how to become prostaff?
12-26-2007 | 12:56 PM
#31
Typical Buck
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: Princeton, Illinois
RE: how to become prostaff?
There are some benefis to being a Pro-Staffer beyond the perks. Those would be the relationships you make with others who are passionate about the sport. I have several aquaintances that own bows and talk about loving the sport and how much they can't wait to go.... then during the season they hunt about 20 hours worth. I know they had way more time than that to get into a stand but, the weather was too cold or too rainy, wind was wrong I only hung one stand this year and on and on. I think they enjoy the challenge of bowhunting but the love just isn' there. I absolutely love the challenge, the animals, the solitude and the mental andphysical investments I make especially when it pays off with a trophy buck.
I am willing to bet that the majority of the industry hunters at least started offfeeling the sameway and remain true to those original feelings like I have.They probably enjoy being around others who share the samedeep roots of love for the sport.
The originalpost said: How to become a Pro-Staffer? Bottom line is you have to love the sport and be willing to do what it takes to maintain that love. Iknow the pro guys don'talways get rich and always miss their families.Just like anything else, without the love being strong you won't survive the hard times and conditions.
I am willing to bet that the majority of the industry hunters at least started offfeeling the sameway and remain true to those original feelings like I have.They probably enjoy being around others who share the samedeep roots of love for the sport.
The originalpost said: How to become a Pro-Staffer? Bottom line is you have to love the sport and be willing to do what it takes to maintain that love. Iknow the pro guys don'talways get rich and always miss their families.Just like anything else, without the love being strong you won't survive the hard times and conditions.
12-26-2007 | 08:22 PM
#33
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,072
Likes: 0
From: Idaho
RE: how to become prostaff?
There are some interesting points here. What it all boils down to is you need to be an ambassador for the sport. The love goes far beyond even the product. Sure, shooting great may help and taking a record breaker would help, but the majority get sponsorships by giving back to the sport. This may mean joining a local club and /or sitting on the board for the club. It may also mean volunteering for 4H programs. It may mean helping those that need it at a local archery range. The more you start to give back to the sport, the more you become involved in the archery community. Thus the more you will receive in return
Remember that even with the variety of archery products that are out there, you are dealing with a very small industry where paths have crossed many times. So if you look further it does boil down to who you know, and what longlasting impression you made on the individual you crossed paths with.
I don't buy the issue where all prostaffers huntprivate land and have had everything given to them because of who they know. That topic does not even deserve to be involved here. There are some that have managed to harvest almost exclusively on public land and have spent over 100 days(including partial days) a yeareither scouting or sleeping under the stars in the back countryjust to find what they are looking for, have never hired a guide, and who travel around at their own expense just because they love bowhunting so much. These individuals have given all they had, and even paid the high price of even losing their family in their persuits.(don't ask why I know this)
Bowhunting for some is just a hobby, while others it is a driven passion that will never die. Days on end are spent in preperation for the big moment. These are the people that can give credit to a product that they can believe in. These are the people that will carry the word for the company that they have formed a working relationship with. These are the people who show what the most hard core hunters use in the field. In return the company will make sure that their staffer is taken care of as these are the people who will make the product known.
If you don't go into a sponsorship with the I will scratch your back, while you scratch mine mentality, then you are selfish and doing the company a great disservice.
I have had the fortunate experience of meeting manypeople in my travels. It is awesome to get to know people in other parts of the country. Once the ball gets rolling, it keeps on going from there. The reason that I have had good fortune is not because I was lucky enough to meet the right people. But because I was lucky enough to be part of such a great lifestyle in which I have no regrets. If you look at the sacrifices, the items that you get in return for your hard workare far from free.
Sterotyping has been quite evident in some of the posts that have been made. I wish that it were not this way. There are people out there who give everything they have to not only give back to the sport, but also to those that help them in their persuits. Just remember before getting involved with any company, its a 2 way street. Please be more kind in the wording that is used and don't lump everyone into one pot. There are many who are just like you and love everything there is to love about the great outdoors.
Chad
Hoyt National Shooting Staff
Wilderness Athlete Prostaff
Trophy Taker Shooting Staff
Stealth Archery Shooting Staff
Idaho Outdoor Outfitters Pro Staff
Other sponsors:
ASAT
Leupold
Badlands Packs
Kenetrek Boots
Under Armour
Remember that even with the variety of archery products that are out there, you are dealing with a very small industry where paths have crossed many times. So if you look further it does boil down to who you know, and what longlasting impression you made on the individual you crossed paths with.
I don't buy the issue where all prostaffers huntprivate land and have had everything given to them because of who they know. That topic does not even deserve to be involved here. There are some that have managed to harvest almost exclusively on public land and have spent over 100 days(including partial days) a yeareither scouting or sleeping under the stars in the back countryjust to find what they are looking for, have never hired a guide, and who travel around at their own expense just because they love bowhunting so much. These individuals have given all they had, and even paid the high price of even losing their family in their persuits.(don't ask why I know this)
Bowhunting for some is just a hobby, while others it is a driven passion that will never die. Days on end are spent in preperation for the big moment. These are the people that can give credit to a product that they can believe in. These are the people that will carry the word for the company that they have formed a working relationship with. These are the people who show what the most hard core hunters use in the field. In return the company will make sure that their staffer is taken care of as these are the people who will make the product known.
If you don't go into a sponsorship with the I will scratch your back, while you scratch mine mentality, then you are selfish and doing the company a great disservice.
I have had the fortunate experience of meeting manypeople in my travels. It is awesome to get to know people in other parts of the country. Once the ball gets rolling, it keeps on going from there. The reason that I have had good fortune is not because I was lucky enough to meet the right people. But because I was lucky enough to be part of such a great lifestyle in which I have no regrets. If you look at the sacrifices, the items that you get in return for your hard workare far from free.
Sterotyping has been quite evident in some of the posts that have been made. I wish that it were not this way. There are people out there who give everything they have to not only give back to the sport, but also to those that help them in their persuits. Just remember before getting involved with any company, its a 2 way street. Please be more kind in the wording that is used and don't lump everyone into one pot. There are many who are just like you and love everything there is to love about the great outdoors.
Chad
Hoyt National Shooting Staff
Wilderness Athlete Prostaff
Trophy Taker Shooting Staff
Stealth Archery Shooting Staff
Idaho Outdoor Outfitters Pro Staff
Other sponsors:
ASAT
Leupold
Badlands Packs
Kenetrek Boots
Under Armour
12-26-2007 | 10:15 PM
#34
Typical Buck
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
From: NW Illinois
RE: how to become prostaff?
I guess a better question is “Why become a prostaffer?” I think if you can figure that out the other question is not so hard.
I have met some really great guys (pros) and yes I would love to go on the trips they do. But I would not want to give up seeing my kids grow up. Most of these guys spend so much time on the road it’s unbelievable. So like someone mentioned before, it has to be your 1st love. And you have to be willing to sacrifice the other stuff. It’s not for me!
I have met some really great guys (pros) and yes I would love to go on the trips they do. But I would not want to give up seeing my kids grow up. Most of these guys spend so much time on the road it’s unbelievable. So like someone mentioned before, it has to be your 1st love. And you have to be willing to sacrifice the other stuff. It’s not for me!
12-26-2007 | 10:24 PM
#35
Giant Nontypical
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,445
Likes: 0
From: Central Minnesota
RE: how to become prostaff?
ORIGINAL: Arthur P
It's sad because that's why we wind up with yayhoos like the Warren brothers. They were surrounding another yayhoo of like mind who put them onto his show - I forget the old goat's name but he was a 'resort hunter/fisherman' too - and got them into TV.
You remember what Tom Miranda was like when he first started on TV 20 years ago? Didn't know his elbow from his eyeball about anything. Dumb as a box of rocks. But he knew somebody. I hear he's pretty knowledgeable now, so that means he's gotten himself trained up some. But he sure put out a lot of garbage back then.
Ever run across some of these so-called 'pro staffers' at 3D shoots that act like their stuff don't stink and they're too good and pure to be spoken to? Same thing. I've seen staffers turn people off their sponsors' products because of their attitude, and their supposed function is actually to turn people onto them. Since 'people surround themselves with like-minded people,' you have to assume the companies that sponsor these guys must be horse's butts too. If their pro treats you like you're slimemold, then their customer serviceis probably the same way.
Hmmm....
Come to think of it, maybe you're right and it's not such a sad thing after all. Judge the company by the staffers they put out there.
I agree with the first part....but wonder why that's "sad"....lol
You remember what Tom Miranda was like when he first started on TV 20 years ago? Didn't know his elbow from his eyeball about anything. Dumb as a box of rocks. But he knew somebody. I hear he's pretty knowledgeable now, so that means he's gotten himself trained up some. But he sure put out a lot of garbage back then.
Ever run across some of these so-called 'pro staffers' at 3D shoots that act like their stuff don't stink and they're too good and pure to be spoken to? Same thing. I've seen staffers turn people off their sponsors' products because of their attitude, and their supposed function is actually to turn people onto them. Since 'people surround themselves with like-minded people,' you have to assume the companies that sponsor these guys must be horse's butts too. If their pro treats you like you're slimemold, then their customer serviceis probably the same way.
Hmmm....
Come to think of it, maybe you're right and it's not such a sad thing after all. Judge the company by the staffers they put out there.
12-27-2007 | 01:42 AM
#36
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,763
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
RE: how to become prostaff?
ORIGINAL: ArrowMike
So like someone mentioned before, it has to be your 1st love. And you have to be willing to sacrifice the other stuff. It’s not for me!
So like someone mentioned before, it has to be your 1st love. And you have to be willing to sacrifice the other stuff. It’s not for me!
Dean Davis, a prostaffer for primos recently took a break from all the hunting to spend time with his family and raise his children. He still appears on guest hunts every now and then, but i admire him for taking the time away from the bussiness to raise a faimly.
12-27-2007 | 10:07 AM
#37
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,275
Likes: 0
From: The Bay which is Green, WI
RE: how to become prostaff?
I'm kinda curious about Michael Wadell. I know he is one the most well-known hunters/pro-staffers/whatever you wanna call it. But, he still seems like a great, stand-up guy. Is this true or just an act like the rest of them?
12-29-2007 | 10:52 PM
#38
Fork Horn
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: Western Pennsylvania
RE: how to become prostaff?
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.
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.
12-30-2007 | 04:23 PM
#40
Fork Horn
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From:
RE: how to become prostaff?
Quite an interesting thread. After reading it, the one thing I havnet seen mentioned is some sort of inherant/self made wealth.
Sure, I love hunting too. But I have a house, wife, kids, bills, etc. that if I was out hunting as much as Id like to be, Id be living in a cardboard box eating from dumpsters.
Hunting is expensive.
Seems like the guys shooting the big bucks on Tv are in the woods 3-6 days a week. When do they work? Who pays the lease bills?
Would I like to be a pro-staff for someone? Good ?. It takes a lot of time. Not sure Id make it very long.
Sure, I love hunting too. But I have a house, wife, kids, bills, etc. that if I was out hunting as much as Id like to be, Id be living in a cardboard box eating from dumpsters.
Hunting is expensive.
Seems like the guys shooting the big bucks on Tv are in the woods 3-6 days a week. When do they work? Who pays the lease bills?
Would I like to be a pro-staff for someone? Good ?. It takes a lot of time. Not sure Id make it very long.