LAST UPDATED: August 28th, 2024
After three days of walking around the world’s biggest archery and bowhunting trade show, I find myself encouraged by the experience. No, I didn’t really come away with any mind-blowing technology or radical product concepts. Yes, I saw plenty of great gear that I plan to put to the test in the off season. But what I really saw and appreciated was improvement. I saw a number of companies that simply want to improve the way they do business in 2015. They want to do their part to better the experience for archers and bowhunters. They are improving the quality of their products to help the hunter and to build integrity into their product line.
I’ve also seen a much needed improvement in the way the industry prepares for our next generation of hunters. As a daddy of four budding hunters, I loved Keith Beam’s new Drake’s Adventures series of hunting books for kids. I’m sure thousands of people strolled right past this booth without giving it a look. But what I saw was a couple guys that are determined to help plant the seeds to grow new archers and bowhunters to keep the sport alive long after we’re gone.
I also saw an expanding offering of toys, targets, and camo designed to spark an interest in the hearts of young children. Great things are on the horizon for our young people as they discover a passion for hunting and the outdoors.
www.drakesadventures.com
There has also been a tremendous growth in the opportunities for ladies in the bowhunting world. Several new companies have popped up this year with great product lines designed specifically for women who love the outdoors, archery, and bowhunting. Check out the new company, Bow Chic, for a cool line of products for the ladies.
www.bowchic.com
I was really glad to see improvements in the way we thing about the future of our deer hunting privilege. So much in fact, a new organization has been launched specifically for deer and deer hunters. The National Deer Alliance (NDA) held their first board meeting this week at the ATA show as they dive into the task of making things better for deer and deer hunters across the country. Membership to the NDA is free, so there’s really no excuse for not getting signed up and helping out this great cause.
www.nationaldeeralliance.com
Be sure to encourage and support the companies and organizations that are making great strides in helping us bowhunt better. I am confident that great days are ahead as we continue to see great improvements in the way we do things in the greatest industry on earth!
