Dear MAF Family,

In 2019 I had a dream, to create the best, national 3D archery event for families, by families. With the support of my wife, my children, and my mom, Mountain Archery Fest was born.

I, along with Phillip Kirsch of Kirsch Targets, George Verhaugh of 3D Country, and the Pope & Young Club had a vision to do something new in the 3D event industry. We designed and introduced the one and only Pope and Young 29 World Record Course. The results exceeded our expectations and captured the essence of North American hunting at its ﬁnest. With replicas of the World Record antlers and horns, atop the industry’s ﬁnest Kirsch targets, we delivered the most realistic and educational course ever created. This, along with 4 additional courses, tested the beginner all the way to most advanced shooter.

Over the years, we joined forces with the most professional, top sponsors in the outdoor industry. Our goal was to bring a 3-tier style, 3D archery experience to some of the most prestigious locations in the USA.

First and foremost, family has been the top tier, we believe in. The number of smiles, cheers, and hugs that MAF brought together is priceless. Our family put on the event, to your family that attended, helped archers accomplish their goals as shooters, and during their hunts. It has been a supportive environment, full of amazing staff and likeminded shooters. Every attendee, regardless of age, gender, or ability are here because they share a love for the outdoors, and the sport of archery. They want to test themselves on the most unique courses, to be better prepared for the hunt. From marriage proposals to marriages saved, we’ve been blessed to be a part of it all at MAF events. It is truly and event where all are welcome!

The second tier we believe in is bowhunting. We designed courses with the Bowhunter in mind. Elevating the 3D experience with the best courses plotted out in a true hunting fashion. Courses that are designed to build confidence, knowledge and skills.

Last but not least the third tier we believe in, is community. There is no other community out there that I have been a part of that can compare to the Archery Community. We have been blessed with the top sponsors in the industry, who believe in our mission! We continue to strive to be the best representatives of these brands because we’re all in this together.

Over the last five years MAF has grown exponentially thanks to the help of some awesome people added to our team! The people I have surrounded myself with have lifted me, my family, as well as the event, to new heights, therefor we have accomplished some amazing events and overcome huge obstacles.

All of us at MAF have loved every second of this incredible journey, however, it breaks my heart to inform you all that MAF will be closing the “doors”. Many factors led our team to this extremely, difficult decision. Unfortunately, not all obstacles can be overcome.

With that said, the Derek Wolfe Invitational is still a go. The event will take place in Loveland, CO, either July 18-19, or August 8-9, 2025. Anyone that competed in the Mountain Madness Competition and placed in the top 3 at any 2024 MAF event, are still invited to compete at DWI with the opportunity to win huge cash prizes. Further information will be sent via email as details are finalized and updates become available. We will cherish the memories and life changing relationships, this journey brought to us.

There aren’t enough words of gratitude to describe how grateful we are to each and every one of you, for all the years of support, love, help and encouragement.

To all the MAF attendees, we thank you!
To the most amazing sponsors in the industry, we thank you!
To every volunteer that made our events successful, we thank you!
To each and every one of you who believed in my dream, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

We pray for your continued success in the field, and anywhere life takes you.

God Bless,

Brandon Waddell
Founder/CEO
Mountain Archery Fest