As the saying goes, "There's more than one way to skin a cat." In my case, I managed (God blessed me greatly is really allI likelyneed to say) to work my way into outdoor television with D.W.P. LLC (We produced"Bushnell Outdoors with Dave Watson", to name one show in the line-up.) My "in" was, of course, being a "talented" hunter willing to share his experiences and knowledge with other people.(I did so not only in person everywhere I went, but as a moderator and/or administrator for several online hunting forums including HuntingNet.com, HuntingPA.com andSecretsoftheHunt.com. Ieven used to make and sell hand-made turkey calls at one point.Man, that all seems like decades ago now though!) I also developed a knack for web site design. I befriended a few people in the industry and started handling some of their web sites. Trust was developed and, before you knew it, I was asked to move 600+ miles from home to work in the D.W.P. office. I said yes.

Don't get me wrong, I also put my time in. I have written several articles and field/product reviews over the years. I have also worked in archery pro shops (and even a Sportsman's Warehouse) for years tuning bows. I've bow hunted since the age of 13.My love for bow hunting and the sport of archery, in general, fueled me to pursue it more deeply. At the top, I was shooting for Mathews, Copper John, Carbon Express and Muzzy. I was even in a couple of the productions we did. Of course, I left D.W.P. about 3 years ago now, moved back to PA and returned to working pro shops. My only official spot for 2008 is on the Carter Enterprises shooting staff. I've had some health and other issues.

What has already been said is pretty good advise. My best advise is,
Desire: Desireto help advance archery before yourself!
Write: Write about shooting, hunting, technical tips... whatever you excel at.
Shoot: Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to win boat loads of tourneys to be on most staffs. You do need to be out there shooting and helping your fellow archers/hunters though!
Knowledge: Know the products of the companies you desire to be sponsored by! You should be able to answer questions as well as any company rep. going.
Friends: I don't even want to hear any stuff about "butt kissing". Fact is, if you don't put yourself out there then nobody is ever going to know about you. I'm a firm believer that nobody gets anywhere in life without the help of others. Anyone who claims to be "self made" is forgetting about someone (even if it's the Almighty Himself).

Well, I would wish you luck, but I don't believe in it. So, I'll bid you good tidings instead. You can make it if you truly want to and keep your priorities straight.