Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Cultural Services

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma began hosting traditional bow-shooting competition 5 years ago in an effort to revitalize Choctaw traditional archery. As a part of this, classes are sometimes taught on making traditional Choctaw bows and arrows (Choctaw Bow & Arrow link).

The bow-shooting competition began as a small group of people and has now grown to have as many as 35 participants at some competitions.  Participants meet at the grounds at Tvshka Homma, at the tent camping area, every second Saturday of the month. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and competition begins at 11:00 a.m. with the younger archers shooting first. Lunch is provided.

Each participant has the option of using a longbow or recurve bow, handmade or commercial. Compound bows are not allowed.  The competition is broken into different age classes: 5 yrs. and under Co-ed, 6-8 yrs Co-ed, 9-13 yrs. Co-ed, 14-16 yrs. Boys and Girls, 17-19 yrs. Boys & Girls, 20 & Over Women and Men.  Last year saw the inception of a new 3-D Adult Competition open to anyone over the age of 17.

At the end of the season, total points are calculated, based on the number of shoots attended and a prize of a handmade longbow is awarded to the person in the 17 and over age groups. The younger age groups are presented with a trophy.

During the season, Choctaw archers compete in other tribal longbow competitions, including a contest sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation at Kullihoma, and the Cherokee Nation Cornstalk Shoot in Tahlequah. We encourage each person interested in joining us at the competitions!

For more information, please contact Faye Self at 1-800-522-6170 ext. 2192, fself@choctawnation.com