I've been involved in the Traditional Bowhunting community for over 25 years now, and have always been impressed with the quality and character of the people with whom I have crossed paths. Oh, there have been a
few scoundrels, but they tend not to stick around for very long! It has been a privilege to be a part of a "fraternity" like this, and it has been humbling to watch and participate as people have stepped up, over and over, to support and give in all kinds of circumstances.
The St. Jude's auction, people suffering from theft, fire, illness, or loss of loved ones... in a wide range range of situations, I've seen kindness and generosity displayed by a group that many these days would see only as "cold blooded killers" but I know as Kind-hearted... "Softies"... Friends!
This week, my family was the recipient of a wonderful gift from a group of some of the members here on Trad Gang. Every few months, a semi-secret society of great guys on the Gang called TGMM offers a giveaway drawing for a kid's bow and arrow set to help get the next generation going in our favorite sport.
For quite a while, I had entered my grandkids in the drawings when they were offered. Their names didn't get drawn, but it was always a privilege to congratulate the winners and thank the TGMM members who made it possible.
THIS TIME, though, my youngest grandson had his name drawn by Eva, the daughter of TGMM giveaway wrangler "Woodpuppy", and last week, a much-anticipated package arrived from Mike of Maddog Bows!
As you'll see from the pictures, Abe is still a little guy, but along with his two older sisters he will be getting a LOT of good, a LOT of fun, and a LOT of education (like safety and sharing!) out of this beautiful little bow.
The package included a Maddog "Pup" R/D longbow with white glass and a laminated riser so nicely crafted that I thought was black and white ebony at first glance! It is a beauty, 48" in length and 23#@26" (when their arms get long enough to pull it that far!). There was also an armguard, a finger tab, and four crested kids arrows that I am trying to find some rubber blunts for to start out with. I also have two dozen additional 1/4" kids arrows I have tracked down, so that ought to keep them going... for at least the first afternoon!
The purpose of this long post is three fold:
1. To say "THANK YOU!" to the TGMM crew and Mike for the work they do and the generosity this illustrates. Abe, Clara, Dinah, and their Daddy and Mommy (and Grandpa!) will never forget what you did for us.
2. To encourage any of you who have kids, grandkids, or young friends you'd like to get involved in archery to keep an eye peeled for the next giveaway TGMM does on the Z Giveaways Trad Gang forum.
3. To thank the other "Crusty Old Bowhunters" for the heart and kindness shown in so many other situations, and challenge us all to never quit being such a special community and "family".
A picture of Abe and his first time holding a bow that will come to mean a lot to him!
Abe, Dinah, Clara, and Daddy all thrilled with the package that came from TGMM and Maddog Archery on Abe's Lucky Day
Here is the thread about the last giveaway, if you want to follow how it gets done:
http://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=163597.0Thanks SO much!
Daryl
Topic: Crusty old bowhunters? Maybe... but kind, kind hearts! (Read 2584 times)
