Quarterly Articles from The Executive Board...News You Can Use!

News from the Executive Board

From The President, Rob Pecora

As your new president, I would like to give you a little information about myself for those of you who do not know me. I have been a member of the VBA and Two Rivers Archery Club since the mid 1980’s. After only a year in TRAC they made me president and sent me off to the quarterly VBA meetings. In the past, I have been the Chairman of the Bowhunting Committee, Treasurer, and Field Vice President for the VBA and attended many meetings where I have not hesitated to voice my opinions. I am an avid target shooter and have attended many state shoots and local shoots. I love to camp, socialize with fellow archers after the shoots, and will occasionally bring out my banjo for some entertainment. I was fortunate once to become a state champion. Although I do not hunt as much as in the past, I am a bowhunter and past instructor for the IBEP and NFAA.

That is enough about me. What I really want to discuss is an issue that has been bugging me for some time, which is - WHY DON’T MORE PEOPLE ATTEND STATE SHOOTS?

Over the years I have heard many excuses, none of which have made much sense to me. The worst one is “I’m not good enough to compete with those guys.” Seriously, let’s face it, only a hand full of archers is at the top in the state, and if only they showed up it would be a pitiful event. InVirginia, we have the class system where the individual archer is only competing against fellow archers at the same skill level. In reality though, we should all only be competing against ourselves - that is, trying to improve at each and every shoot. This is where state shoots can really help us all. There is always someone who is more than willing to help you out and give advice on all aspects of our sport. If you are having trouble with your equipment, shooting form, or just mental aspects, at a state shoot there is plenty of advice given out freely and earnestly. Many archers have gone through what you may be going though now and, although some advice may not be right for you, some definitely will be. Never be afraid to ask - the only stupid question is the one not asked.

There are some 1200 members in the VBA but only 50 to maybe 90 turn out for state shoots. Those who attend say they have a good time, and I always do even when I do not shoot particularly well. State shoots are not all about the shooting. For many, they are about getting together with friends and having good times. I, and many others, camp at the hosting range where we gather after the shoot and socialize. Those who stay elsewhere are always welcome and those who do not stay around miss a lot.

Another poor excuse I hear is “I only like shooting with my friends.” It is true that at state shoots you will not always be shooting with your close friends. However, this is a golden opportunity to make new friends who have a similar interest - archery.

I have heard many other excuses and would like to hear some of yours. Let me know why members are not attending state shoots and if there is anything you think the VBA can do to reverse this trend. If you have never attended a state shoot I urge you to do so. Do not come with expectations of winning awards but rather with expectations of having a great time no matter how you shoot! Hope to see you on the range soon.

From The Executive Vice-President,Terry Ballowe

Dave Burpee stated in last summer’s FLIGHT that he was going to step down from the Executive Vice-President’s job and concentrate on his retirement and enjoy himself. I would like to thank Dave for all of the work that he has done not only as the Vice President, but also as the former Hunting Vice President. In fact, I would like to thank all of the exiting officers: President -Paul Vogel, Field Vice President -Cay McManusas well as Dave Burpee for a job well done.

I would like to introduce myself to those of you in the VBA who don’t know me and give you a little background about myself. As with most of you, when I first joined the VBA in 1989 I was just looking for a place to practice for hunting season. I had no intention of becoming active in the club or the VBA. After a couple of months at the range, a friend talked me into going to a field tournament, at which I probably had the worst score in the history of BHFS. I was hooked and couldn’t get enough. Since then, I have gotten more involved not only at the club level but also at the state level. I have beenShenandoahCountyArcher’s club director at the VBA meeting for about 12 years and have served on several committees. Now, I take on a new challenge of Executive Vice President. With the help ofHolly Wilfongas the FLIGHT editor, I hope you won’t be screaming for the start of impeachment proceedings too quickly.

From The Field Vice-President, Aubrey T. Self

I started shooting archery in 1972 at 3 years old. I was given a “toy” bow and arrow set. Dad didn’t think I should be shooting arrows with stoppers. So he sharpened the wooden arrows. The whole family found out there is no such thing as a “toy” bow and arrow set as mom pulled the “toy” arrow from her leg. Ask A. L. Self who got in trouble. I kept shooting every chance I had. When I became a teenager I lost touch with my archery family. After I married I decided to rejoin the family. The ones that knew me brought me back in like I had never left. The ones that didn’t know me treated me like a long lost relative.

In 2003 I was volunteered into the Secretary and Treasurer positions for Blackwater Bowhunters. I welcomed the position with open arms, until I found out what was required of me. Now in 2011, I wouldn’t give anything for the experience and the friends that I have made. I was invited to think about the office of Field Vice President for the VBA. After I gave it some thought, I told the VBA to add me to the ballot. On June the 12th I was installed into office.

Some things may change as I get more comfortable with what I am doing. If you need me for anything, good or bad, I will be a phone call or email away. When you see me please introduce yourself (I am good with faces not names).

From The Hunting Vice-President, Dave Burpee for Ed Bickham

This column is written on behalf ofEd Bickhamwho has been spending his time these past few weeks on a family emergency. As many of you know, his son – Lon – was critically burned in early April by an explosion and fire while on his job as a welder. Three other friends/co-workers were also seriously burned, one of whom has unfortunately died. The VBA officers and membership will continue to keep Lon and his family and friends in our prayers for the difficult months ahead as they recover from their extensive second- and third-degree burns.

I attended several meetings these past couple of months on Ed’s behalf. One of the most important meetings was as a member of the VDGIF citizens committee focused on the need for VDGIF to increase revenues and decrease costs. This is a critical topic because without proper management and an infusion of funds, the VDGIF faces severe financial challenges in 2015. About two dozen groups from around the state representing a wide variety of hunting and non-hunting interests were able to provide input and contribute to the process. I also attended two Board meetings at VDGIF headquarters where I was able to present VBA views on a variety of proposed hunting regulation changes.

I came away from the meetings and results with two impressions – one good and one bad. First, the good news. I am very pleased that the VBA is viewed by the VDGIF as an important constituent group. This is important to our relationship with them because we don’t want it to ever become one-sided, and we certainly believe in the VDGIF and support its efforts on behalf of archers and all sportsmen whenever we can. Related to this is the fact that nearly all our suggestions were incorporated into the final items that the Board voted on and they were all approved. This represents a “win” for all sportsmen inVirginiaand for the bowhunter. I won’t go into all the items but they ranged from elk hunting to a model archery ordinance to youth hunting to new fee structures and other topics. Importantly, as a result of the changes the non-hunting public now also contributes more to the VDGIF. All the details are on the VDGIF website. I encourage you to visit that site and learn more.

Now, the bad. It was very disappointing to see the number of comments that were received from the public on each of the issues addressed. The proposed changes were posted to the web site for several weeks, there were numerous public meetings around the state and there were also opportunities to comment by mail. In total, only about 1,500 comments about the hunting regulations and about the same number for the fee structure were received. We had been pushing in the VBA for members to comment and if each member had taken just a couple of minutes to say “yes” or “no” on an e-mail or letter about any of the regulations we would have had an enormous influence on the outcome. Clearly, most citizens, bowhunters and VBA members decided not to participate in the process. Ed and I do represent our group’s interests at meetings, but the individual number of responses also carries great weight. If you participated, thank you very much for helping to carry the water. If you did not, then don’t complain about the results and do try to participate next time the VBA asks for your assistance. We don’t ask often because many issues are routine but this time we asked for participation because of the number and range of issues important to archers (aka taxpayers) and bowhunters. Please consider jumping on the bandwagon next time.

Finally, I want to make you all aware that the VBA needs someone to be Chairperson of the Hunting Committee. Ed has served for two years as Hunting Vice President without the benefit of a Hunting Committee Chairperson and it is time to take that double burden off his shoulders. The chairperson attends the quarterly VBA meetings, has a committee meeting that same weekend, coordinates VBA positions on hunting issues in the state, initiates VBA recommendations to the VDGIF, assists the Hunting VP and also helps with the annual banquet. For someone out there it is time to give back to the organization that has done so much for you over the years. Please contact me (703-913-0508) for more details and at the appropriate time I’ll pass your interest to Ed.

Be safe in the woods.

From The Publicity Director, Irene Stocksdale

Time is flying, as we are half way through the year with our VBA tournaments. We would like to ‘thank’ everyone who participated at the 3-D Spring Classic hosted byAugusta Archersand the State Open hosted by Sherwood Archers. Don’t forget to make an effort to attend our last two State Tournaments. The 3-D Fall Classic hosted by Manahoac Bowmen and the State Closed hosted by Two Rivers Archery club.

As you can see from our State Tournament results published in FLIGHT and the website that participation is not like it use to be over the years. We would like to see that change and get more folks participating at these tournaments. On the bright side, our club shoots and VBA membership has increased and that’s a plus for all of us.

As your Publicity Director, it has been my responsibility to develop an understanding and good fellowship between the VBA and its fellow archers in: conservation, education, sporting organizations, youth groups, the general public, and to promote the VBA and archery. Being a volunteer for the Complementary Work Force for the VDGIF, I’ve been busy attending various events, such as: the Fredericksburg Fish for Kids event, the Mason Neck Eagle Festival, meeting and talking to Vicky Monroe, the Fairfax County Wildlife Biologist, on how the VBA and our outlying counties can get more involved with their Deer Management program; the Occoquan Bay WLR Annual Youth Fishing event, theRoseHill Wild Game Preserve event, with Hoffman Archery Pro shop getting kids involved in archery and meeting Col. Watts from the VDGIF; and the Motts Run Reservoir event. Upcoming events and exhibits are the Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show, the Pr. William County Fair, the State Fair at the Meadows, the Advance Training workshop at the Holiday Lake 4-H Center and wherever else that I’m needed.

Karen Holson, VDGIF Outdoor Education Supervisor, has started anArcheryAcademythat she will be hosting for Recreation Professionals. The Academy covers archery certification training as well as information for the community archery programs. Karen would like the VBA to become involved with the Virginia Parks that participate in this program and then do some after school programs. Sgt. David L. Dodson, VDGIF Virginia Hunter Education Coordinator, announced their new Hunter Education Event Manager that will be going on-line on July 1st. The Event Manager has many tools to make it easier for instructors to manage their classes and for the students to view the Event Manager later. For more information regarding the VDGIF, go to their website at www.dgif.virginia.gov. Also, don’t forget to sign-up to receive your ‘free’ “Outdoor Report.”

Last year was the Hunters for the Hungry 20th Anniversary. They have provided over a ton more meat than in the previous year and over 18 million servings since they began. H4H would like to ‘thank’ the hunters who donated the deer in record numbers, all the people and groups who donated financially to cover the costs of processing, the processors, those that distributed the meat, and the folks who helped to spread the word of our efforts. The H4H will be raffling off some fantastic prizes. The top prize in the electronics raffle is a 55” HD TV with a blue-ray home theater system. Additional prizes include a laptop computer with a wireless printer, an iPAD and an iPOD, a Play Station 3 and a digital camera, all on August 14th. The Outdoor Adventure raffle is a 10-day Alaskan Fishing Trip for two including meals, lodging and air fair from DC. The other prizes include a bowhunt for two in Texas, a 7-day Canadian bear hunt and a guided fall turkey hunt. Further details can be found on their website @ http://www.h4hungry.org.

In closing, I would like to ‘thank’ the outgoing VBA officers for their dedication and their devoted time while in office. The best of luck! To the new incoming VBA officers, ‘Welcome Aboard’ and we know that they will continue to uphold the VBA.

From The NBEF/IBEP Director, Bob Foster

Last year the National Bowhunter Education Foundation kicked off a new Tree Stand Safety program called “Project Stand” (Stop Tree Stand Accidents ‘n Deaths). This program is a massive communications effort designed to reduce treestand accidents. According to the NBEF, treestand mishaps are occurring on an all too regular basis. Studies report the accident rate being as high as 1 in 3 with the probability of a near miss (incident) being much higher. Unfortunately, this position is backed up by statistics on hunting accidents inVirginiamaintained by theVirginiaDepartmentof Game and Inland Fisheries. Although there is a long list of causes, treestand accidents always rank high on their list.

So let’s take a moment to talk treestand safety. Here are four rules to live by:

1) If you purchase a new treestand, always take the time to read the safety warning and watch the instructional CD that is provided. Treestand manufacturers have a vested interest in keeping you safe, and they spend a considerable amount of time and research on how to hunt safely using their products. Practice following their instructions until you can easily do it on a cold morning in the dark.

2) If you own an older model treestand, take time this summer to inspect it carefully for wear and tear. Look along all welds for cracks or signs of stress fracture. Make sure the safety rope that keeps the seat attached to the climber is still in good shape and securely fastened on both ends. Check the cables, climbing stirrups, and all straps. If they look worn, replace with original equipment from the manufacturer or a reputable replacement company.

3) Check your 4-point safety harness. They keep getting safer and more comfortable every year, so if you have an older one, consider upgrading to a newer model. If you’ve taken a fall in your arrest harness and pulled out the stitching that breaks your fall, replace the entire safety harness with a new one. If your carbineer isn’t a locking model, replace it with one that is. Under no circumstances should you continue to use a chest strap or older two point harness. (If you own one, be very glad that you never had to use it.)

Finally, 4) since most accidents happen as hunters climb into or out of their treestand, consider purchasing a 30-foot safety rope that extends from above your lock-on treestand all the way to the ground. These devices allow you to connect your four point safety harness to a safety line before you leave the ground until you return safely to the ground after your hunt. They only run about $35 or so - dirt cheap when you consider the consequences of a fall.

Remember - every year bowhunters are seriously injured or killed from falls from treestands. Families are devastated and the image of hunting is tarnished. Don’t become a hunting accident statistic!

Good Hunting!