RHINELANDER - Box office hits like “Brave” and “The Hunger Games” sparked a renewed interest in archery, but this sport has been catching on in the Northwoods for years.

Dan Grunst, the owner of Grunst Archery Inc. in Rhinelander, drew up the plans for his own archery business when he was 19.

"I think it continues to grow a little bit each year, in fact I've been running into third generations coming to me now”, said Grunst.

Recently, he’s noticed a growing market for women, with pink equipment a common choice. He’s also noticed kids taking an interest in the sport.

This thought is echoed by the Department of Natural Resources because it helped bring the National Archery in the Schools Program to Wisconsin in 2005.

The goal of this program is to incorporate archery into Physical Education classes nationwide.

"They feel very comfortable with the training that they've gone through”, said Vilas County Conservation Warden Tim Price.

As a basic archery instructor trainer Price helps trains the gym teachers.

There are now 46 states and four countries participating in the archery program.

Northwoods schools such as Northland Pines, Rhinelander, and Minocqua are a few that have added the course, with more than 400 schools signed up statewide.

Organizers attribute some of the success to Hollywood, with the recent hits like “Brave” and “The Hunger Games”.

"There's a lot of excitement out there as a result of that movie, and I think that's great", said Price.

If you’d like more information about adding the National Archery in the Schools program in your area you can contact Warden Price by email (timothy.price@wi.gov) or telephone (715-545-3045).

Story By: Kira Lynne