My mama always told me that if you can' t say something nice, don' t say anything at all. With that in mind I' ll just say, if your going to dream, you might as well dream big.

But since we are talking about the future of the IBO and how we can help it let me just throw out a couple of ideas for everyone to consider. With hunting season fast approaching there are a couple of ways you can help. One way is to get together with your hunting buddies for a little warm-up and tune-up of equipment and abilities. I' m sure we all know someone who doesn' t get the practice in that they should before setting off to their stands. Invite them to help you get ready and they might as well bring their gear along too. Help each other prepare treestand locations and setup and encourage them to practice for that anticipated shot. And by all means review safety practices for all stages of their hunting season.

Another way is to plan to take an additional deer when you are legally able to do so. The IBO has been working with the " Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry" program. This program processes donated venison and distributes it to local food kitchen programs. An average deer donated provides the much needed protein for approximately 200 meals. By making this a part of your fall plans, you may extend your hunting opportunities, directly assist the hungry in your community, and often help to curtail the deer herds in urban or crop damage areas. It also just feels good to be able to give something back to your community.

You could also approach your clubs to help set up special fundraiser events. The " archery in the schools" program is proving to be a tremendous success. One key element is the availability of funds for equipment to get started. As the program begins to enter your state (and it certainly will) club support in obtaining the needed equiptment will make getting started that much easier.

The items listed above may not have the pizzaz of say the " worlds largest arrow" , but they all in their own way begin to open doors for the archery community. Each item is immediately available, and offers a greater return than any stock available today. The only real question left is " Do you want to help the IBO and archery/bowhunting grow, or just talk about it and complain when things are not done your way?" .

Just my thoughts for your consideration.

Living in a rural area I can understand the programs that you are talking about. I must admit that I don' t live in an area where these programs are well know.
Each year we get together and set up for hunting. If this is your stock I think that you should look a little farther than at what other people have accomplished and come up with something original. Try being a leader rather than a follower, you may be surprised at what you can do or do you want to just complain.

Leardership??? Ok lets take a look at that. Leaders can move people 2 ways, into an organization and/or effort or away from it. Any leader worth his salt knows there can only be one engine at the front of the train. While you may see many more in that line, they assist in pulling in the direction the tracks are set. I, personally appreciate the many constructive ideas people offer. However, there are some who continually try to critique the establishment, while never directly becoming part of the solution. If we want the organization to grow, we need to realise the importance of major participation in programs such as those I' ve listed. If you are unfamiliar with these programs, or they are not well recognised in your areas, all you need to do is ask how you can help spread that recognition in your direction. The operating capital for the IBO is unfortunately much more limited than some appear to think. But the energy which we can collectively produce to make these programs work is truely unlimited.

While a wolf may have the ability to charge and scatter a flock of geese, it is when they reform behind the lead that they become truely beautifull. If we all pull the rope in the same direction we will make some real progress. And last but not least, 10,000 voices each screaming a different message is chaos, but 10,000 voices quietly speaking the same message is a powerful force to be dealt with. I know which way I want to lead people for success.

Wow 3 annologies in a row - does that qualify me for record status?

Bluejacket,

This could be an endless debate but I don' t believe it would accomplish anything on this forum. Your opinions are just that your opinions, and my opinions are my opinions. I make no clain to leadership within the IBO and I believe that any organization that is not open to suggestion or criticizm is a dictatorship. I have checked a little bit into the FHFH and will continue to due so. I can find no place so far where any farm organization endorses the FHFH or encourages it. There is much more to be said about this organization and I' m sure that they are doing some fine work.

With your all knowing attitude, let me know or 4 other things that the IBO has accomplished in the last seven years. Due this by private email if you think that you are qualified to act as a spokesperson for the organization. Unless your response is worth while this is my last thread on the subject.