The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) is pleased to announce Bass Pro Shops is the exclusive presenting sponsor for the 2024 Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) State Archery Tournament March 20-23 at the Branson Convention Center.
Bass Pro Shops has been a long-time supporter of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and MoNASP, impacting millions of young sportsmen and women across North America. As the presenting sponsor of the MoNASP 2024 State Archery Tournament, they are continuing their commitment to invest in youth and introduce new audiences to the outdoors.
“We are excited to continue our support for the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation and the State Archery Tournament,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder. “The National Archery in the Schools Program has a long and proud history of introducing young people of all ages and backgrounds to the outdoors and this growing sport, and it’s rewarding to see these archers get to celebrate their accomplishments on a big stage.”
In addition to their sponsorship, Bass Pro Shops will have an archery shooting lane for attendees to test the 2024 Bow of the Year. This is a great opportunity for attendees to talk to the experts. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is also returning to the state tournament with live animal encounters.
“We are thrilled to announce Bass Pro Shops as the presenting sponsor of the 2024 MoNASP State Archery Tournament,” said MCHF Executive Director Tricia Burkhardt. “Archery is for everyone and together, we will be able to expose more youth to outdoor sports, conservation programs and activities.”
Over the last 15 years, the MoNASP State Archery Tournament has seen tremendous growth and is the second-largest state archery tournament in the nation. More than 3,700 Bullseye and 1,800 3D student archers from more than 200 schools throughout Missouri are expected to compete in the state tournament after shooting qualifying scores through various local MoNASP tournaments. Archers competing at the state tournament are eligible to participate in the NASP Western and Eastern National Tournaments. Learn more at nasptournaments.org.
Supporters are invited to attend the state tournament for a fee. In addition to the tournament competition, the event will include a variety of family-friendly activities for attendees such as:
- Bass Pro Shops archery shooting lane
- Wonders of Wildlife’s live animal encounters
- Bounce houses, air rifle ranges and more activities provided by Universal Supply & Rental
- Archery games
- The 2024 MoNASP Raffle supporting youth outdoor programs
- The MDC Canine Unit
- A scavenger hunt
- A tradeshow with vendors from many different industries, including bow strings, bows and bow accessories
- Hunting seminars
- And more!
MoNASP is coordinated through MDC, MCHF, and the Conservation Federation of Missouri in partnership with over 800 participating schools and numerous supporting organizations throughout the state. More than 83,000 issouri students actively participate in the program and more than 200,000 have participated since it started.
MoNASP is an affiliate of NASP and is an in-school program for grades 4 through 12 that teaches the basics of archery, along with the confidence, self-control, patience, and discipline necessary to success both behind the bow and in school and life. It provides an engaging activity that is inclusive of nearly all children, regardless of age, size, or physical ability. Statistics show that school archery programs improve participants’ school attendance, increase their self-esteem and physical activity, and help get kids outside. Learn more about MoNASP at education.mdc.mo.gov/monasp.
For more information on state tournament activities, contact Andrea Smith of MCHF at 417-310-2705 or andrea.smith@mochf.org.
About Bass Pro
Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry- leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors.
About MCHF
The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization funded in 1997 to advance conservation and appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources, including fish, forest, and wildlife. MCHF works with donors and other conservation partners to financially support the mission and priorities of the Missouri Department of Conservation at the statewide, national, and international level. Having raised and invested more than $26 million in conservation programs, MCHF continues to invest in projects like migratory bird program, youth hunting and fishing events, and endangered species habitat protection. MCHF supports the state’s nature centers, as well as hiking and wildlife viewing activities – anything that allows Missourians to enjoy the outdoors in urban or rural areas.
About MDC
MDC began in 1937, when citizen-led efforts created the Department of Conservation to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri’s over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. During the first 40 years, hunting, fishing, and trapping permits provided most of the department’s funding, but in 1976 an expanded program, the “Design for Conservation,” was passed to set aside one-eighth of one percent sales tax directly to the agency. That consistent funding, plus a strong, non-political structure and very supportive public helped make Missouri a national leader in conservation. Today MDC continues its legacy of protecting the state’s wild resources and helping Missourians connect with their natural heritage. MDC works to protect and manage the fish, forest and wildlife resources of the state, and facilitate and provide opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about these resources.
