Ok, as I stated very early in this thread I intended to do a lot of talking and listening to shooters at the various events this year. That information along with the many posts seen here, have helped me to develope a reccommendation which I am in the process of formalizing for submission to the BOD for their concideration.

First off, let me say that the HC, however successfull in the number of shooters involved, is broken when considering the intended purpose. Those who refuse to see that are simply not looking at the bigger picture. The intended purpose was not so much for "beginner" archers (although they can benefit too) as it was to entice the average bowhunter to come out and play in a less intence format. Right now "less intence" certainly does not discribe the HC. I've heard the arguments about shooting within your comfort range, and although I disagree that the extended yardage would have much effect on most of these top shooters, I have to conceed their point.

My suggestion to the BOD will be as follows:
Implement 1 - new class entitled Competitive Bowhunter, maintaining all of the current equiptment and distance requirements as the current HC.
Charge full rates at all events for this class.
Utilize the same payout structure as all other competitive classes.
Award shooter of the year stature to this class.
Class eligibility for any HC gender or shooting discipline wishing to compete for money and recognition from 35 yd distances.
Leave The current HC's as they are now.
And finally, allow a 1 year period for the shooters to make the adjustments needed on their own. If at the end of that year the HC is still abnormally top heavy, institute a forced advancement of any shooter scoreing a 400 or above during the Shooter of the Year events.

It is my hope that the shooters will see the need for adjustment, and given the opportunity to continue with the same equiptment and distance, will choose to fix the problem themselves. If however they fail to do so, In my opinion, the Board must at that point take the needed steps.

I'm leaving in a week to head to West Virginia. I'm looking forward to the Mountain and seeing many of you there. Let me know what you think.

Chris Turner
IBO Ohio State Rep.