The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will mark a major milestone in 2026 as it hosts the 20th anniversary of the Texas State National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) Bullseye & 3D Tournament. The event is scheduled for March 20–21 at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio and is expected to draw thousands of student archers from across the state for two days of competition, scholarships, and statewide recognition.

More than 5,000 students from nearly 200 schools are anticipated to compete in both Bullseye and 3D archery events. Participants will have opportunities to earn scholarships, awards, and qualifying spots for the NASP National Tournament in Louisville, Kentucky.

Kendrick Gray, TPWD’s Outreach and Recruitment Manager, said the program’s 20-year milestone reflects the commitment of students, educators, coaches, and partner organizations. He highlighted long-standing collaborations with the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation and the Texas Wildlife Association–Texas Youth Hunting Program, noting their shared role in expanding school-based outdoor education and strengthening pathways to archery, outdoor recreation, and conservation.

The Texas NASP program contributes significantly to hunter and bowhunter education in the state. Teams are co-ed and open to students of all backgrounds and skill levels, with participating campuses ranging from small rural districts to large urban schools, private institutions, and homeschool programs.

NASP also supports conservation efforts in Texas. A federal excise tax on archery equipment is returned to TPWD through dedicated grants, helping fund wildlife conservation, habitat management, public access, law enforcement, and outdoor education programs. Through archery, students gain skills and confidence while contributing to the stewardship of natural resources.

This year’s tournament will award more than $50,000 in continuing education scholarships. Since 2006, TX-NASP has provided more than $180,000 in scholarships to high-performing student archers. Awards will include scholarships for the top five male and female high school competitors, along with trophies, medals, and new equipment for top performers in all divisions. Division winners will receive Genesis bows, and the highest-scoring male and female archers overall will each earn a limited-edition Genesis bow. Prize drawings will take place throughout the event.

Students competing at the state finals qualified through a statewide virtual event held in January. The first-place team in each division will advance automatically to the NASP National Tournament, with additional teams and the top 10 male and female individuals in each division also eligible to qualify based on score.

NASP operates as a nonprofit foundation supported by sponsors and partners who help sustain youth archery programs nationwide.

More information about the Texas National Archery in the Schools Program is available on the TPWD archery website.