BLAZE Magazine Special Edition 2006-2016 | Page 39

Advertising Coordinator/Buckmasters share over 100 years of experience in the field of Archery. Each instructor spotlighted our outdoor classroom with hands on 5-star archery instruction. The ABC’S of Archery presentation introduced various concepts of importance including safety, use and technique to our members. Highlight of the class was understanding the components and execution of both compound bow and crossbow. Mike and Travis Bennett, were our feature instructors on crossbow and provided each member an opportunity to learn, both technical and non-technical, use of a crossbow. Each member had an opportunity to shoot field targets. For a more intimate experience in target shooting, a state of the art indoor archery shooting range is available. Rain, hail ,sleet or snow would not prevent the archery shooter, beginner to advanced, to enjoy a diverse visual presentation of educational opportunities under one roof. During free time, OWU members, instructors and volunteers, were invited to “step up-take a shot.” Utilizing the indoor target range, a few of our field volunteers could not resist the opportunity! all people to enjoy, now and into the future”. Every person who ventures outside puts Leave No Trace practices into action. Seven Principles shared by our LNT trainers were as follows: (1) Plan Ahead and Prepare, (2) Travel and Camp on Durable surfaces, (3) Dispose of Waste Properly, (4) Leave What You Find, (5) Minimize Campfire Impacts, (6) Respect Wildlife, (7) Be Considerate of Others. Class schedule rotation began at 8:30 am and ended at 5 pm. Each small group received one-to-one professional instruction in a two hour, outdoor with nature, classroom environment. Lunch was provided by OWU Board Member, Trail Cook, Lee Gates, a meal fit for a king! Lee’s magic consisted of grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and Conecuh sausage! Jennifer Meadows, OWU board member, baked an upside down pineapple cake, a Southern favorite, for dessert. Supplies, meals, snacks, drinks are included with event registration for all Outdoor Women Unlimited adventures. Silent Auction, goody bags and a special presentation on “Conservation in Alabama” were included. educational adventure, not in attendance, but in smiles and laughter! However, the two most important groups of individuals that “keep them coming” are our Outdoor Women Unlimited Volunteers and Believers. I measure the success in each outdoor However, archery was not the only target of interest for our members. Fishing Pro Staff Angler, Kevin Guy, gained a high rating with his entertaining style in “Fishing Like the Pros” outdoor classroom. No one went home hungry! Nature Walk-Compass Orienteering is always a favorite among our OWU members! Craig Chalker, Eagle Scout and Sea Captain, raises eyebrows with his amazing knowledge of orienteering and field botany. Members always work this class TRUE NORTH STYLE! Our Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Awareness Team of Trainers, Skip Essman, Alabama State Advocate, Rob Pinkston and David Pinkston, shared the Seven Principles. LNT mission is to protect the outdoors by teaching and inspiring people to enjoy it responsibly. LNT vision is “to sustain healthy, vibrant natural lands for Accept No Limits | outdoorwomenunlimited.org “No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge the help with gratitude.” As Founder, Executive Director, I would like to share my most sincere appreciation to our volunteers, instructors and sponsors. These include, but not limited to: Title Sponsors - International Paper - Prattville, Alabama, Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officers Association Rusty Morrow, Gail Morrow, Bennett’s Archery, Mike, Barbara, Travis, Tammy, Levi, Mike and Barbara Bennett, Rob Pinkston, Lee Gates, Matthews Archery, Buckmasters, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Streamlight, Pretty Hunter, Quaker Boy, Ernie’s Fishing Guide Service, NRA, NRA-ILA, Camo Country, Alabama Blackbelt Adventures, Mud River Dog Products, Winchester, Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club, Gates Heating & Cooling, Joella Bates, Arkansas 3D Scholastic Archery Coordinator, Five 3-D Archery World Championships, Marisa Futral, National Archery in the Schools Program Coordinator, Hunter Education Coordinator, Dawn Singleton, Media Coordinator, Buckmasters, Skip Essman, Rob Pinkston OWU Board Member, David Pinkston, Kevin Guy, Craig Chalker Lisa McNeil, OWU Membership Development, Jennifer Meadows, Board Member/Project Development and Marie Powell, Project Development/Art Design. SPECIAL EDITION 2006-2016 | | 39