Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Gatekeeper on November 21, 2007, 10:19:00 PM

Title: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Gatekeeper on November 21, 2007, 10:19:00 PM
How many people here go to the Traditional Bowhunters Expo in Kalamazoo, Michigan? Is it worth the travel expense?
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Steve O on November 21, 2007, 10:37:00 PM
YES!  Lots of bows, lots of vendors, usually excellent seminars.  Only thing better is the Compton Rendezvous here in June.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Dan Worden on November 21, 2007, 11:51:00 PM
Think big gun show with mostly mfrs and 100% trad archery.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: FJTOYMAN on November 21, 2007, 11:58:00 PM
Wish it wasn't so far. You all in Michigan have it made.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on November 22, 2007, 04:54:00 AM
I've driven up from Georgia twice now, well worth the time.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: The Night Stalker on November 22, 2007, 05:27:00 AM
I drove from North Carolina two years ago. Its something to do. For me it depends on my funds and how much vacation time I have.  Tim in NC
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Whip on November 22, 2007, 07:43:00 AM
The only downside for me is that I have to drive through Chicago to get there, and I absolutely HATE driving through Chicago.  
But I do it anyway - well worth the trip!  Bring your credit card!
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: shaft slinger on November 22, 2007, 08:27:00 AM
know what you mean whip, that place is a mess, i hear there is a big show in grand rapids the same week end any body know any thing about it ????       Harold
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: ISP 5353 on November 22, 2007, 09:02:00 AM
Always worth the trip!
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Shaun on November 22, 2007, 09:03:00 AM
I believe I missed one since getting back into trad - that's nine out of ten and its 6 hours drive with no way around the windy city trafic. Well worth the time. One year I did not buy a bow. Have met so many fine folks there and its a great chance to shoot the bows of some of the finist bowyers. You know the saying - So Many Bows, So Little Time! - well this is the place. Some of the bowyers that are there every time: Ron LeClair - Shrew, Ron King - Fox, Bob Morrison, Jim Reynolds - Thunderstick, the gang from Black Widow, and many more. Good demos, lots of supply vendors, two shooting ranges.

In short, it is one of the traditions of traditional archery. Make it if you can.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: KPaul on November 22, 2007, 09:18:00 AM
When is it?
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: BOFF on November 22, 2007, 09:23:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by KPaul:
When is it?
http://www.gnbco.com/expo.htm


  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Gatekeeper on November 22, 2007, 09:25:00 AM
January 25,26 and 27

Friday 5 to 9
Saturday 9 to 6
Sunday 9 to 3

Friday evening $6
Weekend $10

There is a full page add in TB magazine's current issue.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Java Man on November 22, 2007, 09:45:00 AM
I'll be there with Mr. LaClair.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: katie on November 22, 2007, 10:13:00 AM
We are wanting to try and make it.  If I can talk my husband into it.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Steve O on November 22, 2007, 10:30:00 AM
Whip,

You could take the Ferry across Lake Michigan...I think it is Milwaukee to Ludington.

OR

You could fly into Flint (usually cheaper than flying into Detroit Metro) and I could be your Chauffeur   :goldtooth:  

Same offer applies to you Biggie...
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Whip on November 22, 2007, 11:28:00 AM
I've looked at the Ferry option for going to Compton's, but it is a bit pricy, and no quicker in the long run.  Not sure if it even runs in January.  I might try it some year on the way to Compton's when at least the weather is better.

Flying to Flint would really be the way to go, but the excess baggage charges to get all my loot home might kill me!  ;)
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Dan Worden on November 22, 2007, 11:50:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Whip:
I've looked at the Ferry option for going to Compton's, but it is a bit pricy, and no quicker in the long run.  Not sure if it even runs in January.  I might try it some year on the way to Compton's when at least the weather is better.

Flying to Flint would really be the way to go, but the excess baggage charges to get all my loot home might kill me!    ;)  
Flint Bishop airport is GREAT!

USPS for booty   :D
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Kevin Bahr on November 22, 2007, 12:20:00 PM
Hey Joe, hope you can make it.  As far as being quicker, it took Ron Lang 5 hours to get from K'zoo to the Indiana border last year, due to the 2 feet of snow that came off the lake.  Seems to happen on a pretty regular basis in that stretch of interstate.  
See you all there, just sent in the PBS booth registration yesterday, in fact.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: pronghorn23 on November 22, 2007, 01:39:00 PM
I've gone once before I started shooting traditional. It was a good time and I hope to go back.

With my work schedule it seems to fall on days I have to work each year. Only other thing is the snow like Kevin mentioned. Keep an eye on the weather if you're driving because that lake effect snow belt is terrible.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: wtpops on November 22, 2007, 02:03:00 PM
Im going to try to make it, going to fly out from California. The Compton Rendezvous that is
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Labs4me on November 22, 2007, 05:41:00 PM
I piddy da fool who misses this expo. Been half a dozen times over the years. This is your absolutely BEST opportunity to shoot and compare custom bows from many of the top bowyers in the country. Alternatively, if you've decided on a bowyer, but can't make up your mind between a 56" recurve or a 64" longbow this is a perfect time to hash out a decision.

Great people, great time, but PRAY for good weather. Anything can happen in Michigan in January. I got stranded in Kalamazoo county last year on Saturday night on account of a snow/ice storm. Thankfully, after placing orders for two new bows, I had enough credit left on my credit card to spring for a no-tell motel.
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Kevin Bahr on November 22, 2007, 09:28:00 PM
Just booked my room at the Best Western on Cork Street...
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: WESTBROOK on November 22, 2007, 09:34:00 PM
Yeah Boy! Its a big time!

I see they got Monte Browning coming this year, that will be a good time.

Eric
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: John C Keith on November 22, 2007, 10:05:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by shaft slinger:
know what you mean whip, that place is a mess, i hear there is a big show in grand rapids the same week end any body know any thing about it ????       Harold
The Hunting Time Expo at the DeltaPlex Jan 24-27.  I went a few years ago and it beats the mall or a day at work.  I recall it being largely guides, and equipment sales.  I do not remember much you really could "hold."  Its been awhile so I may be wrong.  

I think it would be an ok stop in addition to he K-zoo expo, but definitely not in its place.  HTH

Here is a link:
 http://www.deltaplex.com/confctr/events.htm#
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: shaft slinger on November 23, 2007, 12:01:00 PM
Thanks John, just looked at the link and looks like you are right     thanks
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Dave Worden on November 23, 2007, 03:49:00 PM
Those of you from out of town/out of state, share the ride.  Not only do you save on gas money, but you get to make new friends.  Whip, share the ride and make someone else handle the driving through Chicago.  You can take the Michigan or Wisconsin end of the trip!  Katie, leave him home to baby sit and then tell him what a great show he missed!  See you all there,
                          Dave
Title: Re: Bowhunters Expo
Post by: Whip on November 23, 2007, 06:18:00 PM
I usually do share the ride - only problem is my hunting partner's driving scares me worse than the Chicago crazies!