ATBA Membership

OUR MEMBERSHIP

1. Joining the ATBA

We welcome anyone aged 12 and up who shares our passion for traditional bowhunting. Whether you’re from Alberta or abroad, you can become a member by submitting an application and your annual dues.

  • Note: The Executive team handles the final approval of all memberships.

2. Staying in “Good Standing”

Being a member in good standing is simple: keep your dues current, follow our Bylaws, Objectives & Creed and represent the ATBA with integrity. This ensures you keep your voting rights and stay eligible for all association perks.

3. Membership Categories

To keep things fair and accessible, we offer a few different ways to belong:

  • Adult Member: For those 18 and older. This is a full-access membership with voting rights.
  • Youth Member: For our younger archers (ages 12–17). You’ll need a parent’s signature to join the ranks.
  • Family Membership: The best way to get the whole house involved! This covers parents/guardians and any children (18 or younger) living at home.
  • Fireside Guest (Non-Member): For those who just want to keep an eye on our digital campfire. This is a free website-only account that lets you see public updates but does not include voting rights, insurance coverage, or access to members-only areas.

4. Dues & The Calendar

Where your money goes: Your dues don’t just “pay the bills”—they fund our events, protect the association with liability insurance, and provide you with insurance while participating in ATBA activities.

Our Membership follows the Calendar: Starting January 1st each year and expires on December 31st of that year. 

Multi-Year Options: Want to skip the annual paperwork? You can sign up for 1, 2, or 3 years at a time.

On Being an ATBA Member

Strengthening the Tradition: The Evolution of ATBA Membership

For the Alberta Traditional Bowhunters Association (ATBA), our core mission has always been to provide exceptional value to our members while preserving the heritage of traditional archery. As our association grows, so does our commitment to enhancing the membership experience.

From a “One-Shoot Club” to a Comprehensive Association

In our early years, the ATBA was known primarily as a “one-shoot club,” with the Heritage Classic Jamboree (HCJ) serving as our sole annual offering. While the HCJ remains our premier flagship event today, we recognized that our members deserved more consistent engagement and value throughout the year.

To bridge these gaps, we introduced The Quiver, a bi-annual publication that kept our community informed and connected for many years. Although production ceased in 2017, we are excited to revive this tradition of storytelling through Le Flechuer: The Storyteller. This electronic platform is integrated into our website, serving as a modern hub for news, stories, and member contributions.

The Modern AGM: More Than Just a Meeting

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) has evolved from a secondary meeting held alongside other organizations into a cornerstone event of our own. Now held over the May long weekend, the AGM combines essential association business along with the “Jack Kempf Memorial Fun Shoot” and significant member incentives:

  • Attendance Rewards: A $50 membership draw for those in attendance.
  • Shed Competitions: Prizes for the most sheds ($60) and the largest shed ($60).
  • The Historical Records Game Awards: We celebrate the year’s harvests with gold, silver, and bronze plaques. The Gold recipient also receives a custom, one-of-a-kind Damascus hunting knife & bragging rights for the year
  • Participation Draw: A $200 draw for all members who entered an animal into the Historical Records awards program.
  • Raffles & Giveaways: Due to the generosity of our members and the ATBA there is usually a tent full of raffle items. Something for all ages

A Strategic Shift in Insurance and Value

Historically, ATBA membership required a mandatory affiliate membership with the Alberta Bowhunters Association (ABA) for insurance purposes. In late 2022, a change in insurance liability led us to secure our own independent policy.

By early 2023, the ATBA transitioned to the Canadian National Sportsman Insurance Program (CNSIP) . This specialized coverage includes Commercial General Liability and Volunteer Accident Benefits, tailored specifically for the needs of our archery club.

Reinvesting in Our Members

Securing independent insurance allowed us to optimize our budget. Rather than reducing fees, the executive team chose to reinvest those funds directly back into the membership experience. These initiatives include:

  1. Shoot for Free: Members in good standing now enjoy zero-cost registration at all of our regular Fun Shoots and HCJ.
  2. Complimentary Fellowship: We have introduced a complimentary lunch at our AGM & Jack Kempf Memorial Fun Shoot to foster community and connection.
  3. Expanded Benefits: These perks now extend to the May AGM and the Heritage Classic Jamboree (where members now enjoy a “no-shoot-fee” status).

The response has been overwhelming, with record-breaking attendance and our highest membership numbers to date.

The Digital Frontier

We are committed to using technology to better serve our community. Our ongoing website revitalization aims to create a seamless digital experience, including:

  • Streamlined Registration: Online self-serve membership registration & payment using e-transfers or secure Credit Card processing
  • Electronic Membership Cards: Printable membership cards for instant access and convenience.
  • Le Flechuer: The Storyteller: A interactive ATBA members only Blog and Post’s page
  • “In the Works”
    • Historical Records: Game Awards online registration
    • Searchable Historical Records Database
    • Online Store: for apparel (swag), event sign-ups.

Website revitalization is a great consumer of time and commitment. We appreciate your patience as we dedicate the necessary time to ensure these upgrades meet the high standards of our Association.  

Let’s Keep the Tradition Alive

“An association will always and only be as strong as its members.” We are grateful for your support and want to thank everyone who has been a part of the ATBA over the years.

Your voice matters. For comments, concerns, or inquiries, please contact us:

  • President: president@albertatraditionalbowhunters.ca FIXXXXXX
  • Memberships: memberships@albertatraditionalbowhunters.ca
Alberta Traditional Bowhunters Association

Fostering the Future of Traditional Bowhunting. Aim Small – Miss Small