Who we are...

The Michigan Longbow Association (MLA) was started in the early 80's by a small group of longbow enthusiasts who wanted to join together with other longbow shooters to enjoy camaraderie, shooting, and promoting the love of the longbow.

Since then, we have been joined by hundreds of members who have found that they also like to share good times around the campfire and target butt with the rest of us who find something soothing and mysterious about owning and shooting longbows.

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CURRENT EVENTS / BREAKING NEWS

MLA BY-LAWS
 

Traditional Archery in Iraq

PLEASE HELP SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

In 2004, SSG Alejandro, a soldier with the Army's First Cavalry Division stationed in Baghdad, requested donations of traditional archery equipment for his unit.  The MLA answered the call, and was proud to assist him with his efforts in the creation of the Camp Cuervo Archery Club.  SSG Alejandro's unit is now back home in the States, but the Camp Cuervo Archery Club will live on for future units to enjoy.  MLA Vice President, John Vasos, remains in contact with the Chaplains of Camp Cuervo.  They are responsible for supervising the club and making sure the donated equipment remains available for the use of incoming troops.

John is also in contact with troops from other units on a daily basis, and it has been his personal effort to promote traditional archery at other military locations in Iraq.  He has also spent a lot of his time getting other Michigan sportsmen's organizations involved with supporting these other units.  Traditional equipment donations continue to be collected by John and other organizations, and shipped to units in need in Iraq.  The MLA is proud to continue to assist with the shipping costs involved with those efforts.

If any of you have bows, arrows, or other traditional tackle you would like to donate, to help the men and women pass their off-duty time, please help.  Please contact John Vasos at: jdvasos@yahoo.com or Ken Scollick at: Kens48@comcast.net  to make arrangements for dropping off / shipping items to them.  They will consolidate, pack, and ship the items to Iraq on behalf of the MLA.  Thanks for your assistance.  For more information and photos, please click here: Traditional Archery in Iraq

• The MLA annually holds the Great Lakes Longbow Invitational (GLLI).  We gather for an extended weekend of shooting, good times, and checking out the latest in traditional gear from dozens of vendors.  One of the Highlights of the GLLI is the Silver Arrow Shoot.  The winner gets the distinction of being called "Best Archer in the Realm" as well as taking home the coveted "Silver Arrow".  2004 marked the 20th anniversary of the GLLI.
   

• The MLA publishes a quarterly newsletter called "StickTalk".  The "StickTalk" keeps members up-to-date about the happenings of the organization, entertains you with good writing, and sometimes even teaches you a trick or two.
   

• The MLA hosts a General Membership Meeting and Spring Shoot which is free to all members and their families.
   

• The MLA hosts an annual Awards Banquet.
   

• The MLA supports Michigan bowhunters.
   

• The MLA is dedicated  to our youth in the form of scholarships, youth hunts, and other youth programs.  We currently have 30 youth bows, as well as arrows, arm guards, quivers, gloves and tabs, which are available to all of our members, and are present at our shoots for everyone to enjoy.