Welcome back, Bass Pro Shops! We thank you for your support of MoNASP.
| (JEFFERSON CITY, MO Feb. 18, 2026) – A strong partnership continues: The Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) is excited to announce the extension of Bass Pro Shops’ exclusive presenting sponsorship for the 2026 Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) State Archery Championship, to be held March 18-21 at the Branson Convention Center.
With deep roots in youth archery, Bass Pro Shops significantly impacts millions of youngsters through its consistent support for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and MoNASP. Its renewed sponsorship of the MoNASP State Archery Championship underscores the mission to introduce diverse audiences to outdoor activities and build essential life skills through archery.
“It’s very rewarding to see the sense of pride and empowerment that these young competitors feel from learning these skills and competing on a state-wide level, and we’re proud to continue our support of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation and the State Archery Championship,” said Johnny Morris, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops. “The National Archery in the Schools Program does a great job of introducing young people to the outdoors and this sport, and we can’t wait to see these youngsters show their skills and celebrate their accomplishments.”
In addition to their sponsorship, Bass Pro Shops will have an archery shooting lane for attendees to test the 2026 Bow of the Year, the BlackOut Faze 2 Compound Bow Package, and for attendees and archers to visit with experts while at the tournament. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium also is returning to the state tournament with live animal encounters Thursday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“It’s fantastic to have Bass Pro Shops back as our exclusive presenting sponsor for the 2026 MoNASP State Archery Championship,” said Tricia Burkhardt, MCHF Executive Director. “Its dedication to youth and the outdoors strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful experiences, and we look forward to continuing our shared mission of engaging new audiences with outdoor activities.”
With nearly 17 years of expansion, the MoNASP State Archery Championship is now the second-largest state tournament nationally, featuring more than 5,000 Missouri student archers aiming for the NASP national tournament after local qualification. Discover more about NASP at naspschools.org. 
Join the excitement at the State Archery Championship! Admission fees support youth conservation, funding future leaders, conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts while guests enjoy thrilling competitions. Activities include hands-on experiences such as:
- Bass Pro Shops archery shooting lane
- Archery games
- The 2026 MoNASP Raffle supporting youth archery and conservation efforts
- A scavenger hunt with prizes
- A diverse trade show featuring hunting gear, archery equipment (bows, strings, accessories), and other multiple industries
- See the full list at https://mochf.org/event/monasp-state-archery-championship/
Branson has successfully hosted the MoNASP State Archery Championship since 2017. This event will remain in Branson through 2027. This continued partnership was announced in Summer 2024 by MCHF, MDC, the Branson Convention Center and Explore Branson, leveraging Branson’s appeal as a family destination and secure competition site. With more than 17,000 people attending, the championship generated a $9.9 million economic impact for the Branson area in 2025.
MCHF doesn’t just recognize achievement with medals and trophies; it also invests in the future of their athletes. A total of $30,000 in scholarships is distributed among the top five male and top five female archers in both the bullseye and 3D competitions. Contributors that make this possible are MCHF, the Chip and Teresa McGeehan Archery in the Schools Conservation Fund, a matching grant from the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) and the Daniel Duncan Archery in the Schools Scholarship Fund. These scholarships are intended for students’ educational endeavors after high school and are released once proof of enrollment in a university, community college, technical college, or trade school is provided. 
MoNASP is coordinated through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), MCHF and the Conservation Federation of Missouri, in partnership with more than 640 actively participating schools and numerous supporting organizations throughout the state. More than 84,700 Missouri students are in the program. MoNASP is an affiliate of NASP (National Archery in the Schools Program) 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’s 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.
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About Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops, North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company, was founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris started selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. That was the company’s sole location for the first 13 years, and it has since grown to nearly 200 retail locations throughout North America. 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 and has been named by Newsweek as “America’s Most Trusted Retailer for Outdoor Gear.”
About MCHF
MCHF was created in 1997 by conservation leaders to advance conservation and the appreciation of Missouri’s natural resources. Our work centers around ensuring the world’s most precious natural resources are protected for the future. We are the support foundation for the MDC and serve as a key facilitator for a broad variety of conservation initiatives. To support the mission and priorities of MDC at the state, national and international level, we help connect the dots between MDC and other entities by building partnerships, fundraising and providing administrative services to advance effective conservation efforts. MCHF invests in many things, including clean water, conservation education, youth, veteran and disabled hunting, fishing, archery and outdoor skills initiatives, pollinators, migratory bird programs, wildlife and grassland habitat protection and stewarding land in perpetuity. MCHF supports projects and programs that not only protect nature but connect people to nature.
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.
