Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: snag on December 22, 2015, 10:27:00 PM

Title: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: snag on December 22, 2015, 10:27:00 PM
I've given this much thought and prayer. I can't tell you how blessed I have been to serve all those who have allowed me to make arrows for them. I have loved talking about arrows and hunting with so many of you.
I want to thank the guys at Surewood Shafts too. They make shafts that are such a pleasure to make into arrows. Anyone wanting to have arrows built or want to build their own should seriously look at what they are making.
After I finish all the current orders I have in the shop I will be turning my time and energy in a different direction. Oh, I am sure I will be making arrows in some way or for some reason. Can't stop donating some for St.Jude's auction and other events that pull at my heart.
Sincere thanks, David
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: 4dogs on December 22, 2015, 10:29:00 PM
Sorry to hear that David but wish you the best of luck with your new endeavors.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: wapiti792 on December 22, 2015, 10:30:00 PM
David you are an amazing arrowsmith. Thanks for the ones you have made me, and my brothers and sisters here. Good luck with your new venture. God bless and Merry Christmas!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Homebru on December 22, 2015, 10:34:00 PM
Best wishes, David.  Know that you are with us on every hunt that we carry your beautifully crafted arrows in our quivers.
homebru
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: on December 22, 2015, 10:42:00 PM
Man, I hate to hear this. I would open every arrow thread you started just to see your fantastic work...........and I don't even shoot wood arrows!

Best of luck in your future endeavors!

Bisch
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Bud B. on December 22, 2015, 10:49:00 PM
Nothing material lasts forever. Make the best of the time given. Good luck on the new direction.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Ray Lyon on December 22, 2015, 10:54:00 PM
David,
THANK YOU for your craftsmanship over the years. It's been nice working with you on various St. Jude's projects over the years.

Here's some gorgeous arrows that David helped me do for the St. Jude's auction a few years ago. I supplied him with some Acme Premium shafting and he tapered them and used some wild turkey feathers I had done by Magnus to create some stunning arrows that fetched over $400 in the auction:

 (http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/P3200004_zps8a76a975.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/P3200004_zps8a76a975.jpg.html)

Best of luck to you on your new path.
   :clapper:
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: imbowhunt10 on December 22, 2015, 11:33:00 PM
David,
Thank You for sharing your compassion and your talent with so many of us. My heart just skipped a beat when I saw the heading on your post, but whatever you have on your mind and in your heart, I know you are listening to what God has to say. Thank You David for being a stand-up guy in a sit-down world. As all of the men of faith did, I pray for courage and strength for you and yours as you follow God's leading.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: imbowhunt10 on December 22, 2015, 11:34:00 PM
David,
Thank You for sharing your compassion and your talent with so many of us. My heart just skipped a beat when I saw the heading on your post, but whatever you have on your mind and in your heart, I know you are listening to what God has to say. Thank You David for being a stand-up guy in a sit-down world. As all of the men of faith did, I pray for courage and strength for you and yours as you follow God's leading.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Matty on December 22, 2015, 11:43:00 PM
Well you have definately been an inspiration to many out there including myself. Pretty sure i read much of what you've written on arrow making. And I'm almost certain I've gone to surewood on your recommendation. Good luck and blessings on your next journey!
  :clapper:
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Crittergetter on December 23, 2015, 12:45:00 AM
David, you made my first set of wood arrows and I still have them. Thank you for starting my down the wooden path!
God bless and good luck in your future endeavors
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: cacciatore on December 23, 2015, 03:39:00 AM
David, you Made some very nice arrows you'll be very missed.
I hope to meet you along the way.
Good luck for your future projects.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Hopewell Tom on December 23, 2015, 05:34:00 AM
Nooooooooo......!

What a loss to the Trad community. Your work is second to none, David. Thank you for all the great arrows. I'll have to be a bit more careful with my 2 sets.
Good luck in your future endeavors. I'm sure we'll be hearing from you on occasion.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: ghall80 on December 23, 2015, 06:19:00 AM
Wow!! I have been longtime fan of your work and can't tell you how much inspiration I have gotten from looking at your arrows over the years.

As far as I am concerned you are one of the best of the best. Good luck Dave on whatever adventures come your way.
And thank you for all the inspiration
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Green on December 23, 2015, 07:11:00 AM
I'm sure there are a whole lot of folks that are going to be sad to see you close your doors.  Your arrows have been a staple for many hunters, and an inspiration to those of us who build woodies.

Good luck to you!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on December 23, 2015, 07:17:00 AM
Good luck on ur next project.  Im sure it wasnt an easy decision.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Terry Lightle on December 23, 2015, 07:19:00 AM
David
Wish you the best with your future endeavors.God Bless
Terry
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on December 23, 2015, 07:33:00 AM
David,

Best wishes on your next venture.  I loved looking at your arrows and will just have to look at them from now on at the St. Jude auction.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Sam McMichael on December 23, 2015, 09:39:00 AM
We are all very sorry to learn that you are closing down. I have really enjoyed seeing pictures of your work through the years. Good luck in your future endeavors.  Thanks for the contributions you have made to our hobby.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: MnFn on December 23, 2015, 10:53:00 AM
I was hoping the message would read "for Christmas".
Really sorry to hear this, but I have my last set from you, all twelve very servicable still.

Thanks for being a great resource and providing a great product.

Gary
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: snag on December 23, 2015, 11:29:00 AM
I truly appreciate all the kind words and concern. I am fine. Just can't continue with the work load my business has developed into. When I started building arrows for others I never dreamed it would flourish into what it has become...heck, I was retired when I started this venture. haha  So, recently I just felt I was being drawn into spending all my time making arrows, which I love to do, leaving less time available for other things I need to attend to.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: keng on December 23, 2015, 11:46:00 AM
I guess I will have to be very careful with my remaining 10 arrows, no more squirrels for them. Good luck and enjoy a long second retirement.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: GRAYBEARD on December 23, 2015, 11:54:00 AM
Best of luck to a first class man!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: 1/4 away on December 23, 2015, 11:58:00 AM
David, All the best to you in your new endeavor. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: FerretWYO on December 23, 2015, 12:06:00 PM
Sorry to hear that buddy
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Biathlonman on December 23, 2015, 12:07:00 PM
Hate to hear that!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Iowabowhunter on December 23, 2015, 12:10:00 PM
Sorry to hear that David, hopefully you are able to fully enjoy your retirement now and get out and hunt as much as you can!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: StanM on December 23, 2015, 12:22:00 PM
Hey David, hate to hear that, but I can completely understand. Its a credit to you and your talents that the business grew to the point where it's not sustainable by a single person. Wishing you the best of luck moving forward!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: ron w on December 23, 2015, 12:50:00 PM
You have to do what's right for you.....best of luck........   :notworthy:    :notworthy:
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: hitman on December 23, 2015, 02:17:00 PM
I have loved seeing your arrows on the pics on these posts. Also have taken some animals with your arrows. Good luck in your future.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: elkken on December 23, 2015, 03:08:00 PM
Your artistic talents will be missed ... good luck in whatever direction you venture    :archer2:
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Burnsie on December 23, 2015, 04:23:00 PM
Well I guess I procrastinated too long on this one.  I have really enjoyed seeing your work over the years, best of luck in all your future endeavors.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: DennyK on December 23, 2015, 04:41:00 PM
David, even though I haven't had the pleasure of owning your arrows I very much admire your craftsmanship & reputation. Godspeed in your future endeavors.

Denny
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: kybownut on December 23, 2015, 05:17:00 PM
David, I think I owned 2 1/2 dozen of your arrows and was always very pleased with the looks and performance. If I needed any more you would have been the one to make them! Good luck on whatever path you take! Thanks Johnny
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Goshawkin on December 23, 2015, 05:58:00 PM
Best of luck to you. Very sad to see your business close though. The arrows I have from you are by far the best I have used. I used to swear when I broke one, now I may cry! hopefully one will go through another turkey this spring, thanks very much for that.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Duker on December 23, 2015, 05:59:00 PM
David   :wavey:   Best of luck to you   :archer:
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: T-Bowhunter on December 23, 2015, 07:02:00 PM
Best of luck, you make some beautiful arrows!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Sixby on December 23, 2015, 07:36:00 PM
David, I am so sorry to hear that. I love your arrows and they are one of my prized possessions archery wise.
I was just waithing til after Christmas Day to order another two sets from you for my daughter and my son. His house was broken into and they stole all his bows and arrows. Left the guns ect.but took his bows and the set of arrows you made Last Christmas.
Any way Bro. Merry Christmas and if you decide you want to do a couple more doz. I am on the hook for them and will get on the phone or whatever with you. I sure understand where you are coming from though. I am cutting way back on the bow building for much same reasons.

God bless, Steve
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: dnurk on December 23, 2015, 07:43:00 PM
Totally understandable but sad to hear.  I too snoozed as I had planned to order some after the new year.  

Best of luck in your future projects, sir.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Drumstick63 on December 23, 2015, 08:08:00 PM
Another snoozer here!  I was planning to order two or three dozen after the holidays.  I completely understand David and wish you the very best!

I would sure be interested in purchasing a detailed video on how you go about making such great arrows!  

Mark
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: snag on December 23, 2015, 09:21:00 PM
You guys are making it difficult to back away. I'm thinking that if you aren't in a big hurry I could build a few through the year...?
Sixby we can talk.  I love arrows. I find it hard to deny others that love them too. If you contact me when you are ready I will tell you a time frame.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Fletcher on December 23, 2015, 09:54:00 PM
Sorry to hear it, David, but I understand.  Best wishes going forward.  Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Great 2016!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Ryman Cat on December 24, 2015, 12:11:00 AM
Wow Dave I'm sure you have your reasons you are going to be totally missed. I'm glad I have a couple sets I didn't miss out totally on your craftsmenship. Good luck you know whats best for you.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Sixby on December 24, 2015, 01:14:00 PM
David, I don't mind waiting. I will give you a call after Christmas and get an order in. Don't mind prepaying either if that helps you out any. My order will be 2 doz and both fancy with splices so waiting is not a problem.

God bless and thanks so much, Steve
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Drumstick63 on December 24, 2015, 01:45:00 PM
Another snoozer here!  I was planning to order two or three dozen after the holidays.  I completely understand David and wish you the very best!

I would sure be interested in purchasing a detailed video on how you go about making such great arrows!  

Mark
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Drumstick63 on December 24, 2015, 01:48:00 PM
Not sure how my post appeared again this morning!  I guess I was doubly sad to see your post!    :dunno:
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Allen Boice on December 24, 2015, 04:53:00 PM
Dave:

I'm down to slightly less than 5 dozen of your beautifully hand crafted arrows and just in case I ever do run out just remember, I know where you live!  You know what they say; you can run, but you can't hide.

Allen
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: snag on December 24, 2015, 04:59:00 PM
Merry Christmas Allen!  Brother you always have an open order form on my workbench.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Surewood Bob on December 26, 2015, 08:04:00 PM
David, you obviously have built quite a following with your amazing arrows.Looks like you are already finding it difficult to say no. You are probably our best customer and advocate. I still have a dozen forgewoods I was hoping you might make up for me. And of course the freight policy hasn't changed. Best of luck in whatever you take on next. I cherish our friendship immensely.   Surewood Bob
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Killdeer on December 26, 2015, 09:44:00 PM
thank you for the eye candy, and for your valuable advice over the years. I wish you happiness.

Killdeer
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Bjorn on December 27, 2015, 12:20:00 AM
David you made me some great arrows and your shafts helped put food on our table. I did not go back and read all the posts; let us know about your new venture if you did not already!
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Mud_Slide_Slim on December 27, 2015, 05:49:00 AM
David, very sorry to hear this.  I wish you well moving forward into future endeavors.  The success of your business is not only a testament of your product but of the caliber of your character.  Having done business with you personally, you will be missed.

Bill-
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: lpcjon2 on December 27, 2015, 06:53:00 PM
David you are a true craftsman and a great man,you have shown your love for the arrow and always shared a helping hand for those of us who wanted to learn your craft. You are a true inspiration. Good luck
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Tater on December 28, 2015, 05:44:00 PM
David,
 All the best to you in your future ventures.
 
 I am fortunate to have a couple dozen of your amazing arrows in reserve.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: FJTOYMAN on December 28, 2015, 08:11:00 PM
Wow, I'm surprised your closing down. I wish you the best in what ever you decide to do in the future.
I hope, if you do make some arrows up in the future you post pictures of them. I've always admired your work. Thanks for all your help. I hope to still see you at shoots around the state.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: Jayb on December 29, 2015, 10:50:00 PM
Thanks for all your posts and amazing arrow pics. I love the Set you made me and I've been dreaming about the next set for the new TBD bow I'll finally get one day.

Best of luck on your new ventures
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: chase perry on January 02, 2016, 10:49:00 AM
David,

I'm glad I got in touch with you when I did.  Thank you for sharing your work with us.     :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: snag on January 02, 2016, 11:06:00 AM
PM sent Chase.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: chase perry on January 12, 2016, 09:27:00 PM
David,

These arrived today.  They turned out perfect!  

Thanks a dozen, Chase

 (http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u532/chase_el_p/IMG_5754.jpg) (http://s1320.photobucket.com/user/chase_el_p/media/IMG_5754.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: snag on January 12, 2016, 10:11:00 PM
So happy you like them Chase. I liked your color combo. Hope they help you accomplish what they were built for.
Title: Re: Wilderness Custom Arrows closing
Post by: DesertDude on January 12, 2016, 11:02:00 PM
Dave,   Simply.  Thank you.


DD