2021 Traditional Bowhunters of Montana Summer Shoot Recap

What a weekend! We just concluded the 2021 Traditional Bowhunters of Montana Summer Shoot and membership meeting this past weekend and what a time we had! There were lots of laughs, great camaraderie and a chance to catch up with friends that we may not have seen in a while. We wanted to thank everyone that helped setup and tear down the shoot, everyone that participated as well as. If you were not able to make it, know that you were missed and that we look forward to seeing you this winter at Chico.

A quick summary of the shoot

• A money clip was lost at the shoot, if you found it please contact us at tradbowmontana@gmail.com

• A pair of a prescription bifocal sunglasses were found on the lower course, if these belong to you please let us know

• During the member meeting we held elections to fill 3 spots (2 new board member positions and Jamie White’s first term had expired). Please welcome the new board members! 

  • Jamie White was elected to his second term, Congratulations Jamie! 

  • Garrett Sereday of the Gallatin Valley was elected to one of the new board positions

  • William Spahr of Great Falls was elected to on of the new board positions

• Along with our two 3D courses, we also had a 3.5 mile, 14 hole archery golf course setup! We offered prizes for three different categories, Best score, Closest to the pin and longest drive, the winners will receive gift certificates from The Footed Shaft! The winners are

  • Best Score: Barry Sluder (42!)

  • Closest to the pin: Walt Francis

  • Longest Drive: TBD: (we are waiting to get the stake out of the trailer after the shoot was cleaned up!)

• After dinner was done we auctioned off a couple of our older targets and then had a little fun with a long distance shoot. The winner of this year’s long distance shoot, for the second year in a row was Tim Johnson, congratulations Tim! Tim won one dozen custom cedar arrows from Dane Rider.

• Traditional Bowhunters of Montana is looking to generate revenue by applying for a custom license plate with the State of Montana. The first step to that is coming up with eye-catching artwork, we are inviting any members that are interested in designing artwork to submit artwork before the 2022 Winter Banquet. For more information please contact us a tradbowmontana@gmail.com

• We have formed a committee of members and board members that are exploring the possibility of hosting a youth camp next summer, where members would be able to participate as counselors, teaching woodsmanship, ethics and much more about the life we live to youth. If you are interested in participating in this exploratory committee please reach out to Paul Kemper and William Spahr.

• MEGA Membership Drive. This past legislative session made it abundantly clear that there is power in numbers. This past fight against the crossgun went down to the wire and we expect a tougher fight in 2023. With that knowledge, we have decided to make it a goal to increase our membership to 500! We are currently sitting just below 200 members. To help incentivize this, we are running a membership drive. There is a prize package for new members that has everything you need to get started including a Hurst bow, custom cedar arrows and all kinds of great gear. In addition to the new member package, there is a package for existing members as well. All they have to do is refer a new member and they will be entered to win a $950 gift certificate towards a Black Widow bow.

• Lastly, and probably the biggest development of the weekend. After a lengthy and robust discussion, membership unanimously voted to join the Montana Bowhunting Coalition (MBC). The MBC is a coalition of Traditional Bowhunters of Montana, Montana Wildlife Federation, Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Montana Bowhunters Association. This coalition will be working to promote and elevate the profile of the Permit To Modify Archery Equipment, work with the Fish & Wildlife Commission to ensure that crossbows are not considered a viable option during the archery season and lastly to work together to go on offense during this 2023 legislative session. If you have questions about the MBC please reach out at tradbowmontana@gmail.com, additional information will also be available on the website.