Post by jrock on Apr 27, 2007 15:57:17 GMT -4
I have been fortunate to be a part of two very important programs in my local area of Latrobe; those being the Youth Field Days events and Women in The Outdoors (WITO). There is also another event similar to the WITO - Becoming an Outdoor Women (BOW) program. Through these programs, I have had the opportunity to present archery to many kids and their parents and to many women. The attendees consist of hunters, folks that might want to hunt, non-hunters, and even anti-hunters as well.
Knowing that the UBP really does not have a strong presence on the western side of the state, I figured that these types of programs would be a great way to introduce ourselves to the many factions of hunters and general public. The UBP has been very generous in donating hats, shirts, patches etc. It has become a goal of mine to see UBP members representing bowhunters at many of these events. The events are fun, informative to the person demonstrating and a good opportunity to network with the public and any other organizations that are involved! The UBP has set up a committee for doing just that, too. Committee members include: Amy Klinendinst, Jen Sager, Frank Falvo, Buck Appel, Lenny Else, Dale Miller, Herb Moyer, and your favorite author: me!
It is my intention to have volunteers set up in each area, willing to offer themselves for only one day a year, to represent the bowhunters of this state. I have materials available to help set up such a demonstration. Usually the PGC handles all equipment needs. No, we will not be able to attend all events, nor do we want to replace anyone already handling such chores. We just need someone from the UBP to be a visible entity.
The rewards are many, however not monetary, but enjoyed even more as your experience grows! I have always had wonderful dinners, usually of wild game. The program hosts will bend over backwards to make sure that you as a presenter will be comfortable. You need not be a good speaker - I am certainly not one. Basically, all a person needs to do is just demonstrate archery - that’s all!! Who doesn't want to talk about archery?!! After just one time of watching a child's eyes light up after they shoot a bow or pop a balloon, you'll know what I mean. Sometimes the smaller kids will actually cry because they must move to another event – that’s how much kids love to shoot bows!! Its in all of us folks – all of us!!
Women's events are just as gratifying, because at these events, we get into the real gist of bowhunting. What do women think about bowhunting? Well, the best way to find out is to just ask them! In this arena, we can offset the many so-called misgivings about bowhunting by using common sense. This helps the image of all bowhunters. Frankly, most of the time is spent just listening to the attendees, then off to the range to do virtually the same things we do for the kids.
Women also love to shoot bows! Usually 15 minutes of talk (instructions) per seminar and then to the range, for generally 40 minutes of watching folks shoot and smile! The gratification is just as thrilling as success in the field!
These programs are a river that needs to be bridged. We must become available to these situations. Actually, we need to take advantage of such events, because they are already in place. Someone else has done all the legwork and has given us the opportunity to shine! And we will do so!
Anyone interested can contact the UBP office at 800-279-2024 or ubofpa@yahoo.com .
If you or anyone you know want to join go to www.ubofpa.org for more info.
Knowing that the UBP really does not have a strong presence on the western side of the state, I figured that these types of programs would be a great way to introduce ourselves to the many factions of hunters and general public. The UBP has been very generous in donating hats, shirts, patches etc. It has become a goal of mine to see UBP members representing bowhunters at many of these events. The events are fun, informative to the person demonstrating and a good opportunity to network with the public and any other organizations that are involved! The UBP has set up a committee for doing just that, too. Committee members include: Amy Klinendinst, Jen Sager, Frank Falvo, Buck Appel, Lenny Else, Dale Miller, Herb Moyer, and your favorite author: me!
It is my intention to have volunteers set up in each area, willing to offer themselves for only one day a year, to represent the bowhunters of this state. I have materials available to help set up such a demonstration. Usually the PGC handles all equipment needs. No, we will not be able to attend all events, nor do we want to replace anyone already handling such chores. We just need someone from the UBP to be a visible entity.
The rewards are many, however not monetary, but enjoyed even more as your experience grows! I have always had wonderful dinners, usually of wild game. The program hosts will bend over backwards to make sure that you as a presenter will be comfortable. You need not be a good speaker - I am certainly not one. Basically, all a person needs to do is just demonstrate archery - that’s all!! Who doesn't want to talk about archery?!! After just one time of watching a child's eyes light up after they shoot a bow or pop a balloon, you'll know what I mean. Sometimes the smaller kids will actually cry because they must move to another event – that’s how much kids love to shoot bows!! Its in all of us folks – all of us!!
Women's events are just as gratifying, because at these events, we get into the real gist of bowhunting. What do women think about bowhunting? Well, the best way to find out is to just ask them! In this arena, we can offset the many so-called misgivings about bowhunting by using common sense. This helps the image of all bowhunters. Frankly, most of the time is spent just listening to the attendees, then off to the range to do virtually the same things we do for the kids.
Women also love to shoot bows! Usually 15 minutes of talk (instructions) per seminar and then to the range, for generally 40 minutes of watching folks shoot and smile! The gratification is just as thrilling as success in the field!
These programs are a river that needs to be bridged. We must become available to these situations. Actually, we need to take advantage of such events, because they are already in place. Someone else has done all the legwork and has given us the opportunity to shine! And we will do so!
Anyone interested can contact the UBP office at 800-279-2024 or ubofpa@yahoo.com .
If you or anyone you know want to join go to www.ubofpa.org for more info.