Ken--It was nice of you to pump me up to the multitudes, but let me set the record straight on some of the pubs I write for, just so there' s no confusion: I serve as Field Editor (appearing on staff masthead) for Bowhunting World, North American Fisherman and North American Hunter (where I' ve penned the Legislative Update column since ' 97). I also regularly write politcal/legislative pieces for Outdoor Life and Almanac contributions for Sports Afield. I just didn' t want the editors from the mags you incorrectly listed to accuse me/us of errant claims.

Sorry JR, my mistake. My humblest apologies.
ken

Well, that was interesting! I' m not really surprised by either the question or the responces. It is true that the IBO does not spend alot of time blowing their own horn. It is also true that the bulk of the discussion in this forum centers around tournament rules and events. If that is the nature of concern for the majority of participants here I quess it should be expected to be so. But just look at the amount of information readily available just for the asking. Now imagine the possible responce you might see if you bring forth direct concerns for your community.

I' ve chosen to lend my support to the IBO because of the way they quietly do their job, while providing us the means to gather and share in our preferred sport. The fact that we see thousands of people practicing for competition is encouraging because in so doing they are also practicing for that one shot oportunity. Also, a significant portion of our members are still non hunters. It certainly must be difficult to object to our proficiency with a bow when we routinely demonstrate that ability in competition. 3d competition may well be the single greatest enticement to get the average bowhunter out practicing and thereby improve the image for all of us.

I hope that you are all ready an IBO member. If you are not, the very nature of your question indicates that you should be. If you don' t already compete I would also encourage you to do so. It' s a lot of fun learning that you are not quite as good as you think you might have been, but yet can be.

This post has opened the eyes and the minds of many people and with the count at over 200 the first day I am sure that it will continue to do so.

Looking forward to the upcoming info sesions on the net which seem to be much more personable than as magazine, IMHO.

Thanks again.

Jim, They recently changed my schedule a little bit. I' m going to be in Albuquerque, NM. for the PBR Rodeo and I' m leaving this afternoon.

They were supposed to send some brochures from corporate but I' ll send you what I have to your shop before I leave today...

I' ll be at the show to help you as planned (unless an emergency or the like comes up).

Drop me an email if you need anything else and I' ll try to make it happen...