North 40 Life Magazine | Page 15

Archery Lead: Chris Nichols My story began as a young boy growing up in Western New York where I was the typical Huck Finn with a fishing pole in one hand and a air rifle in the other; fishing from the train tussles and stock ponds and hunting squirrels, rabbits and many more animals. As a boy I made my own bows from tree branches and pounding nails into broadheads on my grandfather’s anvil and serving feathers on sticks with thread. I’ve hunted and fished all my life and love to share my experiences with people who share the same passion as I do. In the early 90’s, I was prompted by a good friend to give archery a try, so I bought a used Hoyt Apple Pro and arrows at a pawn shop and the rest is history. I then started hunting almost exclusively with a bow in Arizona where I was very successful in filling every elk tag I had drawn, including Javelina which is called the “ghost of the desert” by the locals. I befriended Lonnie and Rhonda Crabtree who opened Corner Archery ,which is one of the industries most well-known Pro shop where I learned the technical aspects of archery and shooting. I also started local and state 3-D shoots and shop leagues, taking top honors. In 2001, I qualified for the IBO worlds in Virginia but was unable to attend. I have a real passion for helping people and bringing out their full potential. Being a Hoyt fan for years, I have to say that after researching and then shooting the Xpedition line of bows, they have raised the bar in the archery industry! Lines we carry: 14