London, Kentucky ASA

 

 

Well, it's been a bit since I've attended a national ASA, and I only attended two of them last year when my life was in turmoil, and I didn't know which way was up. While attending Foley and Benning before landing on my feet again, my mind just wasn't into what I was doing. The same held true the previous year when I attended all of the ASAs after losing my job of 34 years and wondering what would be next. with all of that being said, I felt mentally prepared for this event in London, Ky., even though I haven't had much time to actually put in time behind the bow. 

                                               Practice Day

  Jacob and I didn't leave for Kentucky until about 3:30 on Wednesday when he met me at work. When we began our journey, we navigated through some heavy traffic in the capital of New York, which made our trip a little longer than anticipated. We drove until about midnight and decided to get a room for the night since we had both been up for the better half of the last 24 hours. 

  After getting up and finishing our journey to London, we gathered our stuff and decided to shoot a few arrows. When I drew my bow on the practice range, I knew practice was going to be a train wreck, so I decided to go along for the walk and just get a look at targets while not paying attention to where any arrows landed. I was in no condition to shoot. When we finished shooting, I felt good about my numbers and ignored everything else, as you must have a short memory when examining practice after having no rest and driving 13 to 14 hours. 

                                                                       Day 1

    When I drew my bow before the round, I felt strong and solid. I could feel my shot, and I stored away the feeling so I could try to replicate it on the range. After shooting a few groups of arrows, we headed to our ranges. I would be starting on Target 11 and hadn't spoken to anyone who was on the same target. 

  When I got to the target, I saw a coyote staring at me out of the darkness. Actually, I could only see the few white patches on the little critter and knew it was going to be a chore to judge it and shoot it due to the darkness. 

  After a few minutes, Scott Hamlin and John Irvine showed up on the stake. A short time later, groups were reorganized and we were moved to stake 12 to join Mike Sutter, who made four in our group. When I got to that stake, I looked down the lane and saw a bomb of a lynx. However, I've always found it easy to aim at the lynx and when we were told to "Shoot'm up," I drew my bow when it was my turn and began aiming. As I aimed, I realized I wasn't in my back. Instead, I was just sitting there aiming at the target without any engagement at all. Then, I relaxed a little and the shot fired. It landed squarely in the 10-ring, and my first ASA of the year had begun. 

  Before leaving the stake, I stored the first shot in my memory and made sure to tell myself that I would focus solely on my shot for the remainder of the day. If the arrows landed in the 10-ring that would be great, but if they didn't, I wouldn't care as long as I made the best shot possible. After the first 10 targets, I found myself on the leaderboard but paid no attention. 

  As I meandered through the course that day, I didn't have the best hold. I had a lot of jittery sight pictures, and a constant humming vibration while at full draw. However, the movement seen through the scope wasn't nearly as bad as it appeared on the outside. I stayed steady in my back and increased tension until it fired, making some of the best shots I've made in years. Although the day was a grind, the shots were rewarded when the arrows hit the targets. 

  After misjudging a black bear with a few targets to go, I knew I had to get a few points back and figured I'd gun at the few remaining targets. When I walked up on the coyote where I was originally scheduled to start, I pulled back, anchored and began pulling . When the shot broke, I knew I was executed perfectly, and I heard Scott say, "Perfect 12." With a sigh of relief, I sat on my stool and processed the last 15 minutes, realizing I was lucky to walk away at 1 down for the day but also knowing I could've easily been 8 up with just a few minor breaks. I had missed the few 8s's I shot by minimal amounts. At days' end, I found out I would be in the third group for Day 2, and I've seen plenty of people move out of Group 3 into the Shootdown Round. 

                                                                         Day 2

  On Day 2, we were delayed an hour due to a passing T-storm, so Jacob and I hung out in the car and waited the storm out. When we gathered our gear to head to the range, we took our time walking to the down the road. Both of us had gotten a good night's sleep, and we were ready for the day, with Jacob having his plan and me having mine. 

  Since I shoot with the old guys, I figured if I could come off the range about even or a little up, I would have a chance to shoot five more arrows at the end of the day. However, I've never been one to coast and sometimes, I get big-eyed. 

  I was glad to see Loren Lohr would be in my group again on Day 2. Loren was in my group on Day 2 in Pipestem a few weeks ago, and I really enjoy shooting with him. Loren is a great guy who has tons of experience and he brings calm presence to every group he's in. He has more experience than almost everyone in our class and his experience is appreciated by everyone. I was also happy to see I was shooting with Jamie Drouillard. Jamie and I met on Archery Talk about 20 years ago when we were both about the same age and experiencing the same life difficulties. We became internet buddies, and I never imagined we would meet on the range and become friends. We both went through tough divorces, and we talked about our experiences. Jamie's dad and my dad were both great men who gave their sons everything they needed, and Jamie and I became friends with our dads in adulthood and shared many great memories. Although I had never shot well with Jamie in the past, he's just too good of a guy to not shoot well with. I've always rooted for him, and I think he has the best shot of anyone in our class. He makes it look effortless, and I make it look like I'm getting pummeled by Mike Tyson. However, we've both been fortunate to use our own styles to find a little success along the way. Jamie is always supportive, and he also roots for his competitors. Then, Don Krietemeyer filled out our foursome. I had never shot with Don, so I didn't know what to expect. 

  Once again, I would be starting on a bomb of an uphill lynx. Being fourth in line, I listened to arrows and gave it a full ride when my turn came about. My pin settled quickly, and the shot fired. The arrow landed in the 10-ring, and we were on our way. 

  With a slight grade uphill, it made it a little difficult to get the release to fire. I battled the entire day and made sure to remind myself that only good shots were acceptable. Although my hold was atrocious, the shots were good when they finally broke. I shot at a few 12 early and found a few 8s and 12s. After shooting over the 12 on a blesbok, I reeled it in and tried to remain slow and steady and take minimal chances, especially with a shaky hold. I shot so I could give myself a chance, but I didn't shoot directly at them. Instead, I played the odds and tried to get a few to rise into the 12. 

  As we neared the end of the day, I knew I needed one and thought I could get one on an uphill bear I had to lead off on. I had a great aiming spot due to a small glare on the target, so I went for broke. When the arrow hit, I thought I had shot a 5, but Jamie fist-bumped me and said, "Great shot." The arrow had kicked after hitting the target, so the nock was well above the 12. It made me nervous for a second or two. 

  After getting the 12, I knew I was on the plus side, so I decided to shoot 10's the rest of the way and hope for a rise. I felt like my numbers were good, so as long as I made good shots, I felt confident I could 10 out. On my last shot of the day, an uphill wolf, I made a good shot and the arrow landed a little low right of the 12 and I walked off the range at plus 2 for the day and plus 1 for the tournament. In my head, I thought that would be good enough, but having finished a number of times in 6th place, I just waited to find out. A few times I had coasted the last few targets when I shouldn't have and it cost me, so I hoped I had made the right choice this time too. 

  After handing the cards in, Destini told me I had made it in. Although I haven't shot very many ASAs, an ASA shootdown appearance has been eluding me and it has always gotten under my skin, especially having made IBO shootdowns regularly. It felt good to finally get that monkey off my back. It's kind of surreal when I look at this picture. Almost 30 years ago, I was on an MBO team with Ryan Jeffries and we won the First Leg of the IBO National Triple Crown, then there's two of the legendary 3D shooters of my era in the picture too, with Jeff Hopkins and Jack Wallace, with Mike Sutter rounding the group out. Going from Joe to Pro wasn't a hard choice, but in some ways I do wish I had done it as a younger man, but life had always gotten in the way. I'm glad I've made friends with these guys in my senior years and gained their respect. If you have the respect of your peers, I guess you can't ask for more than that. 

                                                                  Shootdown Round

  I was relatively calm in the shootdown round, but I couldn't pull out any magic. My shaky hold from the last two days stayed with me, but this time my numbers didn't help me out. After shooting in the woods all weekend, I lost my numbers in the mowed grass field. I did the best I could, but I under-judged one and over-judged a couple. That's just the way it goes sometimes. I did walk away with one bonus ring. All but one shot was good, and the first shot was absolutely perfect, but landed a tad low of its intended mark.  It wasn't a horrible shootdown, but it wasn't close to my best one. I guess I need to practice in the yard a little bit more. 

                                                            Overall Thoughts on the Weekend

  This tournament was a grind. It was far from my best shooting, but I found a way to grind it out and figure out a way to get to the finish line with what I had going on. I never looked back and I never got ahead of myself. I just kept my head down and ignored the shaky hold and focused on my shot. The shot from start to finish may have been choppy, but the execution stayed in line and didn't veer off track. I never shot a poorly executed shot throughout the qualifying rounds. 

  Although some of the shots weren't 10s on a scale of 1-10, they were still good enough to keep line and find their mark. I shot a lot of perfectly executed shots the first day. My shots were definitely better the first day than the second day, and I think some of that is because it was the first time I had shot this bow uphill for a lot of shots. It wasn't much uphill, but it was almost every shot, and that can wear on a person. 

  Back in the winter when I called Jacob after a few horrendous episodes of poor indoor scores and asked for advice, he told me to jack up the holding weight. I think that's what helped me more than anything this weekend. I'm currently holding 18.5-19 lbs. It took a bit to get used to it, but it has helped me execute crisper shots when I need them. 

  I was really lucky to have good, positive people in my groups both days. It's always easier to shoot when you get along with your fellow shooters and everyone roots for everyone else. I appreciate all of you guys, and I root for you too. 

  I was undecided about shooting this year. My life is a lot different right now and last year was my worst year in my shooting. However, things were very unstable, and I had a hard time putting one foot in front of the other, let alone breathing in and out. I feel a little more grounded this year, but I also know time is getting away from me. I'm close to 60 by the day, and it's hard to compete with the younger guys who are coming into the class. I've had health issues that have made that even more difficult and aged me more than most others my age. I just take it step my step and try to enjoy every second of every tournament. 

  When my peers learned I had made the shootdown round, many of them congratulated me and were truly happy for me, even at the expense of their misfortunes. Those guys are true friends and I would do anything for them. I appreciate all of them. Jamie had a rough go the last few targets and instead of focusing on the that and being a bad sport, he showed his happiness for me and was more excited for me than I was for myself. That's a pro's pro right there. Richard Teasley shot an 8 to end his day, and that is what put me in the dance. Instead of talking about that, he patted me on the shoulder and shoot my hand. He's a genuine good guy and I hope we can write his archery story one of these days. I think it's one that needs to be told. 

  Then, there's Digger, who say patiently on his stool while waiting for cards to get turned in because he was on the bubble. Why did it have to be me that knocked him out? You gotta feel for your buddy when that happens. We always discuss the ups and downs of everything, but Digger dismissed that this time. Instead, he was happy for me and I asked if he would stand in my box for the shootoff. I was glad to have him by my side. He brings a calm presence, and I enjoyed the laughs with him for the few minutes we got to stand in the sun and shoot a few more arrows. His presence helped me, and I appreciated it. I also appreciate his ear on the phone whenever I need it. When he, Andy Jaquith and I were standing together early in the weekend, it felt like I was transported back 30 years ago to when we used to all battle it out for the winner's circle in MBO. I"m glad all three of us made it back to this class to do it again. These guys made me better from the very beginning and still inspire me today to keep up with them. 

  I also appreciate Tony Tazza asking me if I needed him to stand in my box. Tony is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. He's what pros are supposed to be, and I feel extra fortunate to have shared a stake with him so many times over the last few years. You could never ask for a nicer, more sincere guy. When he texted me a few weeks ago to ask me if I would be coming to London for the ASA, I told him yes. Since he's not shooting IBO this year, I knew it would be good to see him, and I'm thankful he offered his assistance. 

  It feels good to know I've been competitive again after the last year and a half of misfortunes and mental chaos. It also felt great to travel with Jacob again. I value his insight and advice more than any archer on the planet. While I have a few tidbits of wisdom to share with him every once in a while due to me being older, his advice is way more valuable than mine. I was happy for him this weekend. He deserved to have a big Day 2 and a great shootoff. If it weren't for a little wind drift, things may have turned out differently. Oh, and the arrow he ricocheted off in the 12 on Day 1 for an 8, which caused a 4-point swing. That's taking it on the chin and making the most out of a bad situation. 

  We had a good weekend without any outside noise, and it felt good. The Busheys and Sean Royster gave us good company at dinner and our laughs and conversations made the trip a memorable one. Hopefully, there will be more laughs along the way. Good luck to everyone out there and I'll see you on the trail. 

                                       

  

   

Fish House IBO Qualifier

 

  On Saturday, I decided to attempt shooting at the Fish House IBO qualifier before going to work. However, I hadn't planned on getting the God-awful news on Friday that my best childhood friend had passed away. It hit differently than anything else I've experienced and lingered in my mind, as it still lingers tonight while writing this. Although hindsight is 20/20, I wouldn't have gone to the event if I had to do it again. However, since I went to it, I'll share some thoughts about the few hours I spend behind the bow. 

When Wags didn't show up until 7, I knew I was going to have to hurry to get to work in time, even though the boss said I could come in when I wanted to. I gave my co-workers a time to expect me, so I wanted to stay in that time frame. 

  We didn't head onto the course until about 7:30, and the woods were dark. It made it difficult to see the target and where you were aiming. I started off on a long boar and believe I hit it right where I was aiming. However, the arrow landed directly above the 8-line. After moving to the next target, a medium alert deer, I hit it behind the pin, this time for an 8. 

  Walking down the road, I dismissed the first two arrows and figured I would just battle through the first half until things got a little lighter in the woods. I was also battling low blood sugar and could 't keep it up. This affected my hold, my mind and my execution. 

  When I got to the next target, I took a gander at it and shook my head. I knew it was going to be a tough day when I saw a bomb of a bobcat. When I drew the bow back, I instantly knew I didn't have enough number on my sight, so I let down and reevaluated my situation and thought about where I had to hold to stay in the 10-ring. After drawing a second time and settling in, the shot broke and I quickly learned I hadn't held the pin in the right place. The arrow struck directly below the 8-line. 

  After getting an 8 on a steep uphill black panther, I was beside myself, but I was determined to get the train back on the tracks. That's when I rolled the next three shots, executing some of my shots of the year. During the process, I realized I just wasn't meant to hold the bow well on this day. In my older years, I can hold the bow well some days, and other days I have to battle through what I'm given. It was one of those days. 

  When we finished the first half, I considered calling it a day. Then, the more I thought about it, I decided to continue on the course so I could get more judging practice. The second half started with a bomb of a leopard before quickly getting shorter with a large deer, then a moose. I started the second half well and kept plugging along with the horrible hold. Although things weren't great, they weren't terrible either. It gave me practice for when I'm struggling with my shot and hold. 

  About halfway through the second half, I made tow perfect shots in a row on a red fox and a bedded buck. I couldn't have asked for better shots, and both arrows found their mark. As I dashed across the field after finishing, I knew I wouldn't have time to chat. Instead, I had to make the trip to work. 

                                                            Final Thoughts

  This was Fish House's second year of holding an IBO qualifier, and it did not disappoint. This was an ass-kicker of a course and the conditions made it even more difficult. Although it gave us a few breaks with some 25-yard shots, the majority of the targets were long, and the sets were amazing. 

  Rich and his crew went above and beyond while setting this course. They used every trick in the book to fool people, and they must've done it well because nobody broke 300 in any class. This was a top-notch shoot, even though it was on the extremely difficult side of the scale. This type of shoot challenges us in all areas of 3D shooting. Their grounds are incredible too, with groomed trails, easy walking and all sorts of terrain.  Kudos to everyone involved in setting it up. Hopefully, next year we can find a way to get more people to the event. I believe word of mouth should help with that. 

  My mind was full while shootings and there was no place in it to focus. There's nothing that can compare to losing your childhood friend, and the thoughts that inundate your mind are often mind-boggling. I tried my hardest to focus, but I found it simply impossible. I also knew I had to get to work, and that thought never found a place to hide from the time I woke up. 

  I'm headed to Kentucky for the ASA on Wednesday after work. Jacob and I will be making the trip, and we will give it our best. Although neither of us has ever shot lights-out while competing in the tournament, there's always a first time, and we are both ready to dance. I haven't spent time with Jacob in a while, so I look forward to some great conversations and learning a little something along the way. I value Jacob's advice, and it tends to help me with some little things along the way. Neither one of us has had any quality practice this spring due to the weather and life, so we will rely on experience and see where we end up. Good luck to anyone else who is headed to Kentucky. The summer is about to get busy. Then, before you know it, the 3D season will be done and hunting season will be rolling in. Put the work in now and see what happens in late July and early August. 

Here's the shot of the day. Don't ever let Wags tell you he doesn't have a little luck on his side. After a shot got away from him, the arrow glanced off the tree, broke, then barely stuck in the bear. Atta boy, Wags. You made it look easy, 

1st Leg of the National IBO Triple Crown

  It always seems like May gets here without warning and no time to be properly prepared for this event. This year was no different, especially with the extended chilly temperatures, high winds and nonstop rain. Between the hours at work and the crappy weather, I was the least prepared I've ever been before heading to West Virginia for this tournament. 

  However, with 60 targets between two regional tournaments under my belt, I felt somewhat confident. My shooting has been going well, and my bow has been performing better than me. I figured I would rely on experience to carry me through. 

                                                                   Practice Day

  After getting up at 5:00 a.m. to be at work at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, I was a little tired when Tyler and Tom picked me up at work. With them already three hours into their trip from northern Vermont, we would still have another 10 hours to cover before resting for the night. The ride went quickly, and we arrived in West Virginia around 3:30 a.m. 

  We slept until about 7:30 a.m., then headed to the tournament site, where Tyler, Wags and I would spend our day practicing and Tom and Wade would head to their ranges in an attempt to get 20 targets in before day's end. 

  We ended up meeting Digger Cogar and Destini and spent the day on the practice range with them. It was backed up most of the day, but we all had a great time and shared some deep laughs. I'm not sure I've ever had as much fun on practice day, and it reminded me why I still travel to play this game called archery. It's always good to spend times with my friends whom I never see anywhere else, especially my friends I made in this sport 30-plus years ago. 

  No matter how much we shoot, we all chase perfection, and that is what most likely keeps the majority of us coming back... because nobody can ever be perfect. While some days seem like nothing can go wrong, other days seem like you've just started shooting a bow and know nothing about sport. Either way, I enjoy watching the flight of the arrow. 

  As we progressed through the round, I found my shot becoming effortless, and before long, I was headed toward the homestretch. We ended up shooting 20 targets, and I never left the 10 ring. It increased my confidence and I knew I was ready for Day 1. Wags also shot well on the practice range, and he recently changed to shooting a button instead of a hinge. The change seems to be suiting him well. 

Day 1

   Day 1 greeted us with a warm morning and no wind. It was a great day to shoot. After getting my target assignment, I learned I would be shooting with Glenn Meadows and Aaron Kilburn. Although I had never shot with Aaron in the past, I have shared the stake quite a few times with Glenn, and he's one of my favorite guys to shoot with. He makes things relaxing and calm. He brings a sense of calmness with him and it radiates amongst everyone in the group. I looked forward to spending my day with Glenn. 

  I would start my day on a bedded Dahl sheep on the edge of a golf course, then I would have to navigate through a Hogzilla, caribou, gator and fallow deer before getting back into the woods. The Dahl sheep allowed me to execute a picture perfect shot like the ones I dream about in my sleep. The arrow landed inside/out in the 11-ring, and my confidence from the day prior instantly found its way into the empty space between my ears. 

  Making my way to Hogzilla, I knew it was a bomb, but I wasn't able to hear any arrows being shot from the group in front of us. I decided to set my sight a little short of max yardage. Once again, I executed one of those shots I dream about, but the arrow ran out of gas and stuck in the foam perfectly in line under the 10-ring. Satisfied, I walked up the hill and waited to shoot the caribou. 

  After being fooled by the previous target, I kept adding yardage. Before I knew it, I was standing next to the target retrieving the 8 that I had shot above the 10-ring. Now, I began getting a little anxiety as I looked up the hill and saw a gator lying on a berm above a sand trap. When Glenn misjudged it, I took some yardage off my tape. A few minutes later, I was retrieving my low 8. Now, 8 points down after 4 shots, with two of the targets being huge, I knew I had to settle in and get back on track. 

  I quickly got a couple of points back by shooting a few 11s with perfectly executed shots. My bow was aiming well, and I was shooting good shots. I knew I could make the ground up if I stayed the path. I stayed within myself and battled back and forth the rest of the day. I made some of the best shots I've made in the last two years and the 11s piled up as proof. 

  At the end of the day, I found myself sitting at 10 down, the low man in the group, but I also evaluated my day and realized I had recovered nicely after the first four targets and shot my way through the rest of the day at 2 down with seven 11s. Although the score didn't reflect my day, it told me I had a long climb to have a chance. However, thinking about practice day and the few regional tournaments I shot the last few weeks, I liked my chances. 

                                                                     Day 2

  When I got my target assignment on Day 2, I realized I would be in the fourth group with Loren Lohr, Mike Sutter and Nate Dorsey. Having shot with Loren and Mike in the past, I knew I would have another easy-going day. It's always a good time shooting with Loren, and he keeps things in perspective, never being down when struggling and never being too high when pounding. He keeps things on an even keel, and I think that's what makes good shooters shoot well. Although your group shouldn't be responsible for how you shoot, I've seen some groups that make it difficult to concentrate at the level that is sometimes necessary. 

  Unlike the first day, I got off to a rough start when I shot an 8 on the first target. Quickly putting it behind me, I erased the 8 with a few 11s and quickly got into a groove where my shots felt good. Although they weren't effortless, they felt solid and made me feel like I would have a good day. After getting through the first 10 targets of the day, I was holding my own and hadn't gone backward. I knew if I stayed on the path and could somehow grab a few 11s down the homestretch, I would have a chance at getting in the shootoff. When I got through a gauntlet of targets stacked on top of each other and looked at a turkey on the back of a green on the golf course, where we would be shooting it from the woods, I knew I could make up some more ground with a good shot. With two arrows in the 10-ring when my turn came around, I put my pin on the nocks and let it eat. The arrow struck just to the right of the arrows for an 8. It was a good shot, so I couldn't complain. I accepted it and moved forward. 

  The next target was a long, downhill alert deer that was placed on a side hill. With an arrow on the right side of the 10, I made sure to stay to the right while aiming, and my arrow hit a tad to the right and low for an 8. Although it wasn't a bad shot, I quickly found myself going backward. After smoking a short snarling wolf for an 11, I found myself staring at a bobcat on a log. 

  Believing I had a good number, but second guessing it while aiming, I let down. When I drew the second time, I made a great shot, and the arrow landed directly under the 10-ring for an 8. Knowing I would have to bite and claw my way to the finish and try to get a few 11s, I stayed composed and felt confident about my number on a boar. When I drew the bow, I thought the target looked farther away than I had my sight set, so I held on an arrow that was on the 8 line high. The arrow hit directly behind the pin and found itself  on the 8-line. Then, having to lead off my last target of the day, I executed a good shot and figured I hit right-side 10. Unfortunately, the arrow hit close to where I aimed, and I got myself another 8. I had quickly dropped 8 points and found myself at 382, about 10 points out of the shootoff. Packing my stuff up and heading down the trail, I could've beaten myself up and tore myself down, but I smiled and felt satisfied. I had given it everything I had and just came up a little bit short due to a few mistakes. 

                                                                         Final Thoughts

  I didn't have many expectations going to this tournament due to the horrible conditions we've faced in the  Northeast this spring, which hasn't allowed much of any time to get quality practice. With that being said, I also know my capabilities and felt confident I could still give it a run. 

  My first day wasn't great, but I learned I can stay the path and come out on top. I focused on shooting good shots and did everything I could to stay strong and execute to the best of my ability. I'll give myself a solid passing grade on that test, and that says a lot when thinking about last year. Although I shot a few too many 8s, I also made plenty of great shots to stack up a nice pile of 11s, and that felt pretty good. 

  Day 2 brought me to a familiar place, and I got a feeling from a few years ago that I liked. I figured I had crawled my way back into contention and was ready to finish it off. However, after going on and off the golf course and finishing in the woods, I had a hard time calibrating my yardage guesser, and that caused my demise. I'll definitely get better with that as time goes on. I also finally felt like I was and could be competitive again. I decided to bet on myself this year and shoot a bow of my choosing. That allowed me to test a lot of bows and find one that I thought best suited my shooting style. I landed with an Elite Victra, and I can say that so far it's one of the favorite bows I've ever shot. It also feels good to be home with Elite again, especially since I was able to win a lot of cool stuff with one as an amateur and shoot a couple giant deer with one. I can't wait to see how things play out with the bow as time progresses and we become better friends where we know how to act and what to expect with one another as things become intimate. I'm sure there's an elite performance hiding within this Elite bow. 

  I feel good going forward and I will do what I can do. I will be headed to the ASA in Kentucky in a few weeks, and I look forward to spending time on the ASA range with the guys who shoot that series that I didn't get to see at the IBO. 

  My dad also got out and shot the Northeast Championship Series ASA in Massachusetts last weekend. He made his debut in the ASA Legends Class. It was a lot for him since he recently had a hip replaced, but he got through it, and that's what is important. He's still able to do what he likes. 

  Until next time... shoot to have fun and have fun while you shoot. The picture below... only in West Virginia....

  

 

New York/New England IBO Shoot at Hudson Falls

 

  After many sleepless nights and conflicted thoughts after the IBO World last year when I shot one of the worst scores I've ever shot at a national IBO event, I seriously considered hanging it up and becoming a backyard archery again... the place where it all started and seemed effortless. After all, I would just be shooting arrows for the pure fun of it and no thoughts or expectations of past history would come to the forefront of my mind. 

   However, after considering all options, I decided I didn't want to go out the way I performed in the last event of the year. I chose to cut back on my schedule and just shoot a few events this year. In doing so, I contacted Mike Price and asked him to help me with a few issues that have caused issues for me the last few years. After visiting him, I started putting the work in and decided I would just see where it would lead me... so here we are. I'm back on the range with my friends. As you can see, I'm having a good time with Wags, and Wade is in the backdrop. These two are my guys, my friends, my supporters and the ones with whom I have shared all of my successes and failures. Those two and my many other friends are the real reason why I'm returning. The results aren't what matters anymore. Now, it's time to go enjoy myself and take what happens without overthinking things or letting it influence what I think about myself. 

  We will be heading to Pipestem, WV, next weekend, and unlike most of the people who will be there, we will have minimal practice. We went to an IBO qualifier at Ti Yogi last weekend and we shot at Hudson Falls this weekend. We got winter-like weather both weekends, which made it almost impossible to figure anything out other than judging yardage. 

  I weighed a lot of options for which bow I wanted to shoot this year. Tyler Thygesen finally talked me into giving the Elite Victra a try because he thought it would react similarly to some of the bows that have allowed me to experiences some successful moments in the past. I'm glad I listened to him, and the Victra will be the bow I head onto the range with this year.  It tuned easily, and I'm ready to see how it does. 

So I headed onto the range with Wade, Wags and Robbie on Sunday morning. It was a chilly morning and relatively calm when we started. As we made our way through the first eight targets, I felt like the old Todd was reemerging from the closet of ghosts. Everything was effortless and the arrows easily found their way into the 10-ring. It's never easy when you start off with a bomb of a white wolf in front of a pond, then it gets followed up with a bomb of a feeding doe in which you can't see its legs. 

  As we meandered through the first half, I felt confident with my numbers. Although my shot wasn't smooth, it was still good. Then, we got into the field, where the last four targets of the first half could be found. That's when the wind started hammering, and it never stopped. The wind ended up getting me on a few of the targets and I hit them to the left due to massive wind drift, even after aiming well right of the 10-ring. I guess that's what happens when you shoot an arrow that weighs 290 grains... the price you pay for shooting light poundage and light arrows. When we had finished the first half, I was satisfied. 

  After a short break and moving to the second half, the wind stared hammering and it was almost impossible to hold the bow on target in the open fields. Unfortunately, we would be in brushy fields for the majority of our second half. 

  As we progressed, I was just trying to hang on. Eventually, on a long mountain lion, I changed releases just for a change of pace. It definitely fired a little bit easier, so I used it for about three targets before returning to my primary piece of equipment. 

  When I got to the last target of the day, a strutting turkey that would require us to shoot from a field, down a tunnel into the brush, I had a solid aiming point when I led it off. The two black dots on the left of the 10-ring allowed me to get the pin to them quickly and execute a good shot, one of my better ones of the day. The arrow struck the right side of the dots, and I walked away with a 10 on the 42 yard bird. I was happy to walk toward the club, knowing I had survived one of the toughest shoots I've shot in a long time. 

                                                                    Final Thoughts

  I'd like to say the entire day was as smooth and effortless as the first 10 targets before the wind settled in for the day, but I had to grind after it picked up. Although people make fun of me for saying I think the wind likes me more than others, I know everyone in the group saw it happen with their own eyes on a few different shots. It can be totally calm, then become gale force wind when I draw the bow. Thankfully, I learned how to shoot well in the wind in my younger days. Although it made me a little hesitant with my shot, I plowed through and found a way to make it work. 

  When I look at the big picture, I can say that If I had less than 1/2 inch on a ruler for the last 15 targets, I would've finished about 10-12 points higher. I'm satisfied with the results for all things considered. I shot the best line I've shot in a long time, and all but two of my misses were extremely close. The wind and a bad number got me on the two that missed by a wide margin. I'll continue working and see what happens next week. I'm excited to get there and see all of my friends from across the country. It will be a great time, and I can't wait to catch up with everyone and share another memorable weekend at an archery tournament with some of my closest friends. 

  I can't end this without saying how much Wags and Robbie impressed me on Sunday. Wags finally decided to shoot a button, and I think he shoots it much better than a hinge. He also had stellar numbers for the most part and shot really well in the wind. 

 Robbie had a rough start and began beating himself up and blaming the bow. However, after taking accountability and realizing what he was doing, he straightened his sh*t out and started pounding. It was impressive to watch him recover from a bad beginning. It was the most mentally strong I've seen him on the archery range. If he continues in the same direction this year, he will tough to beat in August. This was an all-out ass-kicker of a course and he handled it like it was soft. Kudos to you, Rob. I look forward to watching your progress. 

  I finally got to shoot with Wade again after missing out the last few years. When I was a much younger lad when I started going to big shoots, Wade was the guy I always wanted to beat. He was always at the top and still is today. He just finds a way to get it done, and he has always driven me to be better, In all the years of shooting with him, he has shot a PSE except for a few years when he shot a Hoyt. This year, he is also shooting an Elite Victra, and he looks the best I've seen him shooting in a long time. 

  I can't leave without giving Chuck Weeden some serious props. He set a course that walloped me. My brain hurt afterward, and I was swearing at him. I just wanted a small break on the course to regain my senses, but I never got it. It felt good to survive the course and know I will never see anything more difficult this year. Thanks, Chuck, for keeping all of us honest and challenging us to be at our best. We all appreciate it, even though we wanted to kill you while shooting. 

  I'd also like to give thanks to the president of HFFG, Dave Russell, and to the guy who always makes sure our grounds look great, Chuck Little. Chuck did a great job cooking for everyone. Thanks, guys, for giving us a great place to participate in the things we love.