If you could only attend one "national" trad archery gathering this year, which one would it be and why would you choose it?

Three things with economics the way they are:

1) location
2) Location
3) LOCATION

Seriously, that is huge. Travel time, gas costs, lodging, all the expenses are hitting some of us hard and we have to stick closer to home.

There is a great shoot in W. VA I'd love to re-visit, but 7.5 hrs flat out driving is just not in the cards!

There are good shoots/gatherings in Northern PA annually, that take longer to get to then other states'functions in NJ and MD, and that PA national has gotten pricey to attend.  I go to other states that are closer travel time and treat people more equitably.

There are so many functions, "customer service" and perceived value, added to proximity, seem to truly be factors, fwiw.  

Be fun to see what others say...

I agree, distance is probably a big factor for most people.  It seems like most of the really big meetings are way up north so I would have significant travel regardless of choice.

Doc,
Have you been to Denton Hill?  Would you recommend it?

I've only missed on Denton Hill.  It's the biggest, non competetive event in the US.  It's a great location and there are lots of vendors to tempt you....8 different courses....and seveal nights of swap meets to buy and sell archery goods.  I would recommend that every traditinal archer get there at least once in their life.

Denton is a great shoot. Only problem with huge shoots like that is the courses get a bit filled up. Travel would be the thing that holds me up as well. I love the Whittingham shoot in NJ, and will always try to make that my go to shoot each year.

The Compton for me, location is a factor. I always meet new friends there and enjoy all the events, free chilli night, campfire stories, and of course all the trad stuff available from the vendors. I have never been to Denton, but would like to make it there too. Mark

North American Longbow Safari  

i'd second,third whatever for denton. been several times but missed the last few during my "compound" confusion. but i got my head straight so its back to PA this year. i like staying at the shoot,just need to get there early. plus staying there makes it easier to hit the courses before they fill up each day. well worth the time/trip

Thanks guys.  I have relatives in PA and NJ so I could try to combine Denton Hill with a family vacation.

Any other recommendations?

I see more of my Brothers of the Bow at Denton HIll than anywhere I've ever been. (Since PBS is not considered a Trad gathering, it doesn't count)
Heck, that's the only place I see George anymore!

Biggie, I been at Denton every year for the past decade.  I better get my glasses checked cause I don't know how I could miss seeing ya     Doc

I've mmmmmissed a few but I keep trying!

I know denton hill is a biggie BUT ya gotta come see us at baltimore bowmen free camping on plush green grass the sweetsmell of hony suckel and the mello flow of the gunpowder river great food great people lots of vendors and just an all round great time . p.s were lookin at about 80 plus 3-d targets and lots of fun shoots

So it sounds like Denton Hill is one for the "Bucket List".  But Plumber brings up a good point.  There must be a whole slew of smaller local shoots / trad gatherings that are just as worthy of a visit.  I know I really enjoy our annual GA State shoot as well as the shoot in Ranger, GA that JC and his family hosts each year.  

Anybody else like Plumber have a favorite "local" gathering?  What makes it special?  Are there many vendors that come, or is it solely  for the purpose of shooting?

couple of them in Indiana which isn't to far from Ga. Cloverdale traditional nationals and Farmland trad shoot. Farmland is one of the best "unknown" shoots in the midwest.

Thanks Nighthawk.  Didn't think about Cloverdale.  I don't hear too much about that shoot.

What is the Farmland shoot like?