ETAR 2018 is in the books. Just curious what really impressed you, and what new gear you came home with?

I was really surprised at the turnout even with all the rain and sloppy mess.  It was nice to have a few western Bowyers show up too. Stalker, Blacktail, Etc. Finally had the pleasure of meeting Gregg Coffey and his wife.  I did buy an Ultimate Rover stumping quiver that I like a lot. I'm gonna have to buy a set of Morrison Max 5's. Wow they are smokers and pretty quiet too.

I shot the Morrison Max 5s on my riser.....very impressive to say the least. I would love to spend a whole day with a set before dropping that kind of cash, but they rally have my interest! 

Kinda what I already knew, how great the traditional archery crowd is.  The nice and understanding bowyers that let you take their works of art and test out in good faith. Everyone is just awesome. I will also like to put Gregg Coffee with Java man bows at the top of that list!

I think one of the things I really noticed was the turn out of young kids involved. ETAR is super family oriented and it shows in the amount of kids having fun with their friends and family. I'm really looking forward to bringing my two young boys in the future.


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Blacktail Bows,Black Widows and Wengerd Bows in no special order.  Also I was impressed by the Morrison limbs.  Purchased the new belt quiver from Push Archery and arrows from D&M .  I have been going  to this event for 25 years the best blanket sale. Thanks Dan

I finally got back to ETAR after a couple years of not being able to make it. One of the things I was most impressed with were the kids and their attitudes. Especially one eleven year old young man named Colby Henry. He walked up and introduced himself with a great/ firm handshake, telling me he was a big fan and that he'd been waiting to meet me "his whole life". I got a kick out of that since he's only eleven. He impressed me as a nice, polite, clean-cut, all-American boy with his head on straight. I made sure of telling his Dad what a great job he was doing raising Colby. A few more kids like that and the future of our great sport is in good hands. It was a real pleasure to meet him. BW

Great post Mr Wensel
Our lifestyle being past to the youngsters is refreshing considering all the distractions kids face today.  He'll remember your handshake forever.

Deno

Frank San Marco.  I guess I expected a guy that, at one time, had a 5 year wait for one of his bows to have a huge ego.  Definitely not the case.  I found him to be soft spoken and humble and a pleasure to talk with.  His new Eagle hybrid longbow was also very impressive (with an impressive price, lol).

I've been going for about fifteen years, and the kids and family atmosphere never ceases to impress me. My son, who is now twenty one, started going with me when he was old enough to walk around and carry a bow. He's working two jobs and couldn't make it this year, but had to call me and find out what went on and who I ran into. They are some of his strongest memories: a little kid running free with a bow and full quiver in one of the safest environments imaginable.

Yes sir I must agree the young kiddos which makes me feel so good it's the new generation in which what we need out there raising them and teaching them right I took my 2 sons and what a blast they had along with every young kid I talked too and yes it all starts with the parents with how there taught..I had a pleasure of shooting with Bo Essick son of Toby at blackwidow bows and you would have thought we been friends forever just good kid to talk to along with his personality my boys really liked him and to me that's what it's all about and what we need more of I hope to see more and more at these shoots!!

What impressed me...the amount of MUD!!!   

Actually this was my first ETAR. I've wanted to attend for several years now. My dad, who passed away in 2011, would have absolutely LOVED it. So many down-to-earth, humble vendors and "big name" people...it was amazing. Lord willing I'll stay a few days next year in honor of it being the 30th anniversary of the shoot.

Also, a big "thumbs up" to the folks that put on the event. What a huge undertaking it must be!

I've been to every ETAR except two. What always impresses me is the size of the swap meet. I remember the very first swap meet was about 25 bows laying on one picnic table. We had never seen so many bows together and stood around that table for an hour!

There were half a dozen vendors, five of which were in the lodge. There was one guy outside with his trailer packed full of goodies (Taper King?). With around 350 trad archers in attendance we thought we were in stickbow heaven!

I also remember the first female to attend. In one of the early years a young guy brought his girlfriend. We all snickered about how he now had to bathe and be a gentleman. Not long afterward we all had our wives and kids there camping and having a ball. Now the next generation is taking their families.

I feel old right now. Sigh.

The vendors were awesome willing to take the time with you, the crowd was polite and friendly , guess when everyone has the same interests its kinda neat. But getting my buddy to forgo his crossgun for a recurve and our two wives who also now want stickbows so they too can shoot next year that was the icing, my better half has shot wheels for 20 some years but she  wants to switch over for next year. And seeing that many young'uns having a blast and doing something besides being on a phone or tablet that was sweet.

Camaraderie!

Everyone helping each other set up camp, taking care of minor emergencies, sharing meals and giving free advice.

I too was impressed with the Morrison max 5 limbs. Oh yeah.... and the shooting!