Des Moines Iowa

[Lefty]

I am going to be up in Des Moines next week for a meeting.  Will be there Tuesday through Friday, meetings during the day, but evening free.  If I bring a bow with me, is there anyone that wants to fling some arrows or is there a 3D range somewhere nearby, I could shoot at?  I have been to Barefoot Traditions, but with the weather getting so nice, would like to do some outdoor shooting or roving.  I will be staying at the Sleep Inn on Hickman.

[Missouri Sherpa]

I live just north of Des Moines in Ankeny.  I do not ever shoot at any of the proshops or ranges but Irv Wagner has a pretty nice range over east of here on the south side of Altoona, just south of Adventureland amusement park.  You could also take an evening drive to the Big Creek wildlife area just north of Polk City.  There are thousands of acres of Corp of Engineer and State hunting lands between Saylorville Res. and Big Creek lake.  Much of that land is heavy woods and I used to hunt deer and pick mushrooms up there before I bought my acreage.  I have not been shooting any the past few weeks trying to get caught up on my spring chores, cleaning out barns and feedlots, cleaning up dead trees from the ice storms etc.  I have a couple of high school kids hired to work for me after school for the next couple of weeks and I have to keep them busy working with me.  I have to pick mushrooms every evening for the next two to three weeks also, get them while they are coming up cause they will soon be gone.  I would be happy to show you how to get there but you are coming at a really busy time for me to go shooting.  If you want to call me send a PM with contact info.

[Lefty]

John,
  Thanks for the info.  I might have take a drive up to Polk city.  Always like to explore new places. Take care.
Chris

[katie]

Chris-
Stuart is about 25 minutes east of the Sleep Inn.  Have not been myself, but have heard it is a nice 3D range.  I am sure some of the guys at Barefoot would take you out to shoot.  I would stop in the first night you are up.
Katie

[Lefty]

Thanks for the info Katie!  I will stop at Barefoot, just always looking to meet fellow tradgangers in person.  Take care.
Chris

[katie]

Maybe my husband and I can sneak up this week.  Have fun.
Katie

[thp]

Lefty, pm sent.

[thp]

Looks like Lefty and I will be doing a little stumping Tuesday evening near my place 20 miles East of Des Moines.  We'll be meeting in the late afternoon, early evening.  Anyone else in the area is welcome to join us for a few hours of stumpin fun.  I'll post more details about meeting time and place after Lefty and I talk tomorrow.

[thp]

will have to postpone until Wednesday evening...

[katie]

Boys-make sure you don't pick any mushrooms on your stump hunt. lol.  Sure wish we could make it.  We teach youth group on Wed.  Have a great time.
Katie

[Lefty]

Tim,
  I will give you a call later.  I am just getting ready to leave.  
  If anyone else is interested you can reach me on my cell at (319)931-0197.  It will be off during the meetings, but I will be checking messages and leave it on after 4:30 pm or so.  
Chris

[thp]

Lefty and I had an enjoyable evening of stump shooting.  

Lefty's form  

Great shot!  My turn to pick out a target:  "ok, see that knot hole on that log over there?  Let's see if we can hit that?"  My arrow is the first to land just  a few inches off and kapow Lefty nails it!
   

Ahh!  An added bonus of stumpin' fun:  mushrooms!
       

Nice time!

[Lefty]

Tim, it was great to meet you and I had a wonderful time talking and shooting a few arrows.  Thanks again!
Chris

[thp]

Likewise!  See you at the ITBS Rendezvous!