I remember the days when we would have 100 shooters show up for a regular 3D shoot. When we would have our big merchandise shoot, we would hit 300+. This last weekend, we held the Oklahoma IBO State Championship. We had 42 shooters. That's 42 shooters total in 2 days. The weather was perfect. The range was great. There were no shoot conflicts for that weekend anywhere around Oklahoma or N. Texas.

I know attendance is down all over the state but this is getting serious. Of the few that drove, most got angry about having to be an IBO member to shoot the state championship. They already had to buy $1.90/gal gas to drive and then to pay entry fees as well as IBO membership. I know that the membership issue was NOT the reason we only had 42 shooters show up. It was part of it along with the 8X binocular rule. I do not know all the reasons why we had the poor turn out. I wish I did because I would do everything I could to fix it.

Any input here would be appreciated. I know there are more bow hunters now than ever in Oklahoma. I also know that many of my 3D buddies feel the IBO has "ruled" itself out of the picture. I have supported the IBO for the 15+ years I have shot 3D and will continue to be a member. Our club will have more folks show up for a traditional fun shoot than an IBO State Championship and that sucks. What can we do? Sorry to vent but it is bothering me.

Thanks for listening.