Ishi, the last Yahi of the Yana Tribe,
shooting a self built bow. Photo C1911
Ishi. Photo C1911
The Trophy Bowhunters of Australia (TBA) was originally the sole authority for the measuring and recording of bowshot game within Australia. The Organisation was a non-profit, non-government recognised organisation, established to provide recognition of bowshot trophy game taken within Australia according to its Rules of Fair Chase. In recognition of the growing need for an organisation which had access to funds and which could approach the governments for the protection and development of the sport of Bowhunting and Field Archery, the Australian Bowhunters Association Inc. was created from this parent organisation of TBA. Persuant to these ends TBA and ABA Inc amalgamated. The new Association of ABA Inc. developed a Bowhunting Division to take over the hunting responsibilities of TBA. The TBA was incorporated into the ABA Inc. as a Club of experienced hunters that have proven their skills in the taking of bowshot game to a minimum standard required by the membership of the club. The TBA, through the Bowhunting Division of ABA Inc. also acts as an advisor on bowhunting matters of the Association.The aims of the Club are:
- The promotion of Trophy Bowhunting in Australia and the promotion of Bowhunting Ethics of the highest possible standard.
- To represent the views of the Club, and its members, in the decision making process of ABA Inc. through representation on the National Managment Committee of ABA Inc.
- To provide advice and to recommend policy, on funding related issues.
- To provide a means of contact between club members throughout Australia, and social and other activities for members.
- To organise an annual activity for members at the ABA Inc. National Safari.
How Do I Become a TBA Member
Membership of the TBA is granted by the VP Bowhunting, after taking and claiming your first Trophy Class animal. This animal must have been measured by an approved measurer and claimed through the correct channels via your Club Field Rep. VP Bowhunting will then issue you with your letter of recognition to purchase your TBA Ishi patch , shown to the right.
National Points Scoring Award System
In this system, all claims are sent to the VP Bowhunting via your Branch Field Representative. If measurable, it is measured by an approved measurer and recorded on the claim form. All non-measurable game and all under TC receive 10 points with only one of each species being claimable for the award. All Trophy Class claims will be awarded 20 points, no limit. All Record Class claims will be awarded 40 points, no limit. A National Record will be awarded 100 points. At the end of each calendar year, the points scored will be totaled and the following award, which includes presentation of a patch, will be presented at the National Safari. They are:-
Bowhunter Award
To those Bowhunters obtaining 100 points or greater but less than 200 points
Trophy Bowhunter Award
To those Bowhunters obtaining 200 points or greater but less than 300 points
Master Bowhunter Award
To those Bowhunters obtaining 300 points or greater
Chevrons and Patches
Arrow Chevrons
After you have claimed three different species at Trophy Class level or better you will be eligable to wear the three Arrow Chevron shown below. This recognises you as a senior member of TBA. Each arrow represents a Trophy Class (TC) animal of a different species. Every successive TC claim of a different species will allow you to wear another chevron, these are available in single, two or three arrow configurations
Milestone Achievements with Game Claims
Patches will be presented by National on achieving mile stones in the claiming of game.
- Bowhunter Royale - 10 Trophy Class specie
- Bowhunter Imperial - 20 Trophy Class specie
- Bowhunter Supreme - 40 Trophy Class specie
For each subsequent 10 Trophy Class species a small Ishi Patch will be presented
A Gold Ishi patch will be presented for 100 Trophy Class species claimed
Bowhunter Royale
Bowhunter Imperial
Bowhunter Supreme
Small Ishi
Golden Ishi
- Royale Ishi - All 18 species of claimable game in any configuration of game award, TC,RC and Australian Record.
- Imperial Ishi -All 18 species in any configuration of TC, RC and Australian Record.
- Supreme Ishi - All 18 species RC and Australian Record.
Royale Ishi
Imperial Ishi
Supreme Ishi
A patch will also be issued for all Australian Records
