I am new at this sport and just went to all of the IBO National triple crown's and the world shoot. I shot in the Hunter class and I thought I did alright. The shooters that shoot 20 or more up did not matter to me. What matters to me is how I and my family is treated. (Not to be stepping on any toe's) but I feel uncomfortable and I get talked to like I am stupid or I should know every thing. So what I am saying is if I am good enough to spend 250.00--to--300.00 dollars each time I go to a shoot then I should lest feel like I am welcome. Like this for example at Nilsonville we were sent back to are scorecard booth for little bit. Why I was waiting to go back out Jeff Hopkins walked by and said hello and are you doing good. So some one you really would not thank that would talk to you did and some people that should dont. If any body else feels this way please speak out. Because I know I am not the only one feels this way. Thanks for reading
just trying to feel welcome insted of being somebody's paycheck!!

Legend 88, I'm sorry that you feel that way, when I started out shooting the National Triple Crown in 1998, I went to Bedford from New York by myself not knowing a soul, felt very awkward, and uncomfortable too! Had a great time shooting and enjoyed all of the vendors and such. Gem City is only a hour from home knew some people from home there. Went to Nelsonville and got put in a group with a bunch of rednecks from Kentucky, they are now my best friends.At a IBO North Coast Challenge shoot got put in a group with a single girl that was there shooting her bow, that girl is now my very special friend!!!! I know that we as an organization have I lot of fires burning when at a National Shoot. Sometimes as shooters we forget what the headaches are to host an event of such magnitude! Believe me, there is not a nicer bunch of people then the IBO Staff and the Board of Directors. Don't let this dampen your experience this year and come back next year and I'll make it a point to make you and your family feel welcome, because you and are your family are very important to the sport of archery!! Sincerely Rudy Abersold, IBO New York State Representive.

legend, sorry you had a bad experience. i have never felt like the ibo staff was ever rude to me, i have even had dinner with the whole crew at the southern triple crown. if the faces you see seem kind of smug, they are usually very busy, but by no means do they feel they are better than anyone else. they have a full plate. figure they are responsible for the well being of all participants, at the world shoot, worrying about the two hurricanes converging on snowshoe, making sure that 22 20 targets ranges are ready, and all the volunteers are where they need to be, doing what they need to be doing. he may not have time to shoot the breeze....but i wouldnt take that as he feels better than anyone else, his ulcer medicine probably hasnt kicked in yet......if you cant get any satisfaction with ken, look me up....i can be quite entertaining, just watch me shoot.....im waiting on the new mckenzie elephant target with the 38" kill, set at 20 yards naturally....

i started shooting the ibo in 1994, and to date have never met anyone i didnt like, and the fact jeff spoke is not unusual, he is a class act. relax, and have fun. if you have questions, ask. someone here on the forum will answer your questions.

Legend 88,

My experiences have been just the opposite of yours. In the few times I've been around the IBO staff they've treated me great but Jeff Hopkins, well I'll just not say anything since I can't say anything nice about him as a PROFESSONAL?.

Keith and nys rep I could not agree with you more. This was my first year shooting the IBO and my wife and I had a great time at each one of the southern triple crown shoots and the world shoot as well. I got to talk to Ken at several of the shoots as well as many other state reps as well. Many of them helped my wife with some helpful tips on her shooting as she has only been shooting since Christmas. Several of them took time out of their shooting to give her helpful advice and tips that has gone a long way in making her a better shooter in such a short time. I have said it many times on this forum that the folks at IBO are really great to know.
They are not perfect as none of us are but they are working on that too I am sure(LOL). Hang in there for 2005 and remember that you must sometime put forth a litle effort on your part to meet new people. Speak to as many of the shooters as you can in the practice areas and the hunter defense ranges and the vendors area as well. You will be surprised at how many new friends you will make along the way.

This was my first year going to the worlds and the staff was very helpfull, Ken definately was keeping us informed on Friday. Met alot of people and made several new friends. And as far as Jeff Hopkins goes, I started shooting around him in the early 90's here on the eastern shore, and to this day he hasn't change from the day one, will help you out in anyway, even though Jeff and I are on opposite ends of shooting stature, he would always stop and say hello whenever I see him. A class act.............

legend if it was treatment from shooters that made you feel that way then they are definitely in the minority if this was from a host club or IBO official then this is the type of thing that needs to be reported to the office sometimes we forget that the frustration is not always caused by the person standing in front of you.

I can best give my view of this by saying that usually I have had a very good experience when speaking to any one from the IBO office staff, I have not had many encounters with anyone else. I have called the office before and spoke to Judy and had lengthy conversations with her that were very pleasing and interesting, even though, I have to introduce myself to her at every shoot again and again (just poking fun Judy). We must realize that our organization has many members, and it is sometimes difficult to keep everyone's names and faces straight. On occasion or two I have had the opportunity to speak with Ken, when I met him he was very friendly and polite. But, we must also realize that at the end of the day, the folks behind the scenes like to get away and refresh for the next day of decisions, running, and nuts-and-bolts of shoots, etc.. So, especially at the end of the day, they might not want to hang around, they also have more to think about than we might understand while at the big shoots. I would suggest you call the office and talk to anyone there, I think you will then feel differently afterwards, your experience has been one that is seldom heard of. Hope this helps ease your mind somewhat.

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Butchb,
Did you really introduce your self to me AGAIN this year?????
All I can say is that I have a thousand friends because of my job with the IBO and I DO remember faces. Did you tell me you were butchb?
I do remember our phone conversations, you got married recently...right?

Judy

I know where you are coming from ! Some of the people that work the tents at the beginning of the ranges act like they are doing you a favor by showing up and think they are herding cattle at times instead of dealing with humans. As far as Hopkins goes, I have shot with and around him several times at the friday team shoots at ASA events and as far as I am concerned he is top notch !! Maybe he gets alittle more serious on the weekends when the big bucks are on the line ? I can't even imagine the pressure he is under to stay on top after ruling 3-d for this many years.