberta Bowhunters got started, it really comes down like this. (from a personal level).
Dick Visser and I were co-workers in 1977 and he suggested we should take up bow hunting, because the archery season was earlier and a lot longer than the rifle season in the Porky's, so I bought a used bow from a customer of mine and Dick and I started practicing. We went out that fall and Dick shot a fork Mulley and put a little pressure on this Rookie bow hunter. I remember the result of wanting to match Dick's accomplishment as if it were yesterday. Dick and I drove up White pine, spotted a few Mullies to our left. I just walked up toward the Fork Mule Buck as it fed along the side hill in some short poplars, drew back and let the arrow fly. Thank goodness Dick was there to witness the miracle because the shot was true and I had my first bow kill.
I remember that event clearly. I have taken many animals since, but it is odd, I don't remember a lot of those events clearly or have a great collection of photos. I remember more about times that I missed a 200 class Mulley or froze my hooves while watching a P&Y ram up pigeon mountain or got caught in an avalanche up by the 18th green. Over the 20 plus years of only bow hunting, the real attraction is still the challenge and the solitude.
But, back to S.A.B.A., Dick and I hung out at "The Archery Factory". I know Dick said that there should be some kind of organization to serve the local archers over a cup of coffee. A consensus was reached to set up an executive and have a meeting at my warehouse. In true S.A.B.A. fashion, I was told I would be the vice. Dick was the treasurer, Frank Huzar was the first president and I believe Joan Homans was the secretary. As it ended up, Dick Visser was truly the one that made S.A.B.A. happen, then the son of a bow left us and moved to B.C."
-Richard Orich
Since then, S.A.B.A. has evolved and gone on to flourish. It is a testament to the strength of its members and to the solid base from which it came.