This weekend at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is the Deer and Turkey Expo.
Below is something of interest to the traditional archery folks.
Read it and see what is in his collection.
GENE HOPKINS COLLECTION OF ARCHERY HISTORY
Bowhunting is definitely a passion for Gene. Having taken over 100 big game animals in his 40 years of hunting, Gene also believes strongly in giving back to the sport that has been his lifelong obsession. A Past-President of the Indiana Bowhunters Association, past member of the Board of Directors for the National Bowhunter Education Foundation, and Historian for the Archery Hall of Fame, Gene feels that his most significant achievement is that he has been a Master Instructor for the NBEF here in Indiana for over 22 years.
The Hopkins Collection of Archery History keeps the memories of bowhunting's pioneers alive for the education and enjoyment of bowhunters present and future. Without the effort and perseverance that these founding fathers gave, we would not enjoy the wonders of bowhunting as we know it today. In this spirit, the collection will introduce you to a walk in the woods with these pioneers of bowhunting, including the following treasures of history:
Personal Bowhunting Items from the Pioneers – Fred Bear, Howard Hill, Ishi, Saxton Pope, Art Young, Ben Pearson, Glen St. Charles, Doug Easton, Chief Compton, and many, many more.
One of the largest collections of broadheads in existence - Over 2000 different broadheads manufactured since the first commercially made broadhead in 1879 (including one of the very few examples ever found of that first broadhead, the 1879 Peck & Snyder).
Archery & Bowhunting Books dating as far back as the 1600's, including the only known autographed copy of the classic "The Witchery of Archery" (1878) by Maurice Thompson. Autographed first editions from Saxton Pope, Fred Bear, Howard Hill, and more.....
Longbows from Merry Old England that helped launch archery in America (dating back over 150 years).
Classic Recurves, including the rarest of all Bear Archery Company bows, the gold-latched "A" Riser (one of only 12 made).
looks like my weekend plans might have changed :knothead: thanks for the heads up
do know the times for the show :) :)
Amazing collection and awesome man. Gene is a first class gentleman in every sense of the word. I've spent several years working side by side with Gene at Wheelin' Sportsmen events, youth camps, Deer & Turkey Expo etc. He truly gives to the sport. His collection is amazing. I had the priviledge of seeing it at a personal showing in his home. Gene is a man I am very proud to call a friend. Take the time to see the collection and better yet meet the man! He'll probably be helping a youth shoot a bow for the first time over at the archery range. I wish I were in Indiana to make the trip to see the collection again.
Jim
Thanks for the heads up. I won't make the Indiana show but the Expo comes to Ohio in a couple of weeks. Might catch it there if Gene shows up.
I have shared a few campfires with Gene He sure has a passion for archery past and future.
Anyone going to the deer and turkey expo this weekend in Indy. Tell Gene Hopkins the boys from up north said hi.Thanks
Gene has a very impressive collection. I was privaleged enough to see it at his house. What he has at the show isn't half of what he has at his home in Columbus :campfire:
Whole family will be there on Sat.
My son and I went friday evening. We spoke with Gene and looked at his collection. I for one have to say it is a incredible collection and worht the admission and drive to see.
Gene was a nice guy and let my son hold the "gold latched" riser. I got his pic with it. I will post it later.