Returned from the ATA show Friday night and must say there are some cool products coming out this year. A few companies are incorporating magnets into their arrow quivers which is very cool. Just wait till you see what Bowtech has come out with in their quivers and stabilizers. Thatcompany never ceases to amaze me with their forward thinking designs. Oh and Mathews was a no show again. I heard quite a bit of grumbling from people around the show about that. I don't know what their idea is of not going to these shows, but it certainly doesn't look too good. I'm not bashing them, but relaying an observation I made. They know their business better than I do.

Anyway I got to meet a few folks from hunting.net and some famous folks from the tv hunting arena. I had a great time meeting and talking to Greg/MO and Matt/Pa at the Bowtech booth (whole corner of the convention center) it was almost like I'd known them for years. Although they were pretty busy I got to spend time with Matt and hear some of his and Greg's hunting stories from last year. It was cool. I saw Frank (KIDD642) at the Bowtech booth also, but never got a chance to introduce myself.Then I went over to meet the guys killing all the big deer in MO.I met Michael Hunsucker, Shawn and Jeff Simpson from Heartland Bowhunters. I don't remember Jeff or Shawns sceen names. Got to talk with Michael a few different times during the show and was a great person to talk to. That was about it from HNI. I never got to see Justin or Christine and Mobow got there after we left on friday.

Other folks I got to meet were KC Peterson from Magnus Broadheads got her autographed picture. Pat Reeve and Nicole Jones from Driven 24/7 and Muzzy Broadheads. They were handing out DVD's Muzzy hats and signing autographs at the Muzzy booth. Got to see Mark Drury at Ameristep's booth and Jeff Probst at Hoyt.Ralph and Vicki from AC.Really too many peole to mention them all.

I tried to get over and see Lee and Tiffany from Gettin Close, but missed them somehow. I was supposed to get Tiffany's autograph for a guy at the Pro-shop who couldn't make the show, but I let him down. Oh well, I probably would have kept it for myself anyway.

Maybe when Tiffany signs on to HNI she'll see this pathetic plea for an autographed picture, she'll feel sorry for me that I let Jon down that she'll Pm me and send it to me.

Anyone with connections please forward this post to the Gettin Close crew.

I had a blast at the show and plan to return next year in Indianappolis, the 6 1/2 hour ride was well worth it.

Again, it was a great pleasure to meet Greg/MO, Matt/PA and MichaelHunsucker from HNI. Thanks guys for taking the time.

Glad you enjoyed but:

Thanks for the update ...look forward to seeing some pics of the new products. Only thing I would say regarding Mathews, referring to them as "no show" implies that they were supposed to come and just didn't show up. They stated in advance that they were going to use anticipated costs to attend the show for their archery in the schools program. Not a huge deal, but no sense in letting folks think they just ditched the show at the last minute.

I understand what your saying but alot of guys didn't get the info passed on to them and expected to see a Mathews booth. I respect the fact that they donate a bunch of money to the Archery in the Schools Program, but alot of others in the Archery industry donate monies to many organizations yet still attend the largest archery show in the country.

Sorry but I didn't get alot of pictures that turned out worth a darn. I'll post what I have.

Sorry I missed ya dude.....We got there a little later than we anticipated.

Ididn't get any pictures either......I know Justin did though.

Not a problem Mobow We left a little earlier than expected too. Maybe next year. It's going to be in Indy again then in Columbus Ohio the year after that.

OK here's some of the crappy pics that I got. I really need to learn how to take pictures. They sure don't look like this when in the view finder. Oh well!



Greg/MO and myself at the Bowtech booth



Ameristep's 22 ft ladder stand. I had to get one



The Heartland Bowhunter Booth aka Michael Hunsucker, Shawnand Jeff Simpson.



Bear Archery booth




Scent Blocker booth


That's about it. I told you they were bad.

Doug, it was great gettin to meet you as well. Glad you enjoyed the show and im sure i will see you again next year!

It was nice meeting all the guys from HNI that came to the show. Im exhausted and unfortunately start class tomorrow...[:'(]

At least those poor MO deer have another year off from you guys. Good luck with the classes. Hope your trip home was better than the one down to Indy. Nice display you guys made up too.