Shop takes aim at customer satisfaction

When Paul Godsey told his wife, Marjo, he wanted to open an archery shop in Georgetown, she wasn't sure about the staying power of the business.

"I said, 'What do we do when everybody owns a bow?'" Marjo said. "But the technology changes. The people who are into it want to keep up with the latest and greatest."

Archery technology changes with time, keeping archers coming back to Double G Archery to view and purchase the latest arrows, arrow points, sights, guards and variety of bows, including recurves, compounds, crossbows and longbows.

Along with offering the latest in bow-and-arrow technology since 2003, Paul offers services including reattaching fletching, or the feather-like vanes used to stabilize an arrow in flight, and restringing bows.

"I'll sell them a bow, work on their bow, restring it; I can help them learn to shoot or find a hunt around the world," Paul said. "It's strictly bows and arrows for us."

Paul said he can help beginners find a bow that fits their body type and strength, as well as interest, be it target shooting or hunting.

"The biggest thing is how the bow fits you," he said. "It looks more complicated than it is. Technology makes it better and better."

Paul compared archery to golfing, calling it an independent sport that can be enjoyed with other people.

More experienced archers may shop for a variety of supplies or coordinate with Paul to find a bow-hunting or target-shooting event in which to take part.

Paul said he first shot a bow as a child. His interest was reignited as an adult, and he has participated in bowhunts throughout the world.

Trophies from said hunts adorn the walls of his shop, including the skin of a 6 1/2-foot long rattlesnake he shot on his 50th birthday.

A "brag board" set up in the store features photos of children and young people who have taken up archery for hunting.

"A lot of kids got into it last year," Paul said, adding he believes the variety of movies featuring archers that came out in 2012 created interest in the sport. "I still see 'em in here. Some are hunting; some are shooting targets."

The shop also includes a 30-yard indoor range with a variety of targets that is available for customers to practice shooting while the store is open for $8 per hour. Archers need only provide their own equipment.

Double G also hosts league shoots on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to about 8 p.m. in which archery enthusiasts may practice shooting at single- or five-spot targets at the store's range. However, the evenings are encouraged for people who are already experienced with a bow. Lessons are not part of the schedule.

Jerry Pischoffberger and Ron Ball said they enjoy practicing at the range.

"A friend let me shoot his bow, and I was hooked," said Ball, who has been practicing archery for about eight years. "Jerry got me into longbow."

Pischoffberger said he has been shooting for about 27 years, and the longbow, usually made of wood and often as long as the shooter is tall, is completely different from a compound bow, which uses a pulley system to operate.

"The key to making it work is consistency," he said.

Double G Archery, 4185B E. Hwy. 29, 512-868-5530, www.doublegarchery.com

Tue.–Fri. 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Closed Sun. and Mon.