Cary, a good idea and I know your heart is in the right place. I have to take a dissenting view, but in no way try to discourage you. If your heart is set on this then go for it. Do you think we really need another club or organization? As a bowhunter in Ontario I already belong to Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Canadian Federation of Archers, and the Ontario Archery Association. I'll probably be joining Comptons before too long as well. I also have a club membership here with the Nepean Archers. That's just on the bowhunting side. I just removed myself from a bunch of organizations on the firearms side.
There is a lot that can be done by participating in the orgs I mentioned. They are large and well established and can probably accomplish more politically than a new, small association. One of the best ways to promote traditional archery is to join and become active in an archery club and ensure that they don't overlook or forget about traditional archery. You'll find that there are tons of people that own a recurve or longbow, even though they compete and hunt with a compound. Organize events that make them bring their trad tackle to the range. Through coaching and instructing at the club you can introduce traditional archery to the kids. As a traditionalist you can lead by example at your club.
We need to be careful that an new association does not promote division. By forming this club you set yourself apart from the casual traditional shooter and the mainstream bowhunters that I mentioned in the previous paragraph. We all have to admit that some traditionalists set themselves high on the moral pedestal. Like it or not, a lot of our fellow bowhunters see us as archery snobs. Division amoungst bowhunters is a dangerous thing. It is already happening and it plays right into the hands of those who want to make our sport illegal.
Having said all of that, what would be nice is a social club of traditionalists. Where the only agenda is getting together, shooting, and having fun. No dues, no fees, no policy statements, no calls to action on critical issues. As I mentioned earlier there are other worthy organizations carrying our torch on the political, bowhunting, and archery side.
Topic: Ontario traditional bowhunters assocation? (Read 3447 times)
