Just want to throw this out to all members. We all feel our 2nd Amendment Rights are being threatened and I applaud the Vendors and Speakers who basically shut down the Harrisburg Show. :readit:
If you were asked the following question, what's your response. Take a few minutes and think it over before responding...Thanks
"What have YOU done over the years or recently to promote and defend the sport of Bowhunting." :campfire:
Joe, In my community there is not a lot of people who bowhunt or even hunt. I have gotten a good amount of guys,gals, and kids to give it a try. I have given about 5 kids bows with arrows to my sons friends,3 wheel bows, 3 trad bows to adults with arrows and have had them all come shoot with me and taught them the fine art of shooting.
I always talk about archery and hunting to as many who will listen and tell them what a great sport it is. I try to recruit as many as I can.
Taught Kids to shoot for a few years, left my jobs to make affordable bows full time. Contibuted to the TGMM youth bow program.
I have given bows and arrows to my sons friends to get them started in archery,Because their dads don't hunt.
I have promoted the sport through mentoring, loaning equipment,building arrows for others etc. My thoughts have always been "one voice can be heard a number of yards, many voices can be heard a number of miles"
Gotta a few friends together to shoot which has generated alot of interest and a few converts to trad shooting.
We donate several hunts through our guide service to a variety of bowhunting organizations each year. The monies raised during the auction of our hunts supports many great efforts including the Georgia archery in the schools programs, traveling youth archery trailers that are run by the Traditional Bowhunters of Georgia, Wounded Warrior Foundation and many others. It feels wonderful to be a part of these great efforts and this method of assistance (donated hunts for auction)has the most impact for us. I was taught from a young age that action speaks louder than words. We try to do something postive for the sport every chance we get.
Thanks to all of you that take action in support of archery and bowhunting. You are making a difference.
For those of you reading this wanting to take action but you just don't know what you can do, contact your states archery in the schools program, 4-H or similar group and offer to help. These groups NEED you. No time to help? Consider helping them with a bow, arrows or other equipment. We are talking about helping with the seeds/youth of our sport.
Jerry
Joined NCBA - NC Bowhunter's Association
Tried to spread the traditional fever, successfully to a few, introduction only to others. But planting seeds is how growth occurs. Some seeds stay dormant for a long time before growth starts.
Kids are the ultimate contact to spark eventual growth, hopefully even after I'm gone.
Give and loan equipment to youths, teach archery on a regular basis (NFAA level 2), donate a bow annually to the PBS Youth Hunt program, and represent bowhunting in a positive light at every opportunity. Worker/Board member at local club.
Very good question Joe....
Other than donating product to the St. Judes auction, and to the Traditional Bowhunters of NJ (TANJ), (an organization that does do a tremendous amount of work to promote archery for kids), I'm embarrassed to say that I haven't done much.
Ron
I help Trad. Archers of NJ put on demos :help: to food banks. Used as a tool, part of animal population control to balence the lands carrying capacity of the envirnment. Thus preventing more deaths of animals from starvation :deadhorse: or deer/car wrecks that endanger everyone.
We also build kid friendly targets to encourage youth archery that are donated or sold to help fund the above. (http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/th_026-2.jpg) (http://s441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/?action=view¤t=026-2.jpg) (http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/th_027-2.jpg) (http://s441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/?action=view¤t=027-2.jpg) (http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/th_DSC_0008.jpg) (http://s441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/?action=view¤t=DSC_0008.jpg) (http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/th_0808091132.jpg) (http://s441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/?action=view¤t=0808091132.jpg) (http://i441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/th_P9121751.jpg) (http://s441.photobucket.com/albums/qq136/bloodtrailer7/?action=view¤t=P9121751.jpg)
Nothing directly to defend or promote the sport of bowhunting, BUT, I am a proud NRA member and contributor. It's the only Organization that I know of that helps all sportsman, be it trappers, fisherman, bowhunters or gunhunters.
We all need each other in this cause, united we will stand, divided we will fall. The anti's count of this.
I help with teaching clinics for kids a few times a year and sometimes even clincs for disabled people.
I help beginning archers with their form and arrows, teaching them basics from GPP, FOC and(dynamic) spine. I also advice them in the purchase process.
I take friends, neighbors and everybody who is intersted to the archery farm and demonstrate things.
I write stories about 3-D archery adventures and write tutotials about archery.
And I even found a nice pretty girl of 23 years old and I am teaching her archery. Not easy, but oh well, somebody has to do the job.... :)
I joined the PBS, working towards my goal of promoting ETHICAL bowhunting and encouraging my friends to think about where our passion that we call bowhunting is headed
Well I talked with my youth pastor at church, and we are doing a semester long Wed night bible study and will be teach them archery. this last Wed night was our first night, and there were 25-30 kids there.
I've "mentored" several friends, who wanted to try bowhunting. They had told me that the way I talk about it inspires them to want to try it. A few of them, I gave some extra equiptment and clothing that I had laying around. I try to steer them in the way of traditional archery.
Oh yea- mentored younger guys, testified at State Leg hearings, attended/testified wildlife commission hearings, member of NRA (which is critical for bowhunting- as our sport rides on the back of guns/gun hunting). Participated here on Tradgang. :clapper:
Excellent question Joe....and, probably, my answer would be not nearly enough.
I've gotten all 3 of my kids into traditional archery. It is a constant battle however with band, ballgames, etc. Each of them, however, can shoot and truly seem to enjoy shooting.
I also, try my best to not divide the few ranks of hunters we have. I know I am definitely in the minority here, but I am supportive of efforts that open up hunting to more people (yes, you can read that as supporting crossbows too). Our numbers (hunters) are so few that we cannot afford to divide ourselves.
This is not a popular stance with many, but it is difficult for me to say that legally hunting with such a weapon is wrong when so many of us started there or with wheelie bows.
Perhaps, though, my greatest effort comes from trying to put forth the image that those that hunt with traditionaly archery equipment are respectful of the land they hunt and the game they pursue.
I think that (let's call it) traditional hunter image will carry us further than most anything else we do. If we do not show that we respect the land, respect the game, respect the sport, and are truly having a blast doing it....then, I'm afraid, we have lost.
Ken
When I was working in archery, up until 2 years ago, I had numerous outings and seminars on just about all aspects of archery. Over the years, I was fortunate enough to coach and train 3 Virginia State Champions. I attend countless shoots held my other clubs, both on sectional, national, and professional levels. I have had church gatherings for kids groups of up to 150 kids. Always had something going on to get archery out there, and it has been the best reward of my life, bar none.
I've bought a bow and intend to learn to use it!
:)
Good question, Joe, and thank you for asking it. Those who attack the Second Amendment, a right guaranteed in the Constitution, will not hesitate to attack hunting in general and bow hunting specifically -- activities that do not have specific constitutional protection.
What have I done? Given the ferocious attack on one of our constitutional rights by the same people who abhor our hunting traditions, not nearly enough.
I am changing that, and finding ways to step up my advocacy for our rights and traditions. We must hang together or we will be hanged separately.
Thanks again for asking this important question.
For many years I served on the council of MI Traditional Bowhunters and we always had a big emphasis on kids. I also was very involved at that same time representing MTB at our DNR and NRC speaking to issues that had an impact on bowhunting in MI.
In recent years I've been teaching the bowhunting section of MI Hunter Safety at our church where we do several hunter safety classes a year.
It's interesting to note that the TV shows we see on networks like the Outdoor Channel and the Sportsmen's Channel have a big impact on the preconceived notions kids already have about bowhunting when they come to take Hunter Safety as 10, 11 & 12 year olds.
Introduced both of my daughters husbands to bow hunting and am working through the same process with seven grandchildren.
Have made many bows for them and take them hunting whenever possible even if they are not old enough to hunt themselves.
This year I lost my only opportunity for a deer due to a squirming nine year old sitting with me. :) It was worth it to see the look on his face when four does busted cover 15 yards in front of us. He said, "that kinda scared me". :bigsmyl:
Support, National, State and Local Bowhunting organizations.
Active for many years in our local club, which puts on shooting clinics for several youth organizations,Boy Scouts, 4-H, etc.
I'm sure you recognize that bowhunting and the current BS about threats to the 2nd Amendment are not related...
I stopped the crossbow from being legalized in the early mid 90s and held it for 16 years - and have had more apprentices than I could count - guided somewhere between 50 and 100 bowhunters free - gave away hunts for auction - gave away articles - state rep at DNR meetings many years - guest speaker a few states - try and hold up my end on group hunts - lead by example
<><
<--------------------<<<<<<
Always voted - and never voted for anyone who does not 100% fully support the 2nd amendment since 1976
Yes beachbowhunter I do...however..each state could pass individual laws which affect our bowhunting seasons and the future generation to follow.
Maine and Ontario Canada lost their spring bear season. Here in NY the we fought off the crossbows in our regular archery season. Many changes across every State and Provinces.
Alberta Canada now has restricted the Mule deer permits in their southern zones or best areas. Bowhunters need to unite and stay in tune and voice their displeasure within their own Gov'tment.
Unfortunately, this world is made up of Givers and Takers...with the second being more prevalent.
QuoteOriginally posted by beachbowhunter:
I'm sure you recognize that bowhunting and the current BS about threats to the 2nd Amendment are not related...
I wonder why at the Muzzy shoot they have a sign posted saying to join the NRA because guns are first and were next. Could it be because we are all interconnected in some way?
Joe, I have been into archery for 43 years. I have always tried to promote archery and have given away several bows over the years to kids in an attempt to keep the youth involved.
I build and donate a half dozen or so bows and arrow sets a year to kids or organizations that are promoting archery for the youngsters. I am also active in my club.
This was a number years go, but here goes.
Back in high school (in Southern Ontario), in a geography class we had to choose a subject for a final project. One of my classmates did animal rights. During the presentation they described how hunters would "shoot animals in all four legs before killing them" and other such junk. During the entire presentation my whole class was dumbly nodding along as if it was obvious that hunters were cruel barbarians. At the end of the presentation I called them out on it in the most polite fashion possible, asking them to verify that information (they'd gotten almost all their 'material' from PETA) and finished by saying that I was a bowhunter and had never even heard of such a thing. I also pointed out that hunters are required by law to recover all useable meat on the animal, and that most of the behaviours ascribed to so-called hunter in the presentation were in fact against the law and those hunters were therefore poachers.
Dead silence after that - I was the only person in my class who hunted , as I grew up in a city. But I think I gave people a new perspective - being polite, respectful and articulate is surprising to people who expect you to be bloodthirsty and stupid. I may have changed a few minds, though I didn't make any friends among the presenters!
As far as recently, I run the archery club here on Manitoulin Island, and try my best to get kids into archery and bowhunting (while still learning, myself).
Member of the NRA
Member of Minnesota State Archery Association
Member of Compton
As far personally defending my rights to hunt, nothing, I do help some younger kids I see when they are shooting a longbow or recurve if they want any help, I've given away my arrows at the range when I see them shooting some 40 lbs to heavy of spine. I do pay attention to stop any negative talk that may be started around me, if possible, without being hostile.
I am more of a promoter of archery and archery hunting than firearm stuff (don't do that any more) maybe that is something I could work on. Seemed to have segregated from that without thinking about it. I do buy a lot of licenses in a year and rarely get to tag anything, that money must help.
Beachbowhunter that is the type of thinking that benifits the anti gun politician's cause.We are all sportsmen and at this time in our history we should be sticking together instead of dividing ourselves. Here in New York as Im sure you are aware we have lost a huge portion of our gun rights and are now probably the most restrictive state in the country. Over the last ten years I have built and donated at least 15 bows to New york bowhunters and as of last weekend Iam a proud NRA member
I have some civilian employees that work for me in Philadelphia. At first they were appalled by the thought of bowhunting, but through patient and thoughtful conversation they now look forward to daily updates of my adventures afield. I guess it doesn't hurt that I haven't actually harvested a dear this whole season after going out every single day.
Tom
4H youth instructor for eight years...I help with any archery instruction if I can...and I have given archery equipment away many times to newbies.
Joe, Great thread, not so much about bragging as it is a great way to share ideas. I have done what others have done.
I get bows into people's hands every time they express any kind of interest.
I make it a point to talk about this passion of mine every chance I get, everywhere I go.
I have joined PBS and although I am not an active member yet, someday that will change but I do support their efforts.
I support sponsors who support hunting and give back 1st before looking elsewhere for items.
I know there is more I have done and there's always more to do but I do what I can, when I can.
:campfire:
been a member of NYB for years, I've given away half a dozen youth bows over the years, and I'll share the joy of traditional archery/hunting with anyone who will listen!
Teach archery to 4H,scouts and anyone that wants it at our local archery shop. We hunt rabbits for ranchers that do not want them, or guns on thier ranches. They are amazed that we actually kill as many as we do. They recommend us to other ranchers.
Joe, I spent almost 20 yrs. as a certified bow hunting instructor and almost as long as an NAA level ll instructor. Also, I served on the board of the United Bowhunters of Connecticut which is a lobbying group, fighting the good fight for bowhunting rights.Imo one can never give back enough. (nut)
NC hunter safety instructor and coach of our school shooting teams.
I moved to SC 6 months ago and need to get reestablished here.
Member NRA.
Member UBM.
Will join Comptons at their function in K.C. next month.
I call and write senators/representatives.
Introduce folks to the sport.
Give away/purchase items to help folks get started.
Mentor occasionally.
I reload a LOT of ammo... just in case... :-0 LOL
Joe, this is one of the best posts I have ever read on TG. Thanks for bringing it up... and making folks think about the issue.
Kids,kids,kids. It's easy to get them interested because its so fun.
I brought up archery to the school system here and I thought I was going to be taken out in handcuffs. But thats Massachusetts for you.
I try to pick up cheap bows when I can and make them all spiffed up. There are always a few bows ready at my house for a kid who wants to shoot.
I'm looking to get certified at giving hunter education/safety certs now.
Because I'm providing a website below this may not be a "legal" post. If so, I'm sorry and please delete.
In the spirit of providing ideas to those who want to do more to perpetuate our discipline and be a positive influence in the life of a student, you can go to this website.
http://archeryintheschools.org/activea.asp?CompID=23&btnSubmit=ByFileCategoryID&cboApplicationID=321&cboFileCategoryID=969
This link provides contact information for the Coordinator for NASP in each of the 47 states, 5 provinces, and 8 other countries in the program.
Over the past 11 years 30,000 teachers, 1,300 teacher trainers, and 138 Teacher Trainer Trainers (BAIT Specialists) have been certified. Together they have trained more than 11,000,000 students. While the bow used isn't traditional, the teaching is very traditional; barebow and 3 fingers under.
About 7,000 new adults are certified each year. The orgnization is non-profit.
(Tim, you'll see what I'm doing here is from a different perspective than what we talked about.)
Served in various clubs in various capacities from regular member to regional rep. to boardmember to president, which is my current position in the Southern Traditional Archery Association.
Volunteer coach for the NASP at our local school, and help at other schools in our county. I think the NASP is the best thing going for the sport of archery today. My wife and I have helped at our NASP State Championship, and plan to do so again this year.
Put on various demos for kids and adults in different venues. The biggest will be this year at the Wilson County Fair in TN. For the last several years they have had over a half-million people come through the gates in 9 days.
Set up with the Southern Traditional Archery Association at some big sports trade events with the STA supplying bows, arrows, targets, and candy dish and let kids shoot for free all weekend.
Work with kids and adults at my home when I can. Not that I'm a great shot or coach, but a little instruction can go a long way and plant a seed that will continue to grow.
I've gotten a lot of support and inspiration from some great people in this sport. I know I won't remember them all, but it includes folks like Rod Jenkins, Denny Sturgis Jr., Ray and Roger Browne of BCY, fellow members of the STA, Dr. Marty Brunson of the Catch-a-Dream Foundation, etc.
Chad
I got my whole neighborhood into Trad archery , some times we have 20 shooters here on weekends.Most of then had never shot a bow before. Just make it fun, shoot baloons and have coffee afterwards.I also donate a bow every year to one of the local clubs to raise funds.And talk Trad archery hunting to anyone who will sit still long enough to listen. Bob
Have done nothing and that needs to change.
Bowwild thats the way to do it. but you do deserve some recognition.
Bowwild ! Thanks for your post . I even found the number for our provincial contact. I have been in charge of the kids archery for our club and have had 18 kids register for this year. I have been lucky to have three other trad shooter contribute time regularly . The enjoyment I have gotten in return is awesome . Some of the kids probably won't ever hunt but have an activity they can enjoy all to themselves. Maxx
Get as many kid involved as I can in the sport and vote for politicians who support my beliefs.
I will teach anyone who is willing to give bowhunting a try no matter what type bow they use, I also am more than willing to help anyone with hunting or just shooting a gun. I look at it like we are all sportsman and instead of dividing ourselves based on the equipment we choose most often to use (i.e. I still enjoy shooting and hunting with guns :eek: ) We need to pull together and not worry about personal differences. One thing I cannot recommend enough is that if you are not a member of the NRA than to join right now! Not only do they protect our second ammendment rights but also fight for our rights to hunt and many other freedoms we have.
Most recently, this past fall my sons friend asked if I could help "get him a buck". I went out and we walked his farm, showed him stand sights and recommended when to hunt them. One was a nice funnel, which I advised to hunt very sparingly until the third week and he should get an oppurtunity at a buck from the spot. He did what I said and he shot his first buck there. He also filled his doe tag and is hooked for life.