Today was my first chance to shoot in a tournament this year--at Lost Tribe Traditional Archers in Collierville, TN. Temps hovered around freezing or just above (lots of snow still on the ground from Thursday night/Friday), pretty good breeze blowing most of the day--it was GREAT!

The last time I remember shooting any arrows was about a week before Christmas--just been too busy. I've got to make more time to practice.

Had a great turnout, in spite of the temps--over 60 shooters (I was guessing we'd be lucky to have 20). Had some guys new to the club show up and become members, and they invited my son and me to shoot with them--we had a blast. All three were good (even though two of them were lefty's [8D]), and it was one guy's first tournament ever. We goofed off too much, but it was a lot of fun.

End result, I got lucky. Took men's longbowwith a 238(one guy in our group came in second, I think--he shot a 234), my son won Cubs with a 220-something (280 was a perfect score), and I won the "Warrior's Challenge" with a 32 out of 40--came home with a Gerber limb saw and racheting limb pruner. And I wasn't the score keeper either!

I could sure tell I haven't shot lately, and plan to make more time for it. Thankfully I have my bow and arrows "trained", and since I've shot the same set-up for so long it's still familiar even after a lay-off. Made enough stupid mistakes to know I'm going to do some form practice first chance I get.

All in all, it was a great day! Saw friends I haven't seen since last September, and got a reminder of how much I love this sport!

Chad

Sounds like a good time. It always amazes me how many traditional shooters brave bad weather to go shoot. Either we're more dedicated toour sport or just plain crazy. Maybe a little of both . One of these days, I'm going to have to make it over to the Memphis area to shoot at Lost Tribe. I've heard too many good things about that club.

I've got my first big tournament of the season coming up in10 days. The first leg of the IBO Southern Triple Crownkicks things off down in Wetumpka, AL the weekend of the16,17 and 18. I do hope the temps are a little warmer than they have been.

Jeez, I've been praying for freezing weather around here lately. Last four days have had wind chills at -20 to -30, most places have 36+ inches of snow on the ground, and my son's school has been closed all week. I have not been able to shoot at the club since January. Well next week shows highs in the 20's anyway. But I'll still have to wait since I have no snow shoes right now. Been practicing in the basement on form mostly.

Anywho, CONGRATULATIONS Chad! And to your son too.

Thanks Bob! I was really proud of my son--he's been struggling the last two years. He has grown a LOT, got glasses, got braces....he went from being able to hit pretty much what he wanted (from a kid's distance) to not being able to hit much at all. Then he got the bright idea of trying to mimic a friend of mine, who is accurate but has a VERY unorthodoxed style (even Rod Jenkins said he's never seen anyone anywhere near that accurate that shoots that way--kind of a modified Asbell snap-shooting style). Well, it worked for my son like most everyone else--lousy. Saturday he had his form down, his focus was good (most of the time), and he shot the best he has in a long time.

Chris, the course will probably be a walk in the park for you, but it's a lot of fun. Usually fairly close shots, but brushy, awkward, etc. Real similar to the Jerry Pierce at Enid, or the ASTB shoots. April is not a serious shoot--most of the course is novelty shots. September is the biggest one, the charity shoot. We raffle off a new bow (CM), lots of door prizes, free food, and usually one of the biggest crowds of the year. I try to get there every month--great people, and the course is great--challenging enough for experienced shooters, but easy enough for beginners not to have to worry about hunting arrows at every target.

Good luck with the Triple Crown--keep us up to date on howit goes.

Chad

Shot #2 yesterday, the first shoot of the year for the STA (Southern Traditional Archery Association). Almost didn't go--felt rough, and it was pretty chilly. Went anyway, had a great time. Thought I shot like a blind drunk beginner, but after looking at the scoresI guess the course was a little tougher than I gave it credit for--either that, or dang near everyone else was having a bad day too.

At least during 3-D season I get to shoot lots of arrows!

Chad

At least you had a good time. Some days are just better than others. I got out to practice yesterday and couldn't hit the broadside of a barn. I was tired and just couldn't focus. Got out this afternoon and had a good session. It's amazing how much feelingbad affects your shooting.