GRAYLING MICHIGAN DIAPPOINTMENT FOR TRADITIONAL !!!!!

[Bonebuster]

There is a "feeling" at the MTB Jamboree. As Rick Butler said, it`s hallowed ground.

This year, I did not attend. My best friend, my best man in my wedding, my hunting partner for three decades was diagnosed with cancer. His family put on a fundraiser for him this past weekend.

Few things will keep me from the MTB Jamboree.

[Tim Fishell]

Killie, you are absolutely right.  The artist that paints those targets has much talent and I would love to shake their hand one day.  Like has been said before, I don't think I could be the one to put the first hole in one of them.  

Whip, Any time you and your wife want to hang out in Michigan for an extra week you just let me know.  There is a lot of great places to see up the west side of the state and my family and I would love to show you guys around.  

I am really glad to see so many people that enjoy this shoot.  It truly is one of my favorites and the only shoot that my wife will attend with me.  I can honestly say that I spent all day up there Saturday and only stepped inside the vendors area 1 time and just to say a quick hello to Steve from Northern Mist.  

Keep up the good work MTB and I will continue to support you and God willing I will continue to make my 3 hour drive north every June!!

[Dave Pagel]

Personally I like Grayling because it is less crowded, I really like the courses and I have a cottage close by so it is convenient.  It is nice to see the vendors and more would be nice, but they only have so much time and money and must pick their events too.  

That being said, I also know Jim personally.  He and his wife both like competing in 3Ds, hunting and shooting indoor leagues even though it is a challenge for him physically.  He loves archery and has gotten the rest of his family, including kids and grandkids, involved in it as well as supporting many of the archery organizations financially. He too must choose his events and while his feelings may different from many of the rest of us, let's not personally crucify the man.

Dave

[Tim Fishell]

Originally posted by Dave Pagel:
That being said, I also know Jim personally.  He and his wife both like competing in 3Ds, hunting and shooting indoor leagues even though it is a challenge for him physically.  He loves archery and has gotten the rest of his family, including kids and grandkids, involved in it as well as supporting many of the archery organizations financially. He too must choose his events and while his feelings may different from many of the rest of us, let's not personally crucify the man.  

With all due respect Dave maybe he should have thought about that before he came on a public forum and slandered a state organization that does a ton of work for what he enjoys so much.

[Dave Pagel]

Tim,

Understood.  

Dave

[Ray Lyon]

OK, so the cat's out of the bag now. If you want lot's of vendors and people, Compton's and Denton Hill are the place to be. If you're looking for camping and relaxing courses that aren't crowded, the MTB at Grayling is the place to be (although now it may get crowded with all this publicity     ).

  The Compton's shoot is run by a club that is trying to make a property tax payment off the revenues they generate from a single weekend, so they have lot's of volunteers and it has grown to where the number of people attending attract vendors, which attracts people, which atrracts vendors.  As mentioned above, a few hard working volunteers work the MTB shoot and most attendees are looking to relax and enjoy shooting vs. spend money.  I've known vendors who've attended int the past and it just doesn't pay for them to set up there.  That's OK, as the MTB shoot has evolved into just that, a shoot with premier camping and fellowship.

It's too bad the expectations didn't match the type of shoot.  If nothing else, hopefully this 'advertisement' will bring people to Grayling looking for this type of weekend.

[Arwin]

Grayling looks like it would be fun!! It sounds like Elm Hall, relaxed, a little shooting and good eats!

 I do have to admit though that the prices should be given in a "flat rate" vs what I saw posted. Course fee plus + weekend pass fee + a fee fee, LOL!
  I'd be a little confused too which doesn't take much.    

[owlbait]

See. I wasn't the only one confused  :confused:  I made it to the top of the hill with my bad knee and all. What a view. I saw the young man with SteveO and got quite a look when when I explained that the next few targets he was headed for were all "right handed" targets.

[Whip]

You know, one negative comment has sure generated an aweful lot of good publicity for this shoot.      You might just be suprised next year to see attendance go up  

[leatherneck]

This looks like one that I might have to attend. Those 2d's are awesome looking.

[Kevin Winkler]

Man! Another shoot that I'm going to have to put on my list.

Steve O. that canoe shot looks like fun! I might have to skip the Compton shoot and go to this one in the next year or two.

I'm not retired like WHIP.       I don't think I can handle both, I need to save my vacation time for hunting.

[Whip]

I'm NOT retired Kevin.  Going to shoots is my JOB!      

[Hud]

I have enjoy 99% of the shoots, 3D's, and safaris over the years. The few that I did not enjoy was no ones fault but mine. I started shooting when I was six, but never got to a range until I could drive. During the years to that followed, I traveled around the country to shoots. I worked to help the club, state and national organizations. If you get involved by helping at a shoot to make it better, you will enjoy it a lot more.  

My advice is to join a club, and get involved, then when you travel to a shoot, you'll understand what goes on behind the ropes.

[Kevin Winkler]

DUH! OK WHIP.......you got me on that one!    

Guess I need to get a job like yours        

Are you taking applications?

[Whip]

Sure, and I'll pay you twice as much as I pay Irene when she comes with me.

Nothin.  

[23feetupandhappy]

Just a thought from another ( under a hundred poster )......

I think theres a lot of draw to this ( OUR ) life stile, and there are alot of differances from modern hunting versis this slow way of life that we love so much.  I think there are many drawn to the traditional life style without fully understanding what we'r all about.  I know that I was drawn to this sport for a couple of years bofore I took the plunge 3 years ago and through TBM and places like TradGang I have been learning the ins and outs of TRADITIONAL.  Now I have no idea ho this guy is but perhaps hes 30 post into the great jurney that we feel very passionate about........

Traditional is lightyears away from the mindset of todays modern hunters and it took some time for me to embrace these new ideas........but I always try to think before a speak out about that wich I dont know.  Maybe this guy needs to quietly observe so he can start to learn what we'r all about, but to do that he'll need his head back  

[doug77]

Looks about the same as the ITBS shoot in Ames Iowa. My daughter and really enjoy this shoot every year probaly me more than her only because it is less crowed and much easier for me to keep track of her. Also enjoy the shaded campground under the oaks. Some times as I get older less is beter.

doug77

[ripforce56]

This was my first year going to each one these events! Both are a great events, I spent WAY more money at Compton because of the vendors! Did not shoot as much because of the heat, but we did shoot plenty! Grayling was fun and we spent a lot more time shooting than spending money on gear so it was a nice change of pace! Loved the 2D course! The hamburgers were great and the $40.00 I spent for shooting and joining the MTB was well worth the investment!

[Steve O]

Owlbait--Daniel probably only had 30 other things going thru his mind when you told him that   :D  .  We got a good chuckle out of it when you said it and then again 30 seconds later when he asked for an explanation!

A guy could easily pass the time between Compton and MTB if they wanted to.  Within 20 miles of Grayling there are HUNDREDS of miles of Blue Ribbon trout streams, hundreds of lakes, the Sand Lakes Quiet Area is not far--stocked trout lakes and bass (one had grayling in it years ago when I used to go there).  The Traverse City area including Petoskey, which I think is the prettiest city in Michigan is all orchard and vinyard country--lots of places to take in some wine tasting.  I hope some of you stay over or come out just for the weekend.  You'll not find a finer camping area at any shoot.  I don't mind there being a few extra shooters  

[Ron+dog]

looks awesome to me stay home next year maybe ill come out and dont want to shoot around people like you any way
p.s. DONT YELL THROUGH THE COMPUTER !!!!!!!

to every one else thanks for the review looks like a cool shoot and im glad you all had good times