09-03 | Palo Duro Canyon State Park to Host Second Annual ‘Explore Bowhunting’ Event

Sept. 3, 2026

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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AUSTIN – Palo Duro Canyon State Park is set to host the second installment of the ‘Explore Bowhunting’ event in Canyon, brought to the public by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Community Archery program along with the Texas Game Wardens, Operation Game Thief, Texas Youth Hunt program, Hunter’s Ed, Outdoor Tomorrow Foundation, Archery Trade Association and other local partners.

The event will take place Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about bowhunting and how to properly prepare to use archery equipment during hunting season.

“We are excited to partner with Palo Duro Canyon State Park for another year, to bring the public this one-of-a-kind archery event,” said Adam Lewis, TPWD community archery specialist. “Whether you are a seasoned archer, beginner or just starting to gain interest in the sport of archery and bowhunting, this is a great event to hone your skills, further your knowledge and understand what it takes to be a successful bowhunter. This is an all-ages event and a great way to spend some time outdoors with your family and friends.”

The event will focus on the necessary gear, proper concealment, anatomy and shot placement to improve accuracy and in turn reduce recovery time and the processing of your animal after a successful hunt.

The event is free; however, participants must check in with the park headquarters first and purchase a day pass to the park. Park staff can provide easy directions to the event location. The necessary equipment is provided so participants do not need to bring their own archery gear. While there are activities for all ages, you must be four feet tall or taller to shoot on the archery range.

The event includes a state-of-the-art archery trailer with interactive archery games and a range for adaptive archers, an introductory range with 3D targets focusing on anatomy and shot placement, animal processing (skinning/quartering/butchering) demonstration, cooking conversations, gear examples and hunting simulation activities for youth. Additionally, staff will be available to answer questions related to public hunting, regulations and more.

The workshop is facilitated by the TPWD Community Archery Program, which works on a “train the trainer” model; training teachers and leaders through a National Archery in the Schools Program curriculum in range set-up, safety, program design and coaching. The curriculum is built for community groups like schools, military bases, veterans’ groups, scouts, camps, parks and recreation departments and more. It also provides resources and certification to host a mobile archery range with an audience.

Community archery specialists provide ‘Explore Bowhunting’ and ‘Explore Bowfishing’ programming that introduces these skills to new audiences through activities and discussion. Some of the curriculum will be on display in the activities hosted at this event. The programs and the gear needed are provided by TPWD to interested instructors who have access to an existing audience.

Learn more about how to contact a community archery specialist in your region on the Community Archery Program webpage on the TPWD website.