Post by: dnovo on February 19, 2011, 09:09:00 PM
Post by: David Mitchell on February 19, 2011, 09:24:00 PM
Post by: Stumpkiller on February 19, 2011, 09:33:00 PM
Since it is highly unlikely I will go to Michigan for the rendezvous, Compton doesn't hold much interest for me.
I am not paid to use or hunt with bowhunting equipment, and "professionalism" is not why I bowhunt, but otherwise I agree with the PBS concept and charter and if it was $12 a year I'd join. Part of my job is ensuring professionals are held to ethical and legal standards . . . and many are not. An "amateur" is someone who does something only for love or enjoyment - that's me and bowhunting.
NY does not have a statewide traditional archery or bowhunting association.
"I don't care to belong to a club that accepts people like me as members." - - Groucho Marx
Post by: ron w on February 19, 2011, 09:36:00 PM
Post by: ron w on February 19, 2011, 09:43:00 PM
Post by: dnovo on February 19, 2011, 09:46:00 PM
Post by: rastaman on February 19, 2011, 09:46:00 PM
Post by: No-sage on February 19, 2011, 10:11:00 PM
I don't have time for the negativity and the short sightedness. I also don't care what other hunters want to hunt with and when. I want sportsmen and women to be able to use the resource however it pleases them.
I'm currently president of my local archery club. I can do more for the support of bowhunting through them then our state org. And I do.
I have no interest in a national organization.
Post by: Ken Taylor on February 19, 2011, 10:12:00 PM
I don't even know where the next closest bowhunter lives.
I have been an associate member of PBS for quite a few years and probably will never make regular because I don't know anybody.
However, I keep renewing.
I am also involved with Pope and Young and Boone and Crockett.
I am subscribed to Traditional Bowhunter and Bowhunter magazines.
And some local.
I just like feeling that I'm contributing a little to preserve hunting in the outside world.
Post by: Duncan on February 19, 2011, 10:32:00 PM
Post by: on February 19, 2011, 11:30:00 PM
Lone Star Bowhunters Assn Life Member
I join every local club I shoot at within 100 miles of where I live to help support the clubs.
As far as Comptons or PBS, I do not know of any local chapters of these organizations and don't even know anything about them. I might would join if I knew more about them.
I do not understand why so many archers and bowhunters do not support organizations such as local clubs and state organizations. I live in a metropolitan area of about 3/4 million people and we struggle to get 100 members to join local clubs. Our statewide organizations (the ones that actually fight for us at the legislative level) don't fair much better when you take into account the number of members compared to the numbers of archers/bowhunters in the state. It truely makes me wonder sometimes.
Bisch
Post by: Whip on February 19, 2011, 11:59:00 PM
Each organization has its own purpose and goals, and I belong to a number of them for that reason. Compton is about much more than just a rendezvous every summer (although it is a great one!) PBS is not just for people who make a living in the industry. It is for anyone to whom bowhunting is a way of life.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard that Compton is a just a group that does a rendezvous, and PBS is for professionals who make a living at the sport. Nothing could be further from the truth, and that only tells me that you reall haven't checked out the organizations and gotten to know what they really do and represent.
My state organizations are the ones that I expect to stand up and be heard when it comes to local issues and concerns.
If you are the type that teaches a group of kids to shoot at 4H, writes letters to your legislator on all the issues that impact bowhunting, and is always at the forefront promoting and protecting our rights as bowhunters, then maybe you are already doing your part.
But if not, I think that supporting bowhunting organizations that have ideals and beliefs similar to your own is a good way to have your voice heard.
Take the time to check out some of the national groups. Find a member and ask him or her to explain the organization to you and find out what they really do. On the state and local level, get involved and attend the meetings. If you don't like the direction of the club make your voice heard. Get involved, and make a difference.
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on February 20, 2011, 12:03:00 AM
Post by: Jason in Bama on February 20, 2011, 12:53:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Jason R. Wesbrock:Well said :thumbsup:
Some bowhunting organizations are excellent, hard-working groups that actually value their membership. Others, quite frankly, aren't worth the price of the postage to mail in a membership application.
Post by: Mark Baker on February 20, 2011, 01:10:00 AM
The world is run by those who show up....how true it really is. We should all show up and make our concerns heard. Good policy and direction is born of good debate. Just because you don't like so and so who is in charge, doesn't mean you can't have a voice, can't change the course. Get involved.
This has been a pet peeve of mine forever. No excuse for not contributing to those who fight for the things you enjoy and take for granted is a good excuse! That's my 2 cents.
Post by: CRS on February 20, 2011, 01:19:00 AM
I have enough stress with work, and dealing with the public everyday. Traditional archery is my escape.
I am a life member of our State Bowhunting organization. Spent 10 years on the Board, teaching bowhunter ed. Didn't like where archery was headed and was ruining my enjoyment.
Was going to become a scorer for P&Y, but found myself not agreeing with techies and methods used for the "Book". I now think that the "Book" is bad for archery. Great for the industry, but bad for archery. I was member of P&Y, PBS, ATHA, & Compton's.
Backed away and my enjoyment has never been so high. That was 2003, don't regret it a one bit.
I now do my own thing, have introduced many, many kids to archery. For some it has stuck, some it hasn't. I promote traditional my way.
Finished teaching my son how to make wood arrows today, he made his first bow string. He is in the process of building his first longbow with the tutelage of a friend that is an exceptional bowyer.
Traded a longbow today with a guy so he would have a more appropriate setup. He has shot a Mathews for many years. Maybe I can flip him.
I still get involved with the Game commission when there is an issue that truly matters. Still stop in to the Regional office and visit with the policy makers and biologist who I happen to know.
Post by: Bjorn on February 20, 2011, 01:31:00 AM
On the other hand we belong to another organization and each year I ask myself why renew? But it may be my own fault for not getting involved enough.
Post by: Rooselk on February 20, 2011, 03:54:00 AM
Post by: snow leopard on February 20, 2011, 09:14:00 AM
Post by: dave19113 on February 20, 2011, 09:22:00 AM
I do know little of Compton, but I am checking on it as we speak..... From what I see though it seems like a mice fighting a lion.....
Post by: owlbait on February 20, 2011, 09:26:00 AM
Post by: on February 20, 2011, 09:27:00 AM
Post by: dan d on February 20, 2011, 09:53:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Rooselk:Well said Rooselk, them are the reasons I am a Comptons member, I live 4 hours from the rendevue and that is also nice. I am also a Michigan Longbow member, I like what they represent in my state and what I see them doing for the kids, plus the small magazine they both put out is informative and nice.
I am a member of Compton, and have been since 2003, because: A) they promote our sport by actuenting the positive aspects of hunting with trad gear rather than denegrating other hunting methods; B) they have a wonderful program aimed at getting youth interested and involved in shooting traditional bows; C) Snce Compton is the ONLY national traditional bowhunting organization we have I personally believe it's in our best interest to strengthen the organization by joining in order to increase its clout and effectiveness.
I was going to join PBS, but after a little bit of investigation into it, back when they were offering free sponsorships here on the forum I didn't feel comfy with what I was reading, sounded to mushy to me with having an existing member sponsoring you, I'm not into holding hands and having someone sponsor me, my feelings were what happens if I don't do what my sponsor expects me to do like go house to house converting wheelie guys or whatever, yes I'm exaggerating ! But I'm trying to put my feelings into words and once again I find myself not being good at that. Plus i didnt care for the name profesional, i am traditional, not profesional, but from what i could read in the bylaws that was just a wording thing. I write all this because i was very close to joining PBS, but the spoonsership thing kept me away.I will gladly support a good cause and right now I see Comptons and Michigan Longbows being that cause.
Dan
Post by: BILL LEU on February 20, 2011, 09:53:00 AM
Life member of NAHC
Life member of NRA
Life member of WBA
Life member of WTA
Member of the KBA and past memberships of UFFDA. I've attended alot of the Deer&Turkey Expos over the years, instructed kids at summer camps shooting bows. Bottom line is you have to give back at some point and time its not just take,take,take even if it means in small monetary donations, it doesn't take much.
Post by: Whip on February 20, 2011, 10:17:00 AM
Post by: bigbadjon on February 20, 2011, 10:27:00 AM
Post by: dan d on February 20, 2011, 10:38:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Whip:Thanks for clarifying that whip, I thought a person had to become a regular member and the associate was just a newbie status requirement. I thought I was joining the skull & bones club or whatever their called and had to go thru a indoctrination process Lol, I was kinda scarred ! Lol
dan d, the PBS sponsor thing is only if a member decides to pursue regular membership status. I don't know the number breakdown, but I'm pretty sure that the majority of PBS members join as an associate and stay that way. There is no pressure or expectation that everyone will want to pursue regular membership. And there really isn't much functional difference between the two levels. I've been an associate for years and have never felt any different than anyone else in the group. There is no sponsorship required for associate membership.
Dan
Post by: Keuka on February 20, 2011, 10:49:00 AM
The greater the number the greater the respect and greater the chance their opinion will carry weight.
I wonder where gun owners rights would be in todays world, if there never was an NRA.
Post by: rraming on February 20, 2011, 10:59:00 AM
Member of Minnesota State Archery Association
Member of NRA (I don't hunt with guns)
Member of State Traditional Organization
Member of two Archery Clubs
These made sense to me others do not, I can see things stopping people from joining, a particular viewpoint that an organization takes that may not agree with personal beliefs. It has happened to me.
Someone mentioned they couldn't make it to the Compton yearly event - my club has the biggest shoot of the year the same weekend (Coon Rapids Shoot), every year, I stay at home and can't get myself to drive to Michigan over my own.
Post by: straitera on February 20, 2011, 11:25:00 AM
Post by: WESTBROOK on February 20, 2011, 11:37:00 AM
Mich Traditional Bowhunters
Michigan Longbow Assn
Was in PBS but didnt realy see eye 2 eye with their 2 tier organization, I feel I'm just as good as the rest of them weather they have hunted with me or not..dont feel I need to be blessed by anyone!
Eric
Post by: dan d on February 20, 2011, 11:44:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by WESTBROOK:Westbrook, that's what I was trying to say in my longwinded post, you wording is better !
didnt realy see eye 2 eye with their 2 tier organization, ..dont feel I need to be blessed by anyone!
Eric [/QB]
Dan
Post by: smilinicon on February 20, 2011, 11:49:00 AM
Post by: grouseshooter002 on February 20, 2011, 12:11:00 PM
Rick [Grouse]
Post by: dan d on February 20, 2011, 12:20:00 PM
Dan
Post by: owlbait on February 20, 2011, 12:24:00 PM
Post by: ChuckC on February 20, 2011, 12:43:00 PM
I read thru some of these posts and feel a bit let down, yet, it wasn't totally unexpected.
Heck, half of the negative responses cite situations that aren't even factual.
The point about joining is two-fold.
One, you get to potentialy gain entry into a group of folks that like to do the same things you do. More friends. More potential experiences, More buddies of the same ilk.
Two, you add your name to a list of folks that are about similar things. That list counts for something. Think it doesn't ?
Eqypt just went thru a huge change. . because of two or three people with a dream and a desire ? No. because hundreds of thousands actually said "enough" !
Libya is under tighter rein, but the folks want some of the same. . freedom. They are getting shot over there with automatic weapons, at least if you can believe the news. Will one or two make a difference ? no, will thousands ? hundreds of thousands ? millions ?
Wisconsin is going thru a situation regarding union collective bargaining. It is in the news.
Without getting into right or wrong, do you think those folks would have had a chance against the new Governer with just a handful voicing up. . the rest just hanging around being comfortable with their position in life ?
There were ten thousand, then twenty five thousand, then forty thousand protesters, with major school districts in Madison and Milwaukee and elsewhere shutting down because of folks actually voicing their concern.
They are forcing dialog because of their numbers, pure and simple.
Like them or hate them, do you actually think we would be owning guns in much of the USA if the NRA was never around ? If you think "yes" I suggest you read the paper some more. Is ownership of guns and the right to assemble and voice our concens of any importance to us now in the 21st century ? See above (Libya, Egypt, China, etc etc etc).
Sometimes Numbers Count
Chuck
Post by: snag on February 20, 2011, 01:58:00 PM
But we all know that unless we, as a united group, ban together there is many who would love to take it all away.
We should want to further the love of and experiences of bowhunting that we all hold dear.
I just hope that everyone who is not a member of a positive organization, such as PBS, you would sincerely look into it and find out the truth and not preconceived notions or what was once told you and make an informed openminded decision. It is for the goodwill of bowhunting, it is not about status or a patch on your chest. It is truly about our bowhunting heritage and it's security.
Post by: Jim now in Kentucky on February 20, 2011, 02:05:00 PM
Post by: reddogge on February 20, 2011, 02:13:00 PM
I'm also a member of our state organization Maryland Bowhunters Society which is right in the trenches in trying to get 5 Sunday deer hunting dates in Carroll County. Without their backing and help this bill would have died long ago.
Post by: Doug Campbell on February 20, 2011, 02:39:00 PM
Post by: LKH on February 20, 2011, 02:55:00 PM
Seriously, I belong because Comptons, NRA, RMEF and others are only as influential as the size of their membership. I don't always agree with them, but I know they have my overall best interests in mind and will work for same. It's only a small part of my annual hunting expense.
I'm not cheap and believe in paying for what I get.
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on February 20, 2011, 03:20:00 PM
I couldn't agree with you more. I'm a member of one national bowhunting organization; three states ones; and two local archery clubs. But the unfortunate reality is that some organizations aren't looking out for the bowhunters of their state, only the pet peeve agendas of their leadership. At one time I was of the opinion that pretty much all bowhunters should join and support their state organizations. But that’s like saying everyone in town should eat at the local restaurant just because it’s the only one in the area…even if the food is full of roaches and rat poop.
Good organizations should be supported and helped to flourish; bad ones that don’t value their membership, berate or run off members with differing viewpoints, or whose biggest sales pitch is guilt should be left to die on the vine…and many of them have. I just don’t believe in supporting bad organizations simply because their name and my address share the same state. If the local diner puts hair in my breakfast, I won't feel the least bit guilty about not coming back for lunch.
Post by: ron w on February 20, 2011, 03:26:00 PM
Post by: ron w on February 20, 2011, 03:28:00 PM
Post by: Mitch-In-NJ on February 20, 2011, 03:48:00 PM
I belong to the NJOA (state organization not specific to trad, but a good group that seems to get a lot done) and the NRA. There are plenty of other groups I could belong to, but most of them always seemed more farternal than political. Not that a fraternal group is bad (in fact, I am going to join one this year), but I generally prefer to join organizations that keep me informed and fight the good fight.
Does the fact that I have never heard of Comptons or consider P&Y a fraternal organization say something about me or them? I've been a member here since 2007 and this is the first I have heard of Comptons. That's pretty low profile.
Another reason I haven't joined some organizations is that I haven't been able to find a clear mission statement about them. I can't really determine what they are about. "Promoting such and such" doesn't really tell me a lot.
But... I do subscribe to a ton of mailing lists including the state legislature list, so I keep up on what's going on, write letters, attend open forums when possible, etc. I do what I can.
I like being political. I like fighting for things I want. I think those that don't either expect someone else will do it, they don't expect that they will make a difference or they work too hard and have too much else to worry about just feeding their family and paying their bills to be bothered.
Anyone have a list of "must join" organizations?
Post by: Bighornangler on February 20, 2011, 05:08:00 PM
Post by: snow leopard on February 20, 2011, 05:31:00 PM
Post by: grouseshooter002 on February 20, 2011, 06:07:00 PM
I was only pointing out that if there are already 29,000 members then what a strong group we would have from the start. I'm sure some would drop out, but every day we gain new members so this would have to offset this to some degree. Sorry for steping on such sensetive toes.
Rick [Grouse]
Post by: Cory Mattson on February 20, 2011, 06:25:00 PM
To the original question though - 29,000 or whatever there is an assumption made that all tradgang members are bowhunters - or dedicated to bowhunting - which is not true at all.
Many target archers - many who shoot trad at 3d targets then compounds at animals - many who shoot trad bows but fill tags with muzzleloaders and guns. There is such a wide range of particpants here I think it is unrealistic to expect folks to support the solid ideals of PBS or even some state organizations. Good beliefs and efforts yes - but MOST outdoorsmen and women may simply disagree or at least not want to sign on promoting serious bowhunting - particularly as a way of life.
Then there is laziness - Huge - among all types of people - but rare among dedicated bow only hunters.
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<-----------------<<<<<<<
Post by: dnovo on February 20, 2011, 06:32:00 PM
Lots of viewpoints about this. I am of the opinion that not every one is suited to be a member of Comptons or PBS. I just mention them cause they are a couple of well known organizations. I do think that more of us should at least be a member of group, whether it be local, state, or national. How many here posted on the passing of Glenn St. Charles who was one of the pioneers who founded P&Y and put bowhunting on the map, and yet don't respect our forefathers enough to support bowhunting at some level.
Post by: LC on February 20, 2011, 07:23:00 PM
About this same time during my second year of nothing membership the PBS approached our state assoc(as they did all state assoc's) and requested we donate $2,000 and send a single parent and child to go on a all expense paid bowhunting class hunt to introduce new people to bowhunting. We did the math and figured for the cost we could buy a dozen bows, archery equip and introduce alot more folks. If memory serves me right that first year we toted that equip around and had something like 300 kids shooting bows. The next year we did 4 or 5 times that amount of kids and parents exposed. Hard to tell how many new folks we introduced archery to with the original archery equip we purchased. Now back to the PBS again if memory serves me correctly their PBS youth hunts looked like the who's who's of bowhunters and their kids living it up hunting somewhere. I honestly believe that went on like that for two years according to over the counter mag articles and photos I saw. If they didn't have enough needed participants it sure didn't look good on their part to even have it rather than have it with all the "famous" bowhunters and their kids. Now again along this same time frame I remember somehow the parties in power defending who they had chosen to give college scholarships to. This was at the same time I was looking dead in the eyes of paying for my twins to hit college. So long story short when my second renewal notice came in the mail, the only thing I had gotten from them in two years after phone calls etc I'm guessing you can figure out why I never renewed.
Post by: smoke1953 on February 20, 2011, 07:46:00 PM
Post by: Al Dente on February 20, 2011, 08:08:00 PM
While manning booths at the Sportsmen Shows, those volunteering behind the counters hear every line in the book as to why bowhunters X cannot join. I hunt private land, I cannot afford right now (while carrying several new fiching rods or other outdoor gear, you guys are doing a great job without me, I don't need another magazine, my wife would kill me if I joined something else, and I don't bowhunt (while wearing archery related clothing).
Good luck to all of those who try to better the sport by supporting these organizations.
Post by: SteveB on February 20, 2011, 08:26:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Jason R. Wesbrock:Great post Jason - reflects my own and many others I know experience with our state group.
But the unfortunate reality is that some organizations aren't looking out for the bowhunters of their state, only the pet peeve agendas of their leadership. At one time I was of the opinion that pretty much all bowhunters should join and support their state organizations. But that’s like saying everyone in town should eat at the local restaurant just because it’s the only one in the area…even if the food is full of roaches and rat poop.
Good organizations should be supported and helped to flourish; bad ones that don’t value their membership, berate or run off members with differing viewpoints, or whose biggest sales pitch is guilt should be left to die on the vine…and many of them have. I just don’t believe in supporting bad organizations simply because their name and my address share the same state. If the local diner puts hair in my breakfast, I won't feel the least bit guilty about not coming back for lunch.
Post by: dan d on February 20, 2011, 08:41:00 PM
Dan
Edit: heck I just contributed right now, no excuse waiting for next week's paycheck.
Post by: centaur on February 20, 2011, 08:51:00 PM
Post by: Bill Kissner on February 20, 2011, 08:57:00 PM
Post by: Wapiti Chaser on February 20, 2011, 09:01:00 PM
Post by: pronghorn23 on February 20, 2011, 09:09:00 PM
I feel like I do my part but like everyone else could certainly do more.
There's a couple more organizations I'm looking at but just haven't joined yet.
I've always wondered the same about the member numbers.
I look at it this way...for the cost of about a dinner at a restaurant I can support a conservation or hunting group by taking that $20-30 and sending it to them instead of something else that I don't really need.
Also, anyone can add an organization membership to their Christmas or birthday gift wish list. The group gains a member and the person can feel good knowing their gift is helping an organization support one of their passions.
My sister loves animals/pets so last year I gave her a membership to a national pet-rescue/shelter organization (no, not an anti-hunting one).
She received a subscription to their magazine and the satisfaction that the money was going to a good cause.
Post by: Eugene Slagle on February 20, 2011, 09:14:00 PM
I'm also like many here am a member of a local archery club.
VBA since 2003
Manahoac Bowmen since 2003, now VP.
NFAA, rejoined in 2009
Hunt Club member since 2000 whos membership includes 3 Hunter Ed instructors & 3 officers of the VDGIF, now Treasurer.
I also help instruct Hunter Education from time to time.
Another reason is because of my lack of knowledge of the other organizations other than what is written in magazines & my lack of additional funds available to afford me joining but so many organizations but I try with what I have & my own abilities to help keep our sport alive.
Post by: thunder1 on February 20, 2011, 09:17:00 PM
Post by: swp on February 20, 2011, 09:28:00 PM
Post by: Mark Baker on February 20, 2011, 10:10:00 PM
Just an aside....the state and local orgs are the real "fighters" for our opportunities, and given the costs, and preferences of bowhunters, this should be the first place we all should look to support bowhunting. The most "bang" for your buck, so to speak.
National orgs are largely there as "examples" for us to hold up to lawmakers and F&G groups...with few exceptions. They set tone, and guidelines, but few provide more than that in terms of manpower and money.
Some do indeed fight the fights on the national stage...like the NRA. But as far as bowhunting specific, not much is done at that level, as far as I know.
I have to disagree with the "numbers" thing, to some extent. I would gladly trade one active, vocal, and committed member for 50 faceless, voiceless names on a roster. One person with guts to stand up, and with passion in their arguments, can sway a whole crowd, and even perhaps more importantly can convince the few who actually make the decisions. I've seen it too many times, one voice derailing months, even years of hard work. This has happened both for and against us. So don't ever think your voice can't be heard. It can and does. And per my earlier post, you can use your voice to set upon changes within any organization should you choose....but one thing for sure, you will never change anything by NOT voicing your opinions or becoming involved because you did'nt like so and so, or disagreed with a direction the board was taking, etc.
And yes, we who have been involved easily "burn out", but at least we did our part. And "thanks" from me, to those who have.
One more thing....I have found that for the most part, most folks willing to "jump in" usually have the best intentions at heart, for the cause, it may just be a matter of how and why that separates us....and good debate and dialog usually gets to the root and best solutions to problems. Okay, I'm done.
Post by: Whip on February 20, 2011, 11:21:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Mark Baker:That is absolutely true Mark, and everyone should really think about those words.
you can use your voice to set upon changes within any organization should you choose....but one thing for sure, you will never change anything by NOT voicing your opinions or becoming involved because you did'nt like so and so, or disagreed with a direction the board was taking, etc.
I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say that they don't join, or dropped their membership, because of some issue they didn't agree with.
I don't think I have ever belonged to an organization where there didn't come a time when I didn't believe in a stance that they took or a direction they headed. But quiting is not the answer. Quit, and you lose your voice. They stop hearing your concerns and go on their merry way.
If something about your state or local group, or a national one for that matter, concerns you, let the leaders know how you feel. But don't quit and go home! That solves nothing, and doesn't prove a thing. Remember that every issue that comes up will have two sides, and it is hard to be on the winning side of every arguement every time.
Post by: Turkeys Fear Me on February 21, 2011, 09:27:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Bill Kissner:You bring up a very interesting point Bill, and that is the very reason I personally don't belong to some of the organizations mentioned.
Anybody, including me can find certain things we don't like about PBS, Comptons, NRA, or even our own state organization but that is a pretty lame excuse. Clubs will never be able to please every member with what they do. If a person is not joining because they dislike the whole agenda.....such as PETA, that is easy to understand, but what is hard to understand is not joining a club that has that persons back when it comes to their rights and interest.
Personally, I don't have a desire to support organizations, publications, or businesses that seek to fragment hunters more than we already are. That doesn't strengthen us in my opinion, it weakens us. This is not the forum to get into specifics, but let's just say that there are a number of organizations that seem to be more than willing to gore someone else's ox. Unfortunately, there will be a time when there are no oxen left to gore.
If every hunting organization (who all have their share of supporters and agendas) were successful in eliminating just one of their "pet peave" items as JRW mentioned, there would be nothing left. As much as we like to think we "our" beliefs are the noble ones, so does everyone else. Nothing happens in a vacuum.
Post by: dave19113 on February 21, 2011, 09:48:00 AM
I DO NOT like when agencies claim to support hunters rights but then see them slip away.
Particularly with NRA. They do next to nothing except provide hunting shows on TV. The NRA Headquarters in VA does not even have IDPA IPSIC competitions there bc of liability.
Now on the other hand, if an orginization works for the people ( those are the regular people that have everyday jobs) that love the sport and participate to promote it then that is totally different.
I once said to a rep of a major firearms promoter, " Why dont you give more to the people? He said, "Oh what, you want a free trip?" I said "No, how about sending Wounded Warriors on trips to Africa or wherever....." He smiled a stated he would look into it.
When people on the ground level, people that give their hard earned money and are willing to donate their time, like I have and will do again, do not see any change then why become a member to waste their time.
I have been studing PBS since this topic posted and do like alot of what I have read so far. But to just join to be apart is not realistic.
The biggest thing I love about Trad archery is individualism. I dont need to join a club to say Im helping the cause.
Now that I stood on my soap box... I will put my money where my mouth is.....
I will start and/or help start a Trad Gang Club. Now I will be the 1st to say I DO NOT know how to but if some other senior members will chime in Im sure we has a whole can make it happen. We have many events where we all meet un officially, ETAR etc. Why not make it official.
I propose an agreed upon yearly fee that goes toward a raffle hunt, given to a lucky member or two or give it to a 1st time Trad hunter. We would have to set up local chapters which def would help in networking. A news letter could come into play.... These are just ideas.......
Anybody else wanna step up, nows your chance.... we all can whine at the water cooler or make a stand.....
Post by: dave19113 on February 21, 2011, 09:50:00 AM
Hope to hear from ya all,
Dave
Post by: Al Dente on February 21, 2011, 10:22:00 AM
When a state org acts, it is for the benefit of every license holder, not just its' membership. To grind an axe over one issue is displacing the efforts put forth by those who give so much to only be vilified and chastised. Selfish, elitist, self-serving, and anti-hunting are some terms that I/we have been likend to.
Post by: Arwin on February 21, 2011, 10:56:00 AM
The problem we face in Michigan is that our Natural Resources Commission has made it obvious that they no longer listen to the hunters/organizations that actually spend time in the field. Decisions are made based on political/money reasons. Until we can figure out how to remove appointed officials, we can fight and complain all we want but it still falls on deaf ears. Makes it hard to spend $25 a year just to be ignored.
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Post by: Mitch-In-NJ on February 21, 2011, 01:55:00 PM
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Originally posted by dnovo:No offense taken, but clearly I wouldn't have made the statement if it weren't true.
Mith-in-NJ: Sorry to say that if you are a regular on here I find it hard to believe you've never heard of Comptons. There are quite a few posts and pictures about it every year. Not trying to be smart a##.
Perhaps I wasn't specific enough with my statement. I knew of Comptons as an event. I have seen those threads. What I didn't know was that it was an organization that had a membership.
Maybe because the rendezvous is in Michigan and I am in NJ I just never paid it that much attention. I'd browse the threads but not read every post.
Regardless, this is new information for me. I will look into Comptons and if I like what I find I will join.
Post by: Whip on February 21, 2011, 02:06:00 PM
I know that one of the goals of the board is to expand the reach of the organization and work to dispell that myth. It is a great shoot, and there are no plans to change that, but at the same time they want to do so much more.
What I really find refreshing about Compton is that their goal is simply to present traditional archery in a positive light by focusing on the positive aspects of this sport. Far better to show someone how much fun this is rather than try to convince someone that their wheel bow is bad.
Post by: JohnV on February 21, 2011, 02:23:00 PM
Post by: MIKE WIRT on February 21, 2011, 02:47:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on February 21, 2011, 02:58:00 PM
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Originally posted by Whip:Abolutely, and that's one of the things I've always enjoyed about Compton. They understand that they can promote what they like without attacking everything else. If more organizations would follow that simple philosophy, they'd probably see their numbers grow, instead of stagnate around the same small handful of people.
What I really find refreshing about Compton is that their goal is simply to present traditional archery in a positive light by focusing on the positive aspects of this sport. Far better to show someone how much fun this is rather than try to convince someone that their wheel bow is bad.
I fully understand that politically active organizations have to take positions to which one group or another may take exception. That's unavoidable. But when an organization seems to be grounded in constant negativity, or the "I'm better than so-n-so" attitude, to me, it just sucks all the fun out of it. I'd rather hear a person tell me why they like their home instead of listen to them bash every other house in their neighborhood.
Post by: Mitch-In-NJ on February 21, 2011, 03:03:00 PM
Post by: Tav on February 21, 2011, 03:17:00 PM
Post by: Kevin Dill on February 21, 2011, 03:45:00 PM
Maybe it's better said like this. Take religion. Some want it...like it...and think everyone should partake. Some don't, and you'll not ever browbeat them into joining. If they want it, they'll come and ask for it. Telling them they need it, and they're going to Hell some day just doesn't get results.
Far better to do what you enjoy, and leave others to do the same.
Post by: Dusty Nethery on February 21, 2011, 05:00:00 PM
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Originally posted by Kevin Dill:Worth reading twice. Great post, and great advice.
I've come to understand it this way: Some people don't want or need the social aspect of belonging to an organization. Some simply want nothing to do with mixing politics or activism into their hunting world. Knowing they'll never attend or be interested in an organization, I suspect many can't see any reason to provide financial support to that organization.
Maybe it's better said like this. Take religion. Some want it...like it...and think everyone should partake. Some don't, and you'll not ever browbeat them into joining. If they want it, they'll come and ask for it. Telling them they need it, and they're going to Hell some day just doesn't get results.
Far better to do what you enjoy, and leave others to do the same.