(Eau Claire, WI) The Aspirin Buster was in the house January 29-31, 2010 for the Northern Wisconsin Deer Classic and Ice Fishing Expo. Promoter Hugh Price had brought me to Eau Claire twice before but this was my first trip back since about 2005. The new facility at the Eau Claire Indoor Sports Complex made an ideal location for this winter show. There were trophy bucks, lots of people, and lots to see and do.
This area seems to be well known for COLD weather and big bucks. I have been really impressed with some of the whitetails I see displayed at this event over the years. I think it may be a well kept secret because I never hear much about Wisconsin but I sure see a lot of big bucks at these shows. The bowhunters here also have an interest in traditional archery and asked a lot of good questions after my exhibitions.
There was a pop-up 3-D archery range which seemed to be a poplar draw for many who found the chilly Wisconsin winters too cold to shoot outdoors. My pal Bill Weisner has added a company to his portfolio, a bear scent company which goes great with his “Bear Crazy” bear seminars that he conducts across the country. It’s always good to visit and share stories, meals and laughs with Bill and his family & crew. Bill’s new company is called “Bear Scents”, visit www.bearscents.com to see his line of products. He did seminars at the show and also had a booth.
This was the first show for my new Hoyt Formula RX recurve bows. In addition to two new Hoyt bows, I had a new net system, new arrows, and three different throwers during the three day event! We had standing room only each performance and I was happy folks came out to see the show. The audiences were great and I was happy to sign publicity photos for the folks that stood in line after the show. That’s one of the best parts of the gig because the folks seem happy and excited and that’s my job. I love to see kids get excited about archery. All three of the assistants did a great job, one of them was Jeff Brunn who had tossed targets for me back in 2005 when I last visited the show.
I ended up hitting the baby aspirin the 7th shot on that first show with the new bow. I had gotten the bow strings the Tuesday before the show so I really had to scramble to get the bows shot in and tuned by Friday. We also did the three pill—three arrow shot and it went over really well with the audiences. I love to raise the bar and keep the shots a challenge. Yeah there is a chance I’ll miss a few times, but when you hit the pills the audience really gets into it.
The show isles seemed busy and there was also some of the TV hunting show personalities on hand to do seminars and greet people. I’d like to thank the folks at Hoyt, Muzzy, Easton, SKB Cases, Eze-Eye Archery, Archery Stand By, Resistol hats, Justin boots, and Sims Vibration Labs. I am looking forward to the next show in St. Louis, MO. Seeing is believing–see you at the show!
Until next time, Adios & God Bless.
Shoot Straight,
Frank
