The Archery Trade Association stands in full support of the European Bowhunting Federation and its tireless efforts to defend and restore bowhunting traditions across Europe. Their fight is not only about protecting access to an outdoor pursuit but also about safeguarding an ethical, sustainable and scientifically grounded wildlife management tool that benefits hunters and non-hunters alike. That is why ATA has consistently provided financial and other support to EBF for many years. 

The story of bowhunting in Europe should serve as both a warning and an inspiration. Decades ago, bans were imposed quickly — fueled not by facts, but by emotional arguments and misconceptions about cruelty and poaching. While some nations have fought to restore bowhunting, the process has taken years, and the losses have been profound. France regained bowhunting in 1995 and Spain regained it in 1997. Belgium, including Flanders and Wallonia, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have very recently been authorized to include bows and arrows as legal hunting tools and that was only after rigorous testing. This slow progress underscores an important truth: when hunting rights are taken away, they are incredibly difficult to reclaim.

Bowhunters in the United States must take this lesson seriously. As the EBF has highlighted, opponents of hunting are advancing similar narratives here, painting bowhunting as “cruel,” “unnecessary,” or “unethical.” These messages, designed to appeal to uninformed voters, threaten the future of hunting in North America just as they did in Europe. Silence is not an option.

The facts are clear. Bowhunters commit countless hours to honing their skills and pursuing game in the most challenging and intimate way possible. Studies show recovery rates for bow-shot game match those of rifle hunting, disproving the myth that archery is less ethical. Moreover, the idea that bows encourage poaching has been thoroughly debunked both in Europe and the U.S. Archery equipment is simply not the tool of choice for criminals.

What bowhunting represents is far from reckless — it embodies patience, dedication, and deep respect for wildlife. In Europe, mandatory skill testing ensures hunters are prepared and ethical. In the U.S., hundreds of programs like Virginia’s urban archery initiative already demonstrate how training and regulation can ensure high standards. These practices strengthen — not weaken— public trust in hunting.

The ATA believes strongly in the EBF’s message: Our collective future depends on advocacy and education. Every bowhunter has a role to play. We must share our stories with friends, neighbors and community leaders. We must demonstrate, through both our words and our actions, that bowhunting is not only a time-honored tradition but also an essential part of conservation.

The attacks on bowhunting in Europe are not isolated events; they are part of a global movement. The lessons learned overseas remind us that hunting rights, once lost, are nearly impossible to regain. Together with the EBF, we will continue to advocate, educate and defend bowhunting so that future generations may experience the honor, challenge and conservation impact of our sport.

Sarah Arrington, aka DeerMom.

Some community stories start with a trophy photo. This one begins with a young couple, a camera and a simple idea: Share their outdoor lives. In 2013, Rob Arrington launched “deermeatfordinner” on YouTube. Today, it is one of the biggest outdoor channels. But behind the lens was someone with her own story.

Her name is Sarah Arrington, and today most people know her as DeerMom. While her earliest appearances were brief glimpses behind the scenes, Sarah's story has grown into its own brand, rooted in faith, family and bowhunting. To explore her journey, I spoke with Sarah about how she found her path, the lessons hunting has taught her and her hopes for her own children and the outdoor community.

How did DeerMom start?

When Rob and I first met, he came up with the idea to start a YouTube channel and call it "deermeatfordinner". Back in 2013, we didn't know where it would lead, but it turned into a great adventure for us! After getting married and having children, I stepped back from "deermeatfordinner" to be a Mom and everyone kept asking what I was doing behind the scenes... it was then that I started my own channel called "DeerMom" that has grown and morphed into what it is today. DeerMom encompasses a variety of things that I do in my everyday life and the passion I have for hunting and enjoying time outside with my family!

How has hunting shaped you as a mother, wife, and woman?

Spending time in the outdoors is by far the best way I connect with God and having a relationship with Him first allows me to be a better wife and mother in itself. Besides my Faith being fueled, hunting always teaches me patience, whether I like it or not! Patience is a much needed tool when it comes to being a wife and mother of two. Spending time in the stand for hours on end definitely helps you gain patience and helps you understand the importance of it. Hunting also has a great way of humbling you... sometimes you can have too much confidence and not enough humility. Outside of the woods, staying grounded and having humility will get you a lot farther in life... Never be too confident that it blocks you from seeing a different perspective. 

What’s your favorite part of archery, and of hunting in general?

Definitely the strategy and chase. The more you bow hunt, the more you start to understand the skill behind it and what is needed to have a successful hunt. For example, if I'm new to an area, the first thing I'm going to do is look at the layout of the land, determine where I think the animal is feeding, bedding, traveling, then figure out my wind and find sign to hang a stand where the wind is in my favor while sitting, as well as my walk in and out. You have to close the distance between you and the animal you’re targeting, so being successful at the challenge that comes with bowhunting is very rewarding!

What advice do you have for moms who want to join their kids or husbands in the woods?

Don't think your hunt is only about the harvest! Hunting is SO much more than just pulling the trigger! It feeds your soul, rejuvenates your mind, allows you to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you and connects you to the people that you're with. There is nothing better than to be able to witness your child or husband experience the pure excitement that comes with it all!

The Arrington family

What do moms bring to hunting and archery that’s unique?

When a woman becomes a mother, it's easy to forget the person you were prior to having children. Raising babies, maintaining your relationship, making sure all of the house chores are done and everything gets taken care of can be overwhelming. I think the beauty of Mother's getting back into hunting is more self-fulfilling than anything. It’s a great reminder to understand you are capable of so much more than you think on those hard "Mom days". Don't ever lose sight of who you were prior to becoming a Mother and always remember that your children grow up watching your every move. If they see your grit and determination when you go out after your own game, then it automatically builds confidence in themselves that they can also do those things one day. 

How has your family's involvement with DeerMom grown over the years?

DeerMom has definitely went through transition phases over time. What once was tiny hands and feet on a short video, became my growing girls showing interest in the things that I enjoy. There is nothing better than seeing the confidence build in the eyes of young girls, knowing they can do anything they set their mind to, regardless if they are a Mother or not one day.

What should hunting families keep in mind to make it enjoyable and safe?

Do not get hung up over the small stuff!! When you're used to hunting on your own, it's easy to get frustrated if things aren't going exactly how you planned. That is bound to happen when hunting with kids but just remember that you were also a kid at one point. Go with the flow and find the positives along the way. Teach your kids about nature, show them the tracks you're paying attention to, or the rub that just caught your eye. Don't be in such a rush that you miss out on the quality bonding time that's also taking place! 

How do you balance being a full-time mom, wife, woman, and still make room for archery and hunting?

Doing it all isn't easy, and I know I relate to a lot of women when I say that! I work very hard every single day, but as my kids get older, I also have expectations for them to help around the house. Not only does it lighten my load, but it sets them up for success in the future... how to manage a home and have accountability. I also help my husband a lot, so in return he helps me when I need it. You know that quote, "it takes a village"? It truly does, but I do my best to achieve something every single day and that helps keep me motivated to accomplish all that I do. 

What are your goals for the next year?

My goal, no questions asked, is to get out with my bow after an elk! Being able to hear them bugle and experience the rush of the hunt is at the top of my bucket list, hands down! 

Anything you’d like to add?

No matter what your passion is in life, always find your way back to it after becoming a Mother! 

In related news, Bear Archery just launched the DeerMom bow, a reminder that the community Sarah built, shaped by faith, family and the outdoors, continues to grow and inspire.