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The West Rowan Bowhunters Club (WRBC) is located in Rowan County in the small
town of Cleveland, N.C. It was formed in 1991 and is a local chapter of the North Carolina
Bowhunters Association (NCBA). Membership in the NCBA is a requirement when joining
the West Rowan Bowhunters Club.

“As a Club we strive to promote the use of a bow for both range use and the hunting of
game. We strive to use conservation methods and to co-operate with the N.C. Wildlife
Commission for the betterment of hunting conditions. We strive to promote archery,
sportsmanship, community service, and bowhunting in the community.”   The West Rowan
Bowhunters By-Laws:March, 1998

In 2002 and in 2003 the West Rowan Bowhunters Club was named “Local Chapter of the
Year” by the North Carolina Bowhunters Association.

The following is a summation of the Club’s activities, projects, services, etc.

PROMOTING BOWHUNTING

As a member of the Northwest Circuit, many of our members travel to the various clubs to
participate in their shoots. Some of the circuit clubs are non-members of the NCBA. Our
club members use this opportunity to promote the NCBA in an effort to recruit new
members as well as new local chapters.
We believe the charitable work we have done for individuals has given some people a
more favorable view of “bowhunters”.
To quote a transplant patient who was given a Wal-Mart gift card by the Club: “I am so
grateful that there are still people out there that are willing to help those in need. How
wonderful it is that this group of hunters sees a need and does something about it.”
Club members work at various shows and at each one, have never hesitated to tell any
one who would listen why we are bowhunters. These shows have included the Dixie Deer
Classic in Raleigh, the National Wild Turkey Federation show in Charlotte, the Southern
Bowhunters program in Gold Hill, the Rowan County Wildlife Open House in Salisbury, and
the Charlotte Deer Classic in Charlotte.
In June at the Bowhunter Jamboree shoot in Union Grove, club members run the novelty
shoot, and help with the NCBA’s practice range and booth. Each year in March members
attend the Dixie Deer Classic in Raleigh. Some work the NCBA booth where they promote
bowhunting and the NCBA to prospective members. Others work at the NCBA 3-D indoor
shoot, and some work scoring deer.
The Club’s annual benefit shoot is open to the public. The day begins with gospel music
and a reading from the scripture. Hopefully, visitors realize that bowhunters not only like to
have a good time, but also know the importance of God and Family in their lives.
In February a large group of members and their families attend the NCBA Convention and
Banquet held in various cities in the State. Our own “Eufola Gump” (Diana Fox) has
entertained at the Banquet.
In July members help at the Charlotte Deer Classic by manning the NCBA booth while
others score deer. In August, 2005 members traveled to Concord for the first Bass Pro
Shop “Hunters for the Hungry” Show. Here we worked with kids who tried their hand at
shooting balloons with a bow. We met many interesting people, some who had never had
the opportunity to shoot a bow. We signed up new members for West Rowan and NCBA.

EDUCATING BOWHUNTERS

In September members travel to Salisbury, N.C. for the Rowan County Wildlife Club to
assist with the annual “National Hunting and Fishing Day”. Here they volunteer their time
by helping children and parents learn the basics of shooting a bow and the principles of
good sportsmanship. It still isn’t clear whether the students or the helpers have more fun!

In April, 2002, members began a series of meetings with the Rowan County Zoning Board.
. In question was whether the club’s new property was zoned correctly. At this time, no
zoning regulations were in place for archery clubs or other non-profit organizations. The
board requested the Club’s input to determine guidelines for archery ranges. After several
meeting with the zoning board and the Rowan County Commissioners, an amendment was
approved that established guidelines for all property used by archery clubs, as well as all
non-profit groups.

THE “WE CARE” PROGRAM

The charity fund we maintain is called “WE CARE”. Its’ primary use is to provide support to
those in need. With the monies raised we are able to provide food, rent, utilities,
transportation or other forms of assistance to people who need help.
In September of 2003 West Rowan Bowhunters Club was approved for a 501 (c) 3 tax
status with the IRS. It took countless hours of volunteered time to prepare the paper work.
By becoming a 501 (c) 3 organization, all donations to the “WE CARE” fund are 100% tax
deductible. This truly exemplifies the professionalism and dedication of our members.
WHY WE DO IT? IT’S PERSONAL!
After club members Carlene and Tommy Kimball lost their son Todd to cancer, they saw
first hand the emotional and financial devastation cancer reaps upon its victims and their
families. They realized that many of these victims were “falling through the cracks”…that
for one reason or another, they were not able to receive help from national cancer
organizations.
That’s when Tommy came to the Club and made us realize that as a group of caring
individuals we could help. And to date we have raised more than $25,000 and have given
it to those in need of help.
Then in 2003 we lost another member to cancer…a founding member of the West Rowan
Bowhunters Club, Bob Padgett. Once again, it got personal.

FUND RAISERS FOR THE “WE CARE” FUND

In January the Club holds its’ annual banquet. The morning of this event, we host the
Executive Council meeting of the NCBA. After the evening meal, money raised through
raffles, donations, etc. is added to the “WE CARE” account.
The Club has held a chicken barbeque fund raiser. Nearly the entire Club, along with their
families, participated. We raised $2,944 at this event, all of which went into the “WE CARE
account”.
Each year we hold the “Todd Kimball Memorial Shoot”. All profit from this event goes into
the Club’s “WE CARE” account. Because it is open to the public, this shoot draws many
visitors, both hunters and non-hunters.
Each year members participate in the “Relay for Life” fund raiser held in Salisbury. Club
member Tommy Kimball chairs this huge event. At our club’s booth we hold raffles, etc. All
profit is donated to the American Cancer Association for cancer research.

MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT

The West Rowan Bowhunters Club has helped recruit new members into NCBA by our
work at shows and by attending shoots. We also continue to add new members and their
families to our Club, and welcome anyone interested in joining to apply for membership.

Membership applications are available on our website or from any member of WRBH.