RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

I agree with Ken, this thread has a LOT of potential. All of the posts seem to be in agreement on 98% of the ideas presented thus far. At least we are trying to reach a good solution for everyone. Let's look at the options discussed so far.
1. Every shooter that shoots an IBO shoot should be willing to become a member in good standing. All of the good things that IBO does for us as bowhunters should more than justify the membership fees.
2. Have a Bowhunter Novice class. Make the shooter shoot 280 f.p.s. or less with full 4 inch fletching and minimum 100 grain screw in point. Fixed pins etc. just like the HC is now. Reduce the entry fee for this class to $20 and make it a trophy or certificate of achievement award. Certificates would be better as there cost is minimal and every shooter could receive one when he turns in his/her score cards. Then give plaques out to the top twenty shooters.
3. Create an Unlimited Hunter Class. The shooter could shoot the same setups as the HC class is now and not change anything for it.
I think this will help to make the classes more competitive and enjoyable for everyone. Let's keep this thread going and give Ken some ideas for the questionaire if that is the way he chooses to go.

RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

I liked the comments from the folks that have said the HC's are bringing in some new folks on the local level.
That is where we need to focus. (Issue 1)

BlueJacket came up with an interesting idea Saturday. Shoot a (certain score) and move up the next event. Or next year, to a competitive hunter class. He suggested 400.

But my question is move to where?
If a fella is shooting 400, why not MBR. We heve had numerous requests from MBR to go back to shorter stabilizers and 4 inch fletch,etc.
The average distance is only 4-6 yards longer from the green stake.
And, for goodness sakes ,if you are shooting 400 how much of a problem is 4 or 5 yards.

Now I want to bring up your club. YOUR club! NOT the national level shoots.
For this part of the discussion they are not relevant.
Target life. Ponder that. At our local shoots, at our club there are numerous shooters in the HC shooting these scores.
On the national level we just change a mid section or a core. At the local club they have to buy that mid section or core with a shoot average running at say 75 or 100. At a fee of less than $10.
Several years ago data from target life said it cost a bit over 25 cents to shoot a target, from a cost perspective to the club. Although we have not compiled that data in a couple years, I am sure that it is higher now. If for no other reason the target costs are more.

This is a bit of info that needs to be factored into the equation of getting scores off a little.
You can only put so many holes into an 11 ring, before it is no longer a ring.
This is also a part of the discussion that we must have when deciding solutions. How does it effect the local clubs?
ken12

RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

how about a release rule, stick with a "hunting" trigger release for the hunter class instead of allowing back tension, keep the back tension for the more "serious" classes, just a thought, Brad.

RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

Ken, the idea of moving up to MBR would not be a bad one. If indeed the rules are changed to limit stabilizer length and fletching to be closer to the HC rules. This would be a way to accomplish what all of the postings are suggesting that you do. It would give HC shooters a much less noticeable jump in class and MBR would be a little less intimidating to move up to. Make the HC a trophy only class and do not allow their score to be eligible for the team shoot down scores if this is indeed supposed to be a novice or beginner class. This would keep shooters in higher classes from being tempted to move down. I have talked with a lot of the MBR shooters at the southern triple crown shoots and would enjoy shooting with them. Keep up the great posts I think that all of you are making some great suggestions.

RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

Please explain what you concider a hunting release?

I use a TruBall Extreme with Talon head for both hunting and 3d would that mean I no longer qualify for HC in your books?

RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

BowPro, I dont understand what is going on. Are we talking about improving the Hunter class? Or are we talking about changing the MBR class? I didnt know their was a problem with the MBR class. If MBR is changed to HC set up at 45yds guys that have shorter draws are not going to be able to shoot a lighter arrow to get their average speed up for that extra 4 to 7yds. When I shoot MBR I want the advantage of only being limited to 5 grains per pound or 280 and fixed pins. I guess MBR shooters could have more to say on this issue but if it aint broke dont fix it. Maybe Iam not understanding what is being said? Explain your ideas please.

RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

bentshaft, I don't understand. 5 gpp is 5 gpp. Whether it's an MBR or HC setup. HC has the same speed/arrow rules as the other classes.

RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

I honestly dont think the release change or restriction would be usefull, anymore, some shooters are hunting with back tension, i dont understand it myself, but thats just me. As far as changes to the MBR rules on stabilizer and fletching, I was not aware that the MBR guys wanted a change, but could I not change my class to MBR and shoot the exact setup that i do now? I do like the idea of a certain score you need to move out, but not at the next event, I like the next year better. If I shoot even (400)in Nelsonville, I might even change to MBR next year out of my own choice, I'll let you know how it goes. Ken, I really would not know how this would affect the local clubs. If they have similar rules as IBO, and most I have shot at do, this would still let the guy who just shows up now and then shoot, but move the better shooters out another couple of yards and put a little more chance of just a ten in there instead of drilling the 11 all day. I really dont think that a new shooter will be able to drive that 11 with a lot of consistancy, some of us cant after a couple of years steady shooting, so I believe it might help as far as target replacement goes. And as far as speed, I think it is fine the way it is, besides, slower is really more accurate and forgiving. Thanks, butchb.

RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

I would make a new class for the true bowhunter and change the hunter class to a 3-d hunter class.
Hunter class.
6 grains per pound
6 inch stabilizer
5 inch vanes
yellow stake.
cheaper sign up give out trophies

This class would be the same as the hunter class is now but maybe let us use v-bars with one 5 inch side stabilizer.
3-d hunter class.
5 grains per pound
12 inch stabilizer
4 inch vanes
v-bar with one 5 inch side stabilizer.
yellow stake
same entry fees and payout as mbr and mbo

RE: HUNTER CLASS IDEAS
 

I really find it interesting what some people think is true bowhunting setup. At one time true bowhunting may have been recurve with wooden arrows and some may still think it is. But for someone to say that a true bowhunter only shoots a wrist release or 7 grains per pound or 5" stabilizer etc. is way behind the times and not right. I don't believe you can generalize like that. I am sure bowhunters shoot many different setups. The IBO has done a good job defineing the hunter class, so lets try to stay away from trying to define hunting setups any more than the IBO already has. JMHO