At Risk...|3D Archery Talk|Forum|Bow Hunters of Alabama

Every once in a while, someone makes an excellent post in these forums! Larry, you came about as close to “hitting the nail on the head” as anything I’ve read in a while! We’ve talked and talked, preached and preached; we’ve argued and fussed, some have gotten mad and quit completely, some have come in, then left dejected! Why?? Stupid rules!!! Now, is there anything wrong with rules?? Certainly not! Rules were created to basically level the playing field for everyone, and their specific skill and/or age level. Our problem is the rules are being motioned, seconded, and voted on by the minority! I would venture to say (not pointing fingers) that some BHA rules have been placed in “our” rule book to work to the advantage of some selfish individuals. I’ll not go any further into that. I think that there is a simple solution, in regard to rules, and it’s been in front of our face all along! Rules for our organization should be drawn up by someone, or some organization completely and totally neutral to BHA! This has actually been touched on in another thread, and based on the votes that were cast, I’d say the majority is in favor of adopting another organizations rules. But, let’s get away from the “rule thing” for a minute! What people are looking for is the fun & enjoyment of shooting a bow! I may be different than most, in that I can go to a shoot every weekend, and have since the beginning of tournament season, and I’m there solely for the fun, fellowship, joking & poking fun at people! Basically, I only compete against myself! I just want my skills to where when that big fat doe walks out in front of my stand, I want to have the confidence and skill to place an arrow in an area that will bring a swift, humane harvest to my dinner table. But now, I accept the “lay of the land”, so to speak, in that I abide by the rules of whatever class I’m shooting in. If I win or place at any given tournament, great! If I don’t, it’s no biggee! Rules are strictly for competitors. If you’re not a competitor, then why not just shoot for fun?! There’s no “rules” that say “no fun shooters”! I’m very aware that everyone would prefer to win, and if we’d adopt this “other organization’s” rules, then there would be a place (a playing field) for everyone! But, if you are a competitor, and we were to adopt whatever rules, accept them, abide by them, and then get in a class that best suits your equipment, skill, and/or age level, and get out there, do your best, and stop griping! That’s really all we can do! I mean, after all, what are we competing for?? A hat pin!?! C’mon people let’s bring the fun back, and don’t worry so much about seeing one’s name at the top when the scores are posted!! B H A (BowHUNTERS of Alabama)…….not T S A (Target Shooters of Alabama)!

Moose24 said

I do take a bit of exception to the comment about rules being voted on by the minority. Every BHA chapter member has a representative that speaks for them at meetings. If a chapters representative is not doing their job and not attending meetings then vote them out and get someone else in there. My point is, everyone is represented. If you will read my post on the proposed motions made at the May meeting then you will see my thoughts on the apathy of BHA members/chapters. This is what probably leads to your view of “voting by the minority”. In fact, I do not see where your own chapter was represented at the May meeting. So, if you don’t want “voting by the minority” then attend the meetings. Sadly, you are not the only one, only 11 chapters were represented in May!!
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Kenny, your exception is noted. It doesn’t mean that I agree, but still noted. And see folks, we’re not mad at each other, just differ a bit in our views! I’ll admit, you are absolutely correct on “all charges” regarding my attendance at the last two meetings. I won’t begin to make excuses, although I do have my reasons. The problem with typing these messages like this is One, you don’t hear or feel the spirit in which it is said, and Two, as thoughts are racing through our minds, sometimes the real meaning of what’s being said is lost. My comments regarding the “minority” issue was said from an average BHA member’s point of view. In other words, as long as there are meetings being held involving a small fraction of our entire membership, there will always be complaining about the decisions being made that affect all of us! In regard to the rules issue, I just think that if we’d adopt the same rules as say, the largest archery shooting organization in the world, say “here it is, take it or leave it!”, folks are either going to abide, or go home. I really believe deep down that BHA would benefit, as that organization’s stance is basically just that! If you want to compete in one of their events, you have NO choice but to play by their rules! But, you see with BHA we’ll allow you to come on out and enjoy shooting 3D even if you don’t want to compete. You’ll notice that I have side stepped, danced around, and just about everything else, to keep from typing the three letter acronym that boils the blood of the “true blue BHAer”. Basically, the point I wanted to make was to remind everyone that BHA is about the outdoors, fellowship with other hunters, making new friends, growing the sport of hunting with archery equipment, and so many other things! Let’s not get caught up in ruling it to death!