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