This weekend at the Indiana State Fairgrounds is the Deer and Turkey Expo.
Below is something of interest to the traditional archery folks.
Read it and see what is in his collection.
GENE HOPKINS COLLECTION OF ARCHERY HISTORY
Bowhunting is definitely a passion for Gene. Having taken over 100 big game animals in his 40 years of hunting, Gene also believes strongly in giving back to the sport that has been his lifelong obsession. A Past-President of the Indiana Bowhunters Association, past member of the Board of Directors for the National Bowhunter Education Foundation, and Historian for the Archery Hall of Fame, Gene feels that his most significant achievement is that he has been a Master Instructor for the NBEF here in Indiana for over 22 years.
The Hopkins Collection of Archery History keeps the memories of bowhunting’s pioneers alive for the education and enjoyment of bowhunters present and future. Without the effort and perseverance that these founding fathers gave, we would not enjoy the wonders of bowhunting as we know it today. In this spirit, the collection will introduce you to a walk in the woods with these pioneers of bowhunting, including the following treasures of history:
Personal Bowhunting Items from the Pioneers – Fred Bear, Howard Hill, Ishi, Saxton Pope, Art Young, Ben Pearson, Glen St. Charles, Doug Easton, Chief Compton, and many, many more.
One of the largest collections of broadheads in existence - Over 2000 different broadheads manufactured since the first commercially made broadhead in 1879 (including one of the very few examples ever found of that first broadhead, the 1879 Peck & Snyder).
Archery & Bowhunting Books dating as far back as the 1600’s, including the only known autographed copy of the classic “The Witchery of Archery” (1878) by Maurice Thompson. Autographed first editions from Saxton Pope, Fred Bear, Howard Hill, and more…..
Longbows from Merry Old England that helped launch archery in America (dating back over 150 years).
Classic Recurves, including the rarest of all Bear Archery Company bows, the gold-latched “A” Riser (one of only 12 made).