I got into the sport when compounds were really getting big, at least in my part of the country--they were probably getting a second wind, and seasons were getting more liberal for bowhunting here in MS. I shot a compound for a while, and enjoyed it. Had no idea what a recurve or longbow was, and had never seen one aside from the hickory saplings I strung up as a kid (never even thought about hunting with those). Those things have made some major changes just in the relatively short time I've been an archer (about 15 years, 12 or so with trad gear). Compounds look less and less like a bow and more like some kind of machine from a sci-fi movie, and the same things that are selling points with them seem to be engulfing the traditional relm--newer, faster, better, etc.

I hate I never was able to meet folks like Ben Pearson, Fred Bear, or Frank Scott. I have met some of the younger "icons", and a few I have a lot of respect for. I guess Byron Ferguson is at the top of my list--every time I've talked to him he's been the same good 'ol boy from Alabama--always willing to talk or listen, always down to earth. I did get to meet Mrs. Mary Pearson a few years ago--sweet lil old lady--and some of the folks around here met Ben years ago and talk about him being a gentleman as well. Hopefully their legacys will continue.

Chad