The 2024 Bow Hunters Bonanza
It is hard for me to describe how I was feeling about this event in the weeks leading up to it. I would go from feeling super confident and excited, to feeling immense dread and embarrassment constantly, often multiple times a day. When it was all said and done, I had a great time and I’m confident in saying everyone else did too. We had all you can eat hot dogs for dinner, great camaraderie, and even more fun.
When we set out to host these events we had a few objectives in mind, but there has been one that has stuck out to me way more than the rest. What I am talking about is having friends to share stories with and making those hunting connections. I encourage you to pause your reading here and read Shawns quote on The Pursuit Element page because what he said there really drives this home for me. With that being said there was one very notable encounter I had at the event, and it was with a man named Jimmy. To put it simply Jimmy is new to the Bolivar area. A few months ago, he moved here from Oklahoma to be with his girlfriend who was connected to Colton and his wife. Before the night was over, I had learned that Jimmy was a talented predator hunter. It just so happens that he doesn’t have anywhere to hunt yet, and I have a predator problem on my family farm. Fun fact about me, I seriously lack the skills to be a successful predator hunter. It was really cool to make a connection like that at our very first official event. I can guarantee Jimmy, and I will get on some coyotes this winter, and I can guarantee that anyone can make a connection like that at our events. If you don’t then it’s your own fault!
After the event the three of us got with Ryan, Johnny, and Trapper to talk about the event. We all shared what we liked, and what we think should be done different next time. From that discussion we created more connections that will help us throw future events, plan to have merchandise available to purchase, run the event more smoothly and efficiently, and much more. The BHB was an invite only event that we wanted to keep on a smaller scale as a sort of trial run among other reasons. It’s safe to say we are more fired up for the Deer Hunters Dinner now than ever. We plan on making it totally open to the public with the hope of drawing in tons of passionate outdoorsmen women, and children to enjoy the tradition, camaraderie, and element of the pursuit we have grown to love.
I plan on doing a couple of these after every event and I would love to hear your comments and feedback. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates on upcoming events, fundraisers, and TPE conservation initiatives. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you at the Deer Hunters Dinner!
