tradganger of the year contest

[Ken Taylor]

Honorable thought but I (and many others I am sure) would have to abstain since I don't know anyone well enough.

[Killdeer]

I was sitting here thinking about all the people here whom I admire, and that led me to thinking about all the selfless acts that led to such admiration. The word "selfless" got stuck in a cranny between two brain cells and will not leave until I floss.

Selfless... no thought of self. No thought of reward, kudos, freebies, fame, honor or glory. Do it because not only is it right, it makes the world, and life, better for having done it. Because it makes you feel good for having done it. Because you can't resist seeing a smile lighten a dark place in the world. Because you love archery, and those who love it with you.

I am also thinking of big buck contests, and bass tournaments, beauty and popularity contests. These things tend to bring out the mercenary in people, and detract from the simple reason that we started on this path to begin with, that we love to fling splinters of wood at stuff. And we want to share it.

Maybe the thing to do, is to create the tomahawk, and the sheath, and have it as a perpetual auction item in the St. Jude's fundraiser. The winner keeps it for a year, wears it to shoots, uses it in the hunting field and takes a few whacks at trophy firewood. Then a year later, proudly puts it up for auction for the benefit of St. Jude's Research Hospital.

We are such a powerful force that way. Our best quality is that we wish to do good, with a pure heart. We love our sport and wish to pass it on in its best and purest form. That is our reward. I am now ready to listen to all other thoughts.

Killdeer

[owlbait]

Well, this year isn't looking too good for me, next year doesn't promise much either! Guess I would have to be NICE (yuck) and quit being a smart...guy. Let me see, Killie, Bernie, Donnie, Johnnie, Billie, Chuckie, I can't decide!

[rastaman]

I always hate following killdeer's posts because they are so powerful! I agree with her concept of turning this into a perpetual award that ultimately benefits the kids. Since contests invariably become popularity contests unless they are talent based, let the vote be dollar based during the auction. Nominate with dollars. The kids win. Just thinking out loud...

[vermonster13]

I've been thinking about this thread since I saw it earlier today, trying to figure out how to word this properly. I really appreciate that some folks think that I'm worthy of such an honor.

I do the things I do because by my way of thinking they need to be done. There are reasons behind my reasons and they suit my ways. Part of what I do is very visible and is the nature of the beast so to speak. Much of what I do that is seen isn't done alone. I just happen to be the guy who had some ideas and put together a way of getting it done. Most folks here share what they have within their abilities and that makes each of them worthy of being "Trad Gang Member of the Year" to my way of thinking. So to me this whole thing is unnecessary as for there is no way to make enough hawks to spread around. There is a lot more done that is never seen on here and would go unrecognized, fairly or not.

So if you do go forward with this, I prefer to be left out of the voting, out of respect to others less visible but no less worthy by any means.

Thanks for thinking of me and if there is a way to make this about helping out kids instead, then let me know what I can do to help.    

[NorthernCaliforniaHunter]

Ay ya yay! Dios mio! Or better yet, "Soli Deo Honor et Gloria!"

Despite all the wonderful things we do, the glory belongs to God only. It's the Spirit that moves us to have compassion and do good for others, and the Spirit is quite present on TradGang. For me this glory has shone through so many of you all that deciding on one would be an incredible feat. Vermonster for his work with children, Terry for this wonderful website, Killie for her ever-inspiring words, Mudd for his positive and loving attitude, on and on and on etc...

I like the auction idea, and to the brother making the Tomahawk, I'll add you to the list of heroes moved by Spirit on this site.

God bless TradGang and all of you, my friends.

[Ragnarok Forge]

I have a tomahawk on page 3 of the St Judes auctions.  Stickhorse made the sheath for it.  Give it a look and bid high, it is for little ones in need.

A question.  How long does the ST Jude's bidding run?  Making a presentation hawk from day zero takes a bit of time.

[crotch horn]

I love the idea but as stated by others I would love to see it go in the auction. Help the kids. If you really want someone to have it make sure you bid high enough to win and present it to them for the year then next year it goes up again. This is the kind of thing that makes me love tradgang and trad archery.

[Irish]

Killdeer, you have a way with words!!  

[Mudd]

I think Killdeer is onto something that maybe I can expand on a bit.

If you think someone is deserving of having the honor of wearing this hawk for a year how about bidding it up and if you win then you can present it for that year to whomever you feel is most deserving or just keep it for yourself.

It's just a thought.. that may be worthy of exploring or fleshing out more.

God bless,Mudd

[Hopewell Tom]

One thing about having so many worthy people out there is how long this thing could go on. It could be an event for so many years to come, because even though whoever won this year, we still have lots to choose for next year. I think lots of good examples helps to make the best choices. I like the one trophy idea, with each winners name on it.
No one worthy of this recognition is/would be doing it for the trophy. All would be able to think of someone else "more worthy". Good. Work to get them as the next winner.
Being recognized for good work is always a bit - embarassing almost - for the truly deserving, sometimes I think it's for the others, wanting to be sure they ARE recognized. Somehow.
A passed around "trophy" would feel pretty good I think as you held it in your home and looked at all the others that you were considered a part of. It's like this Trad Archery .... what's the word? Mystique? It's worldwide, centuries old and about so much more then the "things" associated with it. I don't know any of you, but I know all of you. The sharing and caring that takes place here is very special and profound.
I believe Tradganger of the Year would become a pretty special honor before too long and maybe help to inspire more good works. Emulation of the best can be contagious.

[frassettor]

I vote for EVERYONE in this big extended family