Hunkered behind scrub, you wait. Musk covers your human scent, though you’re
downwind of the prey to ensure camouflage. With the quiet steps of a predator
cat, you slowly move closer, lift your bow and draw the string back. You release,
and the arrow pierces the side of a three-dimensional stuffed boar. Yes, a stuffed
boar. Or deer, bear or dinosaur. All are available at Buffalo Field Archery
Club, Houston’s largest archery and bow- hunting simulation range. Buffalo is
one of only a handful of archery ranges in Houston where wannabe Olympians,
superheros and Pygmy tribesmen can stay in practice. This wooded watershed on
the west side near Bear Creek also has a youth program for beginners. “It’s
a great thing for parents and kids to bond over,” says youth director Larry
Holloway. Adults, however, must provide their own equipment. Robin Hood costume
not provided. 12500 Clay Road. For a full schedule and information, call 281-321-5979
or visit www.buffaloarchery.com.
$55 for individual membership; $65 for families. — Eric Norvell
Horny Animals
SAT 7/24
Say you’re ambling across an African jungle, and an SUV-sized rhinoceros charges
you. As you run screaming, take a moment to observe the world’s second-largest
land animal. That tank with a four-foot horn barreling behind you can weigh
four tons and reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Unfortunately, being
a miracle of nature hasn’t stopped the rhinoceros from landing on the “red list”
of threatened species: Poachers kill them for their horns, for use in medicines
and as symbolic dagger handles. Do your part to protect these giants at the
Houston Zoo’s annual Bowling for Rhinos event. You can work on your strikes,
raise awareness and see how many “horny” jokes you can come up with. 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 24. Diamond Lanes, 6327 Spencer Highway. For information, call
281-487-7327 or visit www.houstonzoo.org.
$20. — Steven Devadanam
This article appears in Jul 22-28, 2004.