With Wyoming and many states in the midst of the legislative sessions I have noticed an exceptionally low number of hunters who care to be proactive and prefer to complain when something they dont like becomes law.
How many of you belong to a State or national level organization that fights for your hunting rights and opportunity's?
How many of you are involved and aware of legislation taking place and are involved with these organizations to promote or deny legislation?
If you are not a member or involved why are you not?
It's a lot of questions I know, but when you hear people complain and then ask how many times they attend public input meetings, voted, contacted legislators or even knew when the session was and supported the groups that are fighting for them I hear never.
Amen!
I worked for years with the Bowhunters of Alabama, Inc. on those same issues. Believe me its work, and no one appreciates the effort. Just let someone loose one day of hunting, or another weapon is added to "your season", then you hear the wailing and complaints. Most doing the B#^*+@>g have never stepped up to help out. And then the wonder why has this happened, why didn't somebody do something?
We're no longer a rual society, and the majority don't understand why anyone wants to hunt.
Johnny & Kuri
i agree totally.. our state group which i am a life member of has been slipping pretty badly in fighting for us as bowhunters, and are more worried about holding tournaments, a few of us from our traditional club met with the president to offer suggestions and offer to help.. it was met with a fairly positive response..I guess we will see.. but i have alot of friends that seem to care less about this subject.. i dont understand the reasoning and strongly encourage membership and active participation in our state and national groups...
I agree. I'm a member of the United Bowhunters of Illinois, Illinois Bowhunters Society, Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources, panther Creek Bowhunters, Comptons, PBS, NRA and some others and have been active in the state orgs for years. I have a hard time understanding how someone can consider them self a serious anything but not care about what happens or willing to support the organizations that fight for them.
We have a big Deer and Turkey Classic show in town this weekend and Thousands of folks are going to spend more to attend that show than a years membership in any of the IL orgs would cost. Sad.
I belong to Compton Bowhunters and New York Bowhunters. I was a county rep for NYB for about 10 or 12 years and also taught N.Y. Bowhunters Saftey for 15 years. I no longer am active like I was but still support and belong. One thing that always amazed me was the amount of folks who had the "let someone else do it" attitude. Those people also would not join the organization, they would also say what will they do for me.
I am the current president of the United Bowhunters of Missouri and it is soooo frustrating to meet bowhunter after bowhunter who are not members of any of the three bowhunting organizations in my state. To add insult to injury, a lot of these folks don't think twice about sending their dues off to the NRA. Who do they think fights the battle at home?
The UBM does a lot of great stuff with kids around the state and tries to stay on top of hunting politics at the local, state and national level. All we would like is a little more support from Joe Missouri Bowhunter. This support can be in the form of cash but a warm body to do stuff would be even more welcome.
Darren Haverstick
Like Darren I am President of my state organization. I see time and time again the need for support go either apatheticly quiet or people just don't want to dig in and join. It upsets me when people I have personally introduced to archery turn a blind eye to the issues today. That said the ones that are involved are "all in". I appreciate their continued supprt. This thing of ours was not given...people worked hard to carve out a season for us and without careful attention this can be taken away.
Most guys who I ask about joining either a National Group like PBS or Comptons, or our own state organization at United Bowhunters of Illinois, tell me no because they don't view these organizations as "doing anything". One could argue that "nothing" includes organizing events for kids, volunteering as a mentor for future generations, acting as a watchdog to keep our seasons from being taken away, providing scholarships for students pursuing degrees in Wildlife and Conservation, organizing and sponsoring 3D shoots, and on and on.
If you are not a member of your state organization or furthermore, a national one, you are missing out. We are also missing out on your input and expertise to further promote our wonderful sport.
Those on here who are not members of state organizations please tell me why you are not members?
Your the group I want to appeal to.
I just picked up the stick and string a couple months ago and am not a member with any of the orginazations yet, but have my eyes on 3 or 4 that I plan on joining as the funds become available. One local, one statewide, and 2 national. I don't want to miss out on anything. Since I've picked up my longbow, I've felt like a kid in a candy shop.
Member of Kansas Bowhunters Association and also a Hunter Ed and Bowhunter Ed Instructor for almost ten years now. Try to help out when and where I can. Also receive updates from our wildlife and parks on upcoming legislature meetings and events.
After reading Randy's original post and then the last 2 I don't think he's going to get the response from "non members" like he wants to. It seemed a bit scary to read and might push people away (except the very bold) because it seems to be, calling people out. Which maybe that's your intent, but it seems to be a set up for some ugly conversation. Guessing something fueled you this morning.
So maybe I'll re word it for him.
So for those who are NOT members of some state or national level organizations. Would you be able to provide some insight as to why you choose to not be? With out too much debate.
I hate to see a fight...
And RB you're my boy and you know with all due respect you may override my post. Just don't want it to seem too argumentative...
Well Bud, our state has two organizations, both of which fight each other. It's a joke. Our state more than most is controlled by another groupd (SFW) who see bowhunters as competition for rifle hunters. And with 15000 to 200000 (bowhunters to gun) and with a lot of the archery guys being 2 season hunters ( which here means whichever hunt has the best dates) it's futile at best.
That being said I need to join WY and am a member of the CO trad group. When things turn around financially, I'll be able to support more. This is a very good topic to discuss!!
Btw I'm would like to know more about TGMM... Point me in the right direction or send me a PM on here if you could :)
I'm a life member of the United Bowhunters of Kentucky and Associate Member of Pope and Young.
When I was wildlife director of the KY Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources I could always count on the UBK to attend Commission meetings to be a voice for science-based wildlife management.
It always surprised me how few other sportsmen groups put in this kind of effort. Hoping for the best isn't always the best practice. I've seen good and bad decisions based on a single suggestion from a citizen.
I do need to reup with Comptons and PBS, maybe at their annual meetings which I will be attending this year for the first time.
I am not a member of any bow hunting organizations. I think one of the main reasons people don't join is poor advertising. Everyone has heard of the NRA, therefore the NRA has a lot of members. The NRA also has some decent perks that come with membership.
Also, I know a few people that refuse to fund any organizations like that because they believe funds are misappropriated. Again, look at the NRA. I'm sure the upper echelon of the NRA is raking it in. I mean, how much do you think it cost them to sponsor that NASCAR race last year? Is that an appropriate use of member donations?
Organizations should also do a better job of letting people know exactly what they are doing legislation wise. Maybe make a list of all the battles that have been won available to prospective members.
QuoteOriginally posted by Matty:
After reading Randy's original post and then the last 2 I don't think he's going to get the response from "non members" like he wants to. It seemed a bit scary to read and might push people away (except the very bold) because it seems to be, calling people out. Which maybe that's your intent, but it seems to be a set up for some ugly conversation. Guessing something fueled you this morning.
So maybe I'll re word it for him.
So for those who are NOT members of some state or national level organizations. Would you be able to provide some insight as to why you choose to not be? With out too much debate.
I hate to see a fight...
And RB you're my boy and you know with all due respect you may override my post. Just don't want it to seem too argumentative...
I see your point here for sure. I want both sides really. I am in effect calling people to the floor to state there thoughts. As to why the don't participate. I will keep this conversation clean and I will not attack anyone who states a valid opinion.
So I don't intend it to be argumentative or condescending in any way. So please don't take it that way.
Ryan we could talk a lot about SFW. This is not the place for that though.
I am a proud life member of the West Virginia Bowhunters Association and the Pope and Young Club. The WVBA is always on top of the game in legislature, as a matter of fact I just received a call while I was typing this to make some phone calls on behalf of an issue going on right now. Will do so immediately.
Randy,
I rejoined BOW a couple of years ago after a hiatus. In years past, I was Treasurer and Vice President. I was also on the board of the Wyoming Wildlife Assoc for many years. I was a Regular member of PBS, but dropped that after several years of seeing little besides the magazine for my money. I am a member of Compton's, and recently joined Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. I have been an NRA member for many years.
My years of working with the Wy Wildlife Assoc pretty much burned me out; I saw a lot of what you talk about, that is, a few people doing the majority of the work, and a bunch of people bitching. After many years, I finally decided that I would continue membership in a few organizations, and let other folks do the heavy lifting. I felt that I had somewhat paid my dues.
I still keep up with state legislation, and contact my representatives about hunting and conservation matters, but I am done sitting on boards.
I have issues with the leadership of our states main bowhunting organization, l'm a member on another site that tends to oppose them.
I am a member and have been active in a wide range of organizations from local, state, and national levels. The thing that I have heard the most of is when a member gets disgruntled or won't join because they disagree with the organizations stance on a particular subject. "I won't support an organization that ........"
Eventually, almost every organization is going to do something that an individual doesn't agree with. So they quit. But in reality, that is so conterproductive. As soon as you quit you lose your voice. Organizations don't listen to people that aren't members. The best thing you could do is to become even more involved when you don't agree with something. If your organization is dropping the ball on political action or whatever your hot button is, get on the board and get involved! You will have far more affect than simply dropping out.
I've often thought that the best thing we could do to fight PETA is to get all hunters to join, elect hunters to the board, and take them over!! LOL
Seriously though, I do understand the sentiment. It does become difficult to support an organization that is at complete odds with an individuals personal convictions. NRA is my own personal example, and I know a lot of you would think badly of me because I don't support them.
The best we can do is pick those that most closely represent our own views and throw our support behind them. We can't all join them all, so pick and choose those that are important to you. But do pick something!!
I am a life member of New York Bowhunters and served almost 20 years as regional rep, BOD, VP and culminating in the Presidency. I moved to North Carolina and joined the North Carolina Bowhunters Assoc. and Carolina Traditional Archers. At this point in life with 2 boys age 6 and 12, I have decided to take some time off on being a leader, but will support the orgs in any way I can. My focus at this time needs to be on my family. I did however, offer to be the editor for Carolina Trad Archer's quarterly magazine. I do write and send my emails as needed to our gov't officials.
I am also a Compton member. Once my boys are older and my schedule is not dictated by theirs, I could very well see myself getting in the thick of things again.
Martin
QuoteOriginally posted by centaur:
Randy,
I rejoined BOW a couple of years ago after a hiatus. In years past, I was Treasurer and Vice President. I was also on the board of the Wyoming Wildlife Assoc for many years. I was a Regular member of PBS, but dropped that after several years of seeing little besides the magazine for my money. I am a member of Compton's, and recently joined Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. I have been an NRA member for many years.
My years of working with the Wy Wildlife Assoc pretty much burned me out; I saw a lot of what you talk about, that is, a few people doing the majority of the work, and a bunch of people bitching. After many years, I finally decided that I would continue membership in a few organizations, and let other folks do the heavy lifting. I felt that I had somewhat paid my dues.
I still keep up with state legislation, and contact my representatives about hunting and conservation matters, but I am done sitting on boards.
I can understand Pat. Really though your still active in preservation of the hunt as shown ion your last statement. I don't expect everyone to be on the board or the like. I for one appreciate what you did as part of BOW. I have heard many good things you were part of.
I could have been more clear. Those involved in the legislation are the ones I am concerned by. It's those who don't even know it occurs.
I have long been a supporter of many orgs. Besides those listed below I belong to the Michigan Traditional Bowhunters and the Traditional Bowhunters of Florida. I should re up with Compton also. If you are not on the list you can't be counted.
I am a life member of both my state orgs, and members of several other states and national orgs. Joe hit the nail on the head when he said about "getting more involved" if things don't go your way...and they sometimes will. But I've seen many orgs take new direction from as little as one concerned voice with the courage to stand up and make a case.
In this day and age, there are so many orgs to choose from, it's important for folks who wish to get the most "bang" for their buck, to do their homework. Find out if an organization is legit, if it has "other" agenda's, where the money is spent, etc. etc. Most state orgs exist to safeguard YOUR opportunities, and they usually are the best place to belong, especially if one has to choose.
Also, in this day and age, being active is paramount for us to hold on to what we have. There are plenty of pressures out there today affecting our opportunities...just choose something that you have passion for, be it equipment, or habitat, or education and get pro-active! And don't worry about the folks that always whine...they will still be there regardless. And I've always contended that if you are not pi--ing someone off, then you are not really doing anything. Just do it.
FerretWYO- It was great talking to you this past weekend at Colorado Trad Archers Society banquet. I have been to many state and national org meetings, There were many good young bowhunters at that event. Keep up the good work.
I know some folks who are like cur-dogs, they get a lot down with out barking too much. It takes all kinds, but I hope more people will stand up to be counted and at least add more power to these active organizations. Mike
QuoteOriginally posted by FerretWYO:
QuoteOriginally posted by Matty:
After reading Randy's original post and then the last 2 I don't think he's going to get the response from "non members" like he wants to. It seemed a bit scary to read and might push people away (except the very bold) because it seems to be, calling people out. Which maybe that's your intent, but it seems to be a set up for some ugly conversation. Guessing something fueled you this morning.
So maybe I'll re word it for him.
So for those who are NOT members of some state or national level organizations. Would you be able to provide some insight as to why you choose to not be? With out too much debate.
I hate to see a fight...
And RB you're my boy and you know with all due respect you may override my post. Just don't want it to seem too argumentative...
I see your point here for sure. I want both sides really. I am in effect calling people to the floor to state there thoughts. As to why the don't participate. I will keep this conversation clean and I will not attack anyone who states a valid opinion.
So I don't intend it to be argumentative or condescending in any way. So please don't take it that way.
Ryan we could talk a lot about SFW. This is not the place for that though. [/b]
I don't think the thread is threatening to people who don't support organizations, and I didn't feel I would be blasted for stating my opinions. I should, however, clarify that I'm not opposed to joining such groups, its just never crossed my mind. Lack of advertising is one reason. Another is a lack of threats to archery hunting in Ohio. I don't know of any threats in the 15 years I've been hunting.
-life member NRA
- Ohio Bowhunters Association
- Ohio Hunter Education Instructor
might look into Ohio Bowhunter Education Program
I'm a member of the Montana Bowhunters Association,, http://mtba.org/
and the Traditional Bowhunters Of Montana
http://www.tradbowmt.org/
Hey Randy,
Nice talking with you this weekend. This is all tough to discuss w/out the possibility of ruffling feathers but I know you have nothing but good intentions and you're passionate about hunting and hunting rights.
Local / State / National organizations are political at the very heart. The means a couple of things.
First of all, money. That drives all politics, like it or not.
Second, compromise. Nobody ever gets 100% of what they want so you (the organization) has to give some to get some.
I hate politics but I'm still a member of several organizations both professional and personal.
Often, organization membership appears to be little more than "a monthly newsletter or magazine". Whether true or not, that's often the only obvious benefit some members see.
Two things would be very beneficial for membership. One is notification when important legislative issues come up. I can only dedicate so much time to work, hunting, fishing, brewing beer, reading TradGang, kids concerts and plays and sports and everything else. At some point, something's gotta give.
A second thing that I've seen in professional organizations that is very valuable to membership is "talking points". Even drafted letters. If an organization is able to tell me when my input is necessary and gives me some talking points, I can contact my local / state / federal reps and voice my opinion. Further, that voice can be magnified when all of the people making contact have the same story.
I'm a member and will continue to be a member. Hope this helps.
homebru
Member of Traditional Bowhunters of Washington.
A former director of Washington State Bowhunters.
Like some have already mentioned if you don't join or get involved don't complain. In fact I think it was Fred Bear who said; your're either working for bowhunting or your against it.
A hard line perhaps but too many like to complain about what's wrong, but when asked to help they disappear quick.
TAO, Traditional Archers of Oregon, is very active in protecting our bowhunting season and fighting to keep crossbows out of it. Between the rifle guys who want to squeeze us out and the big monied companies that would benefit from introducing crossbows into the archery season, and the anti-hunters there is a LOT for all of us to get involved in!
We found that the game dept. was making a visit to a large manufacturer of bows and crossbows to observe and get more acquainted with them. So 4 of us from TAO attended this demonstration. Our Pres. brought his longbow and showed how a bow works as opposed to a gun stock, with a trigger, and full let-off, sights, etc.......
I also support other organizations.
Life member of the Marine Corps League
Life Member of the Viet Nam Veterans Association
Life Member of the Muskegon Bowman
Life member of the FOP
Member of the Michigan Traditional Bow Hunters
Member of the Michigan Bow Hunters
Member of the Michigan Flint Knappers
Member of the NRA
Member of the Las Cruces Rock and Mineral club
Member of the Holland Michigan rock and Mineral club
Member of the Indian Mounds Rock and Mineral club
So where does it end? I may attend one or two meetings at the above clubs and maybe not. Some support by joining, attending , contributing and some show their support financially by just joining and that would be me.
QuoteOriginally posted by Jon Stewart:
So where does it end? I may attend one or two meetings at the above clubs and maybe not. Some support by joining, attending , contributing and some show their support financially by just joining and that would be me.
Believe it or not a name on a list can make the difference. When I have talked legislative venues in the past one question often asked is how many voices do you represent. I can only say those who are members. When there are 60,000 buying an archery tag and I have to say 300 the word I have are taken as if they are 1%. I have had them tell me those very words.
Good thread, Randy. My biggest guess as to the challenges faced by state and national bowhunting orgs is identity crisis. There seem to be a few exceptions but I believe there are some climate changes over the last couple of decades that fundamentally affect the basic value proposition these kinds of organizations once provided. I think pre-internet era, they were a more valuable source of information and mentorship. I think pre bowhunting big industry era, they were a more affective source of political clout.
I don't belong to my state organization because the fraternal opportunities are more attractive to me on the national level. If I lived in your state, that probably wouldn't be the case. As far as supporting bowhunting within my state, I take the opportunity as an individual to get involved to effect positive change. Just this last year, I was very involved in changing a ridiculous expandable broadhead requirement for hunting bears here. I could have given my state organization 100K and been less effective. That's not a nock on them or atta boy for me, just the way I see it. I worked individually on a local fisheries issue that none of the big conservation organizations would touch. Finally got a law changed and learned a lot about the process.
I guess my overall point is that I think many of these orgs will change or die. I also think that the guy looking in the mirror can do as much or as little to move our passion forward as he chooses, regardless of the organizational opportunities availabe at any given time.
Again....good conversation.
I've spent a lot of time as part of my wildlife job sitting in front of Commissions and legislative committees. Some of these, especially the legislative interactions, were among the lest enjoyable of my career. In fact, I ended my career one advancement early because I didn't want to stay in that arena. The vision of some of these folks doesn't extend beyond their nose.
From time to time though when we would describe that such and such an organization supported or opposed an idea, they would ask how many members does the organization have? It is quite deflating to admit that only 200 or so members are in the organization. It is far easier for these folks, who often care little about our issues, to disregard an issue if the org isn't well-numbered.
By the way, when a legislator or commission member asks how many members there are in the organization, they already know the answer. They just want to be able to say, "see, the number of backers isn't worth my time".
The organizations I don't support are those (one is a big, non-archery org in Ohio)that claim as their effort the work of others.
Bowwild,
Care to elaborate on that Ohio organization? I'm a member of a couple such organizations and would be interested to hear more.
To be perfectly honest I try to join organizations that I know are looking out for me because I am flat out busy. I guess that is a crappy excuse when you boil it down because here I am at lunch typing on TradGang. I am a member of B.O.W. and the NRA and always look for the emails that talk about legislation, and if I have the time I will go to a meeting or hearing or write a letter or at least try to be in touch with those who are attending. So I'm not all bad, but I could do more I guess.
C,
I sent you a PM. I don't want to get specific here.
I am a member of The Wisconsin Traditional Archers (WTA), The Wisconsin Bow Hunters Association (WBH), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), Pope & Young Club, Big Foot Archers club in Lake Geneva, WI, and a proud, retired member of one of the best organization in the United States, the U.S. Navy.
Being new to Californistan, I'm not aware of any State bowhunting orgs. I am a Life Member of the RMEF though.
I personally find this issue frustrating to hear the lame excuses some come up with to justify not being a member of anything. With some it's money. Most memberships run in the $25 range. How much do you spend on archery and hunting in a year? Can you spare 50 cents a week?
I actuslly started a thread on this back on Feb. 19th, 2011 and while there was a lot of positive responses, it was disappointing to see how many are either misinformed or don't want to be involved in any way.
Hey Randy you have inspired me. I live over in Baggs, can you hook me up with info on joining our state organization? Tracy talked to me a little about it last year but I would like actual info.
Thanks,
Brent Wilson
Sent to you Brent.
I'm a member and sit on the Board of Directors as well as being Banquet Chairman for New York Bowhunters. We have accomplished many things in NY including being able to use DMPs in archery season, lengthing the archery season keeping a early black powder season out of archery, lowing the age for archers, getting adaptive equipment for handicap archers, soup porting NASP in schools and I could go one. We are involved and act on any legislation that involves bowhunting. We have also certified over 1700 youths free of charge in our youths camps. We have around 4000 members out of 200,000 archers . Just think what we could accomplish if so many people weren't complacent .
QuoteOriginally posted by Wapiti Chaser:
Just think what we could accomplish if so many people weren't complacent .
That is my whole thought on this. If people really got in place what could happen.
I'm not a member of any archery organizations. No excuses, just never think of it. I should send in my money to IL to help with the numbers thing.
I am 33, have a 5 and 3 year old . Haven't actually hunted in over two years due to family and work obligations. I don't make it to any of the fun shoots or tourneys really except for the monthly one here, and that's if the wife is not on call ( she is on call 15 days a month). I am a very involved Union Elevator Constructor so the little free time that is available I usually taken up there.
Good post, gets ya thinking
IBO life time member
Southern Zone Rep, Traditional Bowhunters of GA.
If you are in Ga., and hunt with traditional equipment, we would love to have you if you are not already a member...
Life Member here of both the Traditional Bowhunters of Texas and the Lone Star Bowhunters Assn.
Bisch
I'm not a member to any bow hunting organizations. For my position, I do not see that I'm unfairly restricted with the regulations I've hunted under in Ohio and Iowa. I'm sure there is more to it than what I'm envisioning but I've not taken much consideration of other influences it may bring until you commented on it. I'm sure if I was hunting in another state with new regulations that were unreasonable I would be looking at things differently. Good post!
I belong to a few bowhunting and archery orgs and also SCI. Many folks probably think of Safari Club as a bunch of rich hunters- partially true. I would call them more of a Rotary org made up of hunters- philanthropic and political. Most hunters want to stay away from politics....but they need to understand, these days everything is politics!
Most are rifle guys but SCI has some heavy political power which is what we need when our hunting rights are attacked constantly. Our CBH [Ca Bowmen Hunters] of which I'm a member is good but small potatoes compared to SCI
There is so much responsibility for those that take on officer and committee roles to insure that you maintain an atmosphere of inclusion with the rest of the membership. When that fails you lose the involvement and eventually membership in the organization. Trying to keep the democrat and republican labels away from discussions and concentrate on the real issues is tough but also very important and allows friendship to come to the forefront. When that happens the best work gets done.
I am not a contributing member of any organization requiring money to join. In my case, 25 dollars IS a big monetary burden. If you don't believe me that's fine, but I can graduate college debt free if I keep it tight just a little longer. Soon enough I will be in a place to back those who I support. Till then, I am always willing to put my name behind anything I support, just can't do cash.
If what they want to see is numbers, couldnt different organizations offer a non paying membership? This site is 40,000 strong. Could all the different groups post on here a mission statement..what their organization stands for, what they are working for and then offer a contact to let guys say yes...for no fee I will join this group, add my name to your supporters list? In this day and age we cant all find the time or money to be very active but would sure stand with good groups.
Board member of my home archery club 20 years running.
Long time member of the Michigan Long Bow Assoc.
Long time member of the Michigan Bow Hunters Assoc. where am going into my third term as a dist governor .
NRA, Compton Traditional Bow Hunters and Long time member of the Michigan United Conservation Club.
Also 20 years on my local fire department.
I tried to start a post here on drones and other technological stuff and it was shuffled off to legislation. No one goes there.
I have been on my state senator to get in front of technical issues. For those of you who pay for a lease, imagine sitting on your stand and having a drone buzz past driving game off your lease. How about having a series of trail cams hooked up to cell phones that allow "hunters" to get in front of moving game? There are those who will do these things. Our DOW was investigating a case from last season already.
Do not believe the regs against flying the day of the hunt will give law enforcement the muscle it needs to prosecute cases. We all need language spevifically drafted for electronic activity used to find, guide or drive game!
The military stuff that will be declassified in coming years will be even more accurate and timely, thus lethal. State organizations are great, but individuals writing and calling-ask for a response- multiply the organization's leverage.
My organizations are listed below. Besides that I'm involved as an instructor for our youth archery program at out club and an officer in our local chapter of our state organization. I feel I do my part.
I do not belong to a State or National level organization that fights for my hunting rights and opportunity's?
I am not involved and aware of legislation taking place and I am not involved with these organizations to promote or deny legislation?
Why not? No interest in politics. No TV, try not to watch much news. I try to follow the lead of the rules made by people put in charge to create, regulate and enforce the laws. I read the regulations as a guide to my hunting. I enjoy the woods and believe it is a shared resource. I put my money directly into hunting. I appreciate those above who participate in these organizations and keep things from getting to crazy in this changing world. I try very hard not to complain. When rules change, I change. Example is Montana raising their out of state tag fees for Elk. I just do not go and spend my money in that state now. When I got a $147 parking ticket in Florida, I decided never to go back and spend my thousands of vacation dollars in that state. When in the woods I usually do not run into people but when I do, I treat nice people nice. Like I said before... a shared resource. When I see how divided the country is presently, I do not see much hope of coming together on many topics. The "game" I hunt and I have our differences sure, but they are in the freezer now and I keep living happily and less aggravated in "my world". Best I could do on an "analogy". LOL
Great thread Randy, I have been watching this one!
Not one to wave a flag, but I have been involved from a local level, all the way to involvement in a national organization.
An added response to the one you made to Ryan about SFW, that is one thread that I would like to started one day, even better would be a good campfire discussion!
Like my good friend Whip, I can't see a reason to join an organization that is no friend of bowhunting-the NRA.
Thanks,
Living on the Idaho,Wyoming border my wife and I belong to the Idaho State Bowhunters.We use to belong to Wyoming Bowhunters years ago,but never hear nothing about them.I don't think there are any shoots around here and I guess I just forgot about them.We don't get much Wyoming news around here,just Idaho and Utah.I guess I have see if I can find some information on them.
I'm a member of BOW and I attend meetings on my own. If a person the idea that we can sit back and adjust to the changes as they come, they are wrong. This day and age our hunting rights are constantly under scrutiny and being attacked so often that if we don't speak up, we could lose what we believe in. An individual with the right determination can make changes, a like-minded group can do a lot more. Just my opinion.
Tumpkin, congrats on getting through college without a big debut. It was a long time ago but I "owed" only $100 when I graduated Purdue in 1977. I think it took me at least a year to pay that debt off!
We have to be on our toes because sometimes folks recommending or making reg changes think they are doing good when sometimes they aren't. For example, point and spread regulations for whitetails can lead to high-grading the resource just like taking the best trees from a forest. You can actually degrade the herd or "stand".
I have been a member of United Bowhunters of PA for 21 years now.
I can't understand why more here do not belong. I know I could do more beyond my regular membership dues, however, it is very disheartening that the vast majority of bowhunters in PA don't support their state organization. With the number of bowhunters in PA the impact COULD be significant if more would support it.
In the April/May issue of Traditional Bowhunter one of our members interviewd Mike Brust Chairman of the NABC. Take a minute and read it.
I am the current Vice President of New York Bowhunters, Inc. As has been the case, with this year being no different, we are fighting the crossbow yet again. Once again, since they cannot get in through a traditional Bill, with Committees either voting it along or letting it die, it is within the Budget Bills. It would give the DEC regulatory authority over it. Which means, the DEC will put it into the archery season. We will fight it as we always do, with facts, data, and volunteers. We set up face to face meetings with Legislators to educate them about the crossbow, show them what a modern crossbow is capable of, and hopefully not to compromise the integrity of the archery season.
Besides that, we have been instrumental in bringing NASP to schools throughout the State, we run Youth Camps to teach the Bowhunting Safety Course, we run a Physically Challenged hunt, we offer assistance to those who are physically challenged to get them back bowhutning with adaptive equipment, we do highway cleanups, and we set up Urban Deer Management controlled bowhunts.