GRAYLING MICHIGAN DIAPPOINTMENT FOR TRADITIONAL !!!!!

[LONGBOWSFOX]

 DID YOU DRIVE TO THE GRAYLING FOR HOURS TO SEE THE SHOW AND SHOOT LIKE I DID ?????  NO SKI DENTON OR COMPTON OR MICH LONGBOW.    7 VENDORS AND 3 OF THEM WEREN'T EVEN ARCHERY VENDORS.  I'M NOT EVER GOING AGAIN.  SEE YOU ALL AT COMPTON WHERE THERE IS SOMETHING TO SEE AND DO.  VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!

[Ragnarok Forge]

That is to bad.  I always attend a new to me shoot with the thought that I will enjoy the shooting and then just see what is there.  I have chosen not to attend a few shoots for the same reasons.  Just not much there for the trad folks.  Is it a new shoot?

[Drew]

wow 30 posts and you jump on and disrespect a whole organization for your lack of planning..

Maybe the MTB jamboree wasn't as big as Comptons or the others but no where do they advertise that? Do you just expect that in every shoot you attend? Do you go to shoot or shop?

The MTB council/members work hard and put on a good shoot with a small group of core people, a 3-d course, a hand painted 2-d course, long distance shoot, turkey shoot, canoe shoot, and a few more things.

I didn't see anywhere in your recent posts where you inquired about the shoot...the MTB even has their own section in the State Organizations (FYI).

I think if I was going to drive 3 hours and change I'd do some research and kind of have an idea of what to expect.

[fido dog]

All caps is annoying.

[Jon Stewart]

I think Compton has put a hurt on a lot of shoots.  MTB has always been on or near the last weekend of June.  Compton and B4K has changed their weekends and in doing so Compton was the week before and B4K was the same weekend as the MTB this year.

Bigger is not always better.  I went to Compton last weekend and then MTB this past weekend.  Had a great time at both.  The guys that put the MTB shoot on worked their asses off trying to put on a good shoot.  If they could have they would have controlled the weather but they can't so it rained on Sunday.

You get out of a good time what you put into it.So if you don't show up next year that will be your loss.

 QUIT YELLING on the computer.


Jon Stewart

[Steve O]

I drove up there for the  DAY!

The MTB Jamboree is the best  SHOOT there is in Michigan.

Who cares if there aren't many vendors as Compton.  I guess Predator, Northern Mist, Great Northern along with their quiver side, the Wool Lady, Woody Weights,plus a few others inside to go along with the 3 or 4 outside was not enough???  Looked like you could get any kind of shaft, point, or leather item you could want.  

You can shoot two  EXCELLENT courses to your hearts content along with the canoe shoot; all unlimited for $20  

[owlbait]

Steve, the shooting wasn't $20 unlimited. I was charged $35 for unlimited or $40 to become a member. The targets were set great and the courses fun to shoot. Some of the targets need to be replaced but all in all fun to shoot.  

[Drew]

Mike if you are a member of MTB and were charged the non member rate I'll send you the difference out of my own pocket..

If not $35 for a non-member unlimited shooting on 2 courses isn't that bad especially when your toting around a $1000 bow.  

[Steve O]

Course Fees  12 and Under Shoot Free
3-D $10 Memeber
3-D $15 Non-Member
Silhouette $10 Memeber
Silhouette $15 Non-Member
Distance/Aerial $3 per round
Canoe $2 per round
Weekend Pass Rate Unlimited Shooting
Weekend Pass - all courses   $20
Family Pass - all courses   $55

This is from their flyer.

They have to have insurance on non-members to shoot, thus the $35 fee.  I don't see that listed anywhere, so that may have been an oversight.

Members shoot for $20 and it costs $20 to be a member, thus the $40.  I paid $40 so I could renew my membership.

Comparing Compton to MTB is akin to putting a square peg in a round hole  

[Drew]

Originally posted by Steve O:


The MTB Jamboree is  PERFECT just the way it is and the people that run it deserve a lot more help and some big praise for pulling it off      

Amen bro!

[owlbait]

Drew, I wasn't a member. $35 to shoot 2 courses for one day seems steep, regardless of the money I spend on my bows. I just want the fees to be clearly understood. According to the flyer it looked like I could pay the course fee $15 +$15 or a discount fee of $20 to shoot both. Kinda like BOGO 1/2 off. It costs me $5 to shoot a 30 target course here in Hesperia, with well maintained Rhinehart targets, and a water and restroom station half way thru the course. Guess I'm spoiled.  

[Tim Fishell]

I think Steve said it best.  I love Comptons and the MTB Jamboree.  I love all the vendors that come to Compton and love seeing and meeting friends new and old.  But MTB is a breath of fresh air.  Putting this together every year is a huge undertaking.  What have you done to improve it?  

I applaud the MTB for the fantastic job they have done.  I hope they continue to put on a great shoot up in Grayling.  As long as I am breathing I will continue to make the 3 hour drive north to the most laid back shoot of the year!!

I agree that the members fees vs. non members fees were not called out clearly.  Hopefully next year they will have that called out better so people know what to expect.

[Kevin Dill]

I live 600 miles away and even I've heard how nice this event is.

I see you're from Blissfield. You should've shopped at Cabela's first, and then gone up to shoot your bow.

Right?

[Todweelz]

I thought the guys did a great job setting up this shoot, 2-d awesome, 3-d nicely set-up, good distance to targets, safe back-stops, no waiting for 10-15 mins. at each station to shoot, got a feeling with this gentlemans negative attitude he probably won't be missed by many. I was very happy just to be there and enjoying shooting again, maybe its time to step-up and give some of my time, just like so many did to make this shoot, our rabbit hunt, and banquet happen, for all of us to enjoy! Todd

[Don Thomas]

I attended once as a guest speaker years ago... had a great time, appreciated the sense of history, met many delightful and hard working bowhunters from the club who have remained friends ever since. Maybe my expectations just aren't as high as some people's... Cheers, Don

[36bound]

I will not go as far as to say it is a "disappointment", but having attended most years since '95-  perhaps for the reasons sighted above- I would have to say that it is not the event it once was. As with most things in life, "timing is everything" and CLEARLY the Comptons Rendezvous has had an a big effect on the MTB weekend. It simply has.

I DO  appreciate the effort that MTB puts into this shoot and the guest speakers that they have hosted over the years.  Seems to me that I remember GFA being a guest speaker about a dozen or so years ago. I also recall seeing Frank Scott there one year as well.

The shooting is as fun as it has ever been.

[Ron LaClair]

Don... you've been lurking?...   ....   :D

The MTB shoot in Grayling is in a class by it's self. The location alone is worth the trip. The camping area is large and is all shaded by oaks. The ranges are great, the 3D course takes you through scenic sand hills. The 2D range is unique because of the great hand painted targets...a refreshing change from 3D IMO.

There's a lot of history there at the former location of the Bear Museum. I remember how it was back in the 60's when we'd stop there on our way north. It still brings back good memories from those days whenever I attend the the shoots there today.

I think the MTB guys and gals have done a great job with this event over the years. If it ever ceases to be it will be a great loss to traditional archery in Michigan.

[2treks]

Thanks for your input Mr.Thomas.
   It seams the scales tilt heavy to one side, I side with the mass on this one. It was a grand shoot at one time but has slowed up some. That takes nothing away from the location or effort that goes into it. A simple phone call would have gone along way. A lack of it is no reason to bash an event or club. I am sorry for your disapointment on this event. Try to search the "trad events" forum on this site it will help a great deal. Ask some guy's here and they will steer you straight. Good luck and have fun.
Chuck

[bohuntr]

Don, it is nice to see you hanging around here!!! Any new bowhunting books in the works??? I still reread the older ones at least once per year but I wouldn't mind it if I needed to buy a new one. You are an extremely talented writer!
         Dan

[WESTBROOK]

Does every shoot have to be a "5 STAR MEGA-EVENT"?

I had a pretty darn good time, but then I'm not a fan of huge crowds and waiting in line every direction you go.

The 3d targets were in pretty good shape (compared to recent years) and a lot of NEW Rhineharts. The 2D is always a great time, the painting is so well done that I would have a hard time putting the first hole in one.

All in all, great time, great people = great event.

Missed ya Ron!

Eric