National Hunting & Fishing Days a Success in more ways than one…

     The 2008 National Hunting & Fishing Days was a success in more ways than one.  Most importantly, between 500 and 600 youths were able to participate in a variety of outdoor activities ranging from (A) archery to (W) wildlife identification (W is the closest thing to a Z).  Our association was proud to be a part of the new format for the Outdoor Youth Challenge this year that encouraged participation and fun over competition and saw huge benefits from the change.  Our good friend and supporter, Bob Errett from Parker Bows, provided us two Parker Buckshot compounds, which were won by Lakin Bode and Amber Pettry.  I found it very interesting both winners were female and both have plans to take up bowhunting.  This just further illustrates how archery is a sport that crosses age and gender boundaries.  This undoubtedly is the fastest growing segment of our sport.  Many of those that left the range were talking to their parents about bows for Christmas! 

     A highlight of the weekend was our association was also selected as the Sportsman’s Organization of the Year by the Division of Natural Resources.  We are honored to be selected for this award.  The award was presented by Director Jezioro at the awards ceremony at the conclusion of the weekend.  There are hosts of well deserving organizations working diligently on a variety of issues with the purpose of protecting our wildlife and natural resources and promoting our hunting, fishing and outdoor heritage to all of our citizens.  We are proud to count ourselves as one of those organizations and truly appreciate the award and recognition of our contribution to those efforts.

     As if that weren’t enough, one of our very own Directors, John Drangmeister, was selected as Sportsman of the Year.  John was very surprised and humbled by this recognition.  He now joins select company from our association who has received this prestigious award including Rev. Stacy Groscup, Larry Lawson, Randy Epling, Dave Truban and Randy Benear.  For those that may not know of John’s contributions due to his work behind the scenes and never seeking glory for his efforts, he has been a volunteer archery instructor for Becoming an Outdoor Women for six years, assisting in a number of youth events for NWTF Jakes Days & US Sportsman’s Alliance Trailblazer Days as well as the DNR Archery in Schools program.  This award signifies his contributions have not gone unnoticed and are very much appreciated.  Congratulations John!  A very well deserved award!

     I would like to thank all the personnel from the Division of Natural Resources for their hard work in organizing this event.  Also, thanks to the many other organizations and their members who helped make the event such a success and to the thousands that attended.  I would encourage all who read this to attend the event next year and be an active participant by sharing your knowledge with others and volunteering some time to help in an area that is important to you.  We all have different passions; we need to share the ones we have and in the words of Fred Bear, “Pass it on”.

In closing, we would like to announce our Archery in the Schools Matching Grant Program has been approved.  Guidelines and the Application Form can be found under the "NEWS- Press Releases" menu heading.

God Bless & Good Hunting

Ed McMinn
President