My family will be leaving wondrous Montana for wild and wonderful West Viginia next week. There obviously will be a bit of down time with the shop schedule, but it should be minimal. I believe this will be a good move for the business and the family, BUT there are some real treasures in the "Treasure State". That handle was given to Montana for it's rich natural resources, but I have found it is the people. Let me explain.
Walt Francis is a man's man. Honest, hard working, genuine, one of the best hunters I have ever had the privilege to go afield with, and a great self bowyer. His self bows and BBOs are fine hunting bows and beautiful pieces of art. Those of you who have seen them at PBS know what I mean.
Doug Campbell......well that is all that needs to be said. Doug Campbell. Huge heart, humble, a true craftsman. Doug is an Old School Cowboy in an age of wannabes. One of the only men I have ever met that can do anything and do it well. Never be the same having spent some time with this man. Thanks Doug.
Randy Morin is one of the up and coming bowyers, I promise you. This young man is gifted. Works hard, plays hard, hunts hard, and still finds time to be a husband and a father. I tell you, I gauge the grit of a man by his family. Randy you got a fine family bud, livin the dream. I will miss you bro. Maybe we will find time to chase them bears together in the Spring.
Dan Quillan, a non-Tradganger, here in Livingston is a gifted taxidermist and a true friend. One of those guys that wont visit you in jail and say, "Boy you screwed up", but one that will sit in the cell beside you and say, "Boy we screwed up".
An old timer once told me if you have two, maybe three good friends in your lifetime, you can consider yourself rich. Well, as you can see.....these and a few more buds out there. Donald Trump can kiss my butt. I will miss you boys. Been a heck of a ride.
Look forward to meeting ya'll out yonder in West Virginia.
Brent
Good luck Brent. You will make a good Hill Billy.
Pete
Brent, hope your families journey is safe!
I look forward to seeing what comes out of the new shop, let us know when your ready!
Brent it was good talking with you yesterday. We will be praying the move goes well and we will have to talk more about that "Practice" turkey come November. Say "howdy" to Almost Heaven for me.
Where are you moving your business to in WV? Maybe I missed that somewhere else.
Aaron
Brent,
I want to be the first, to welcome you to our wonderful state. I am absolutely sure that it will not be an equal comparison to Montana, but we (for the most part) are a close-knit group of people. The "appalachian culture" will grow on you. Let us know, WHERE, in WV that you are moving to. I would love to try one of your bows, and now it looks like I will have that opportunity. "Montani Semper Liberi"
Winterhawk1960
Dang Brent, heard that news and was hoping it wasn't true. I am truely humbled to be included in the above list and can say it's been fun having you and your wonderful family here. Your leaving will certainly be a great loss around here and WV is being blessed. Thank you very much for the friendship, companionship, support, help.... The list goes on and on....
Good luck and if there's anything we can do to help just holler my friend.
Godspeed.
Brent, you're gonna love it here! There are a ton of fellow trad shooters here, traditional archery clubs etc. BE SURE to let us know where you're gonna be settling in - it's hard to top Mountaineer hospitality. I'm sure all the other WV Tradgangers will agree with me - sswv, larry247, bgram, baretraks - to name a few. Our mountains, rivers, and scenery in general never fail to make me feel lucky that I live in such a beautiful state. If you get here in time, we'll roll out the welcome mat at ATAR for ya!
now yall be a good southern red neck ya hear :biglaugh: youll do fine. have a safe trip to west virginia may the spirit of the wolf keep ya safe on ya travel.
There are a couple of options we are looking into at the moment. Our best guess at THIS moment is Keyser or Morgantown area. We have a possibility in Petersburg too. Won't really know for sure until we get there and see some places we are looking into.
I hear ya Doug....tough place to leave for sure, but we are very excited about meeting some folk, and seeing WV up close and personal.
Brian, I will be getting the turkey fattened up. I aint sure how you like yours, but I cook my turkey overeasy! Hope you like it.
Thanks Winterhawk. Look forward to meeting you.
Well, as long as we're going to be neighbors, I may just have to introduce myself one day!
It was that guy's house in the middle of your view, wasn't it. :campfire:
Couldn't take it anymore Killee. Right out my 6'0 picture window! Yeah you had to bring it up again.
Here is the deal. You can come over and stay as long as you like, but you have to talk English while you're there. Although I love to read your posts when you go off on your tangents, I really don't understand a word you say.
Brent,
I thought that's why I couldn't get through when I tried to call ya. You'll have to PM me your cell. If you're gonna be near Morgantown, your probably less that 2 hours from me. Good luck w/ things!!!!
Brad
Brent, the bow sounds awesome!
Brent,
Good luck with the move, from my visits to the east I would have to say you will enjoy the appalachian culture and although the hills aint as tall they dang sure are steep. Let us know when you are back set up and making bows again.
hey Brent! welcome to Wild Wonderful WV. if you get settled in time I'd sure like to see you and the family at ATAR. get in touch with me and if we're reasonably close I wouldn't mind a bit to show you around.
Danny
You don't want to move that far north in WV... Charleston or Beckley is da place to go...
Welcome to WV Brent, glad to have you. Remember that cup of :coffee: you offered, I'll take a pepsi. :biglaugh: Like Danny said if you get settled down come on over to Beckley to the ATAR and meet some of the gang.
Good Luck and drive safe on the move. We'll talk to ya when you get settled and see you for sure at ETAR next month.
Mike
Yep Mike we'll be in touch. Drop you a line soon as I get there.
Dave, that was brutal. I was personally offended. I can't blame you for not wanting my coffee, but we drink Coke!
You best not be drinkin' Coke if you come to the crabfeast, dude...Coke-drinkers are relegated to the back room, pickin' backfin for crabcakes.
Did someone say crabfeast? :eek: :bigsmyl:
Good Luck on your move Brent. I hope every thing works out for you.
Hot dog, maybe I will be able to try one of those Sheepeater's.
Brent, sorry you couldn't make it to Wyoming but West Virginia is a good choice. I was pretty much raised there, married there and alot of times, miss there. You'll be in good company.Hope it all works out for you. :thumbsup:
Thanks Barney. You know you will always be welcomed at my campfire. Just another place for you to go visit after you leave Doug and Karen's
:campfire:
Good luck with the Move Brent.I hate movein!!!Now i gotta go all the way to WV,to steal one a them Bows.Dang,but itll be worth it.
See you shoulda come and stolt one whilst I was closer.
hey Brent! your PM box is full. you have my number so give me a call when you're settled if you need directions to ATAR or have any questions.
Danny
Good luck Brent. Morgantown is pretty nice, good hunting around there spent a couple of years there.
Danny
Good Luck to ya
Hey Brent, not near as much fun as moving in Jan.! Good luck & best wishes on the move. Yer gonna miss the sky!...LOL
Dang Brent, knowing this thread was up you made me go to the library so I could use a computer. The Library!!...I'll never forgive you...HA, HA.
Seriously my friend...It seems like I've known you for a decade already...I am going to miss the hell out of you and Missy and Heidi. I would be tickled if you were able to get back for a spring bear hunt with me in the next few years. In the mean time...I'll be thinking of you everytime I get a fiberglass splinter, drill a turkey perfectly and watch it run off to god-knows-where, or hunt your favorite drainage in all of Montana. You will be missed Bud.
Have a safe trip and sorry I couldnt help load the U-Haul. Oh yeah and thanks for smokin that bear...cant wait to dig in. You were right, that was a great cigar, best yet, but not because of the taste, it had more to do with the location and my company I was keeping at the time. All my best Bro.
One last photo...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/Ranman/IMG_1102.jpg)
Brent, make sure you keep the updates coming. The wife and I are going to be getting bows from you sometime. The 54 inch Sheepeater sound like the bomb! Sorry things didn't work out for you in Montana, take care! Joseph
Brent ,Best of luck, let me know when you are up and running , I want get couple of your bows!...Marco...God Bless
Well Brent, I'm a hopein you at least waved as you went by. Talk to you when you're all settled in. Ralph
Brent,
Good luck on the move!
Brent,
There's four archery only counties in the SE part of WV, I know Logan County is one of them. I hunted with a friend of mine for 20+ years in Randolph County until my knees got so bad I couldn't handle the mountains anymore. Best of luck in Almost Heaven, WV!
Bill
Ladies and Gents, My family and I will be rolling out of town in the morning. I will post as soon as I arrive. Thank you all for your support, well wishes, and help. George Bryce, I know you don't post, but if you read this, it has been my honor to know you and your fine family for....well, longer than I want to admit. Tell Bill to stay out of my bear spot! Thanks to all for your prayers and thoughts.
Brent
Best of luck bud....I'll be in touch soon
Safe travel, all.
Killdeer :wavey:
Take care, drive safe...hope to hook up with you soon.
Doc
Good luck back east Brent, sorry I never got a chance to meet you while you were still here. Safe Journey...
If all goes according to Hoyle, I will be meeting some of you at ATAR. By chance I make it, I will bring the New 54" Sheepeater with. It has the same limb design with a larger riser section, which will accommodate a takedown bolt system. I have really enjoyed putting this bow through the paces. Great shooter.
Have you given any thought of adding a longbow to your line up???? Been wanting a new one???
string cutter, he makes a flat bow, the redtail hawk, it has the rattan wraped grip