The mission of the Wisconsin Traditional Archers (WTA) is to promote responsible and ethical bow hunting practices, support other archery organizations that do the same, bring together those interested in traditional archery equipment and skills, and to ensure the continuation of the traditions and skills passed down by our traditional archery forefathers.


It was during the winter of 1991 that George Henrich, Sr. organized Wisconsin's first traditional-only archery shoot at the Rib Mountain Bowman in Wausau. When Antlers Archery in Wisconsin Rapids held a summer traditional shoot that same year, Howard Edwards suggested to the 34 people present that they form a traditional archery organization. A seven-member committee consisting of Howard Edwards, Jack Frost, Ron Alft, Dennis Moore, Roy Burton, Don Isaacson and Joe Krantz met in January of 1992 and laid the groundwork for the new organization. The first board of directors; in addition to Edwards, Alft, Moore, Burton, Isaacson and Kranz were Jack Frost, Dan Austreng, Brian Tessman, Joanne Wilkinson, Dan Hanson and George Henrich, Sr. On June 26, 1992, the WTA (Wisconsin Traditional Archers) was in incorporated.

The WTA has a number of yearly events. The first annual fall hunt was held in October of 1995, the same year that the first annual scholarship was given. Originally given to U.W. River Falls, the scholarship is now awarded to a student at U. W. Stevens Point. Our first annual banquet was held in 1996 and the WTA began its yearly summer State Championship and Rendezvous in 2001.  The WTA logo was created between 1993-1994 and can now be found on pins, patches, and various apparel.

 We are now nearly 500 members strong of traditional archery enthusiasts from across the Badger State who enjoy hunting and target shooting with their longbows, selfbows and recurves. Many thanks to the original members for promoting the great sport of traditional bow hunting. For more information on our organization please contact one of our officers and/or board of directors.

If you are not already a member, we invite you Join Us.  If you are already a member, we appreciate your continued support. 

~ Wisconsin Traditional Archers


wta.membership@gmail.com