Pawnee Woman Representing Team USA In Archery Championship

A Pawnee woman will represent Team USA in a world competition for archery this fall. She's one of two Oklahomans on the team.    

At the brand new Pawnee Bow Range, both beginner and experienced archers can practice. One woman is taking her talents all the way to Slovenia.

“Oh, it's the biggest honor,” Jayme Buchanan said.

Blink, and you might miss the arrow as it cuts through the air. But before each quick shot, Buchanan takes a moment to slow down.

“It helps to relax me,” she said. “I have to kind of really calm myself down.”

Buchanan is getting ready for the World Archery 3D Championship, set to take place at the end of September. She has only been shooting with this style of bow, called a longbow, for about two years.

“I think it's one of the best things outside of having kids; it's the best thing that I feel like I've been able to accomplish,” Buchanan said.

While she shot with a compound bow for a decade, Buchanan loves the challenge that comes with traditional archery.

“It's something you really have to work for,” she said. “We practice almost every day. Shoot in the front yard, come out to the range, shoot at the range.”

The range in Pawnee just opened last week. It features 25 different set ups with 3D foam animals hiding in the shade, designed to resemble a hunting trip in the woods.

The other Oklahoman going is Shiloh Butts, from Sulphur, who took third place in 3D Longbow at the championship in 2022. There are a total of 24 members on Team USA.

“I hope to represent the United States as best I can, best of my ability and put on a very strong shoot,” Buchanan said.

And when she is back on American soil, she'll be fixed on a different, but familiar target.

“When we get back, it's hunting season,” Buchanan said.

There is a benefit shoot coming up on Labor Day weekend to help send the two Oklahomans on Team USA to Slovenia. They each have to pay about $4000 to take part in the competition. Proceeds from the shoot will be split between Buchanan and Butts.