Monday, December 21 (Washington, DC) - The United States Senate on Friday unanimously approved Senate Resolution 374, recognizing the cooperative efforts of hunters, sportsmen's associations, and other organizations to establish programs that provide game meat to feed the hungry across the United States.

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus (CSC) Senators Blanche Lincoln, Tom Harkin, Saxby Chambliss and Debbie Stabenow introduced the resolution recognizing the efforts of hunters, sportsmen's associations, meat processors, hunger relief organizations, and state agencies that make the program such a success.

"As the number of hungry people continues to rise, the Hunters Feeding the Hungry program is helping bring food to those most in need and is a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors, said Lincoln. "After my family's recent deer hunting trip, my sons were able to donate their own game and experience the joy of giving."

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar resolution, H.RES.270, offered by CSC Member Rep. Phil Gingrey, along with 43 co-sponsors, earlier this year.

House Resolution 270

Senate Resolution 374

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A once-in-a-lifetime, dream African safari is waiting for you!  Experience the classic, be-treated-like-royalty safari adventure.

Or, how about a private-land, Buffalo County, Wisconsin whitetail deer bowhunt?

Here is a terrific chance for you to win either of these bowhunting adventures!

The Pope and Young Club is announcing its 2009 Museum Raffle, generating much-needed funding for the Museum of Bowhunting and its outreach programs. 

Our Grand Prize is simply incredible! It’s a fully guided 8-day SAFARI in South Africa with Chattaronga Safaris.  Not only could this adventure be for you, but it could also include an additional hunter AND two non-hunting guests!  The package includes a gemsbuck, a blue wildebeest, 2 impalas and 2 warthogs for each hunter.  Additional species can be added at your expense.  We’ll cover the transportation costs for the winner (the additional guests would travel at their own expense).  As we’ve offered with past raffles, in lieu of choosing the hunt, the grand prize winner may elect to receive a payment of $5,000 cash.

The Second Prize is a semi-guided 5-day private land whitetail deer bowhunt in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, compliments of Curt and Mary Rotering.  This is an outstanding opportunity to chase record class whitetails in one of the very best areas in the country!  This adventure can take place in either 2010 or 2011.

For more details, click on the raffle banner on the home page or click here:

http://www.pope-young.org/pdfs/raffle/Raffle_Flyer_web_10-2009.pdf

Tickets are available from now until December 23, 2009.  The drawing will be held on December 24, 2009, at the Pope and Young Club’s headquarters and Museum.  Donations are $5 per ticket or six tickets for $25.  To purchase tickets:

a.)  follow the links on the raffle banner above to order online in the Gift Shop

b.)  go directly to the online Gift Shop:  http://www.pope-young.org/gift-shop.asp

c.)  call 507-867-4144 to order by credit card over the phone

d.)  to have blank tickets sent to you (to complete and return with check or money order), email admin@pope-young.org

The Club would like to thank our partners Chattaronga Safaris and Curt and Mary Rotering for the generous contributions of the prize hunts.

Note that 100% of the raffle proceeds will be used in support of the Museum mission of increasing the awareness and appreciation of our bowhunting history and heritage.

This important fundraising activity not only supports the day-to-day operations of the Pope & Young Club / St. Charles Museum of Bowhunting (which is open free to the public), but is integrally-important for our ability to expand and enhance the program.  Specifically, it will go towards expansion of the museum building, remodeling the special displays area, and the continued development and production of in-depth wildlife conservation themes, displays and educational material, specifically designed for children and youth.

Located in southeastern Minnesota, just minutes off of Interstate 90 south of Rochester, the Pope and Young Club / St. Charles Museum of Bowhunting is open weekdays 8am to 4:30pm and Saturdays 10am to 5pm.

3 Reasons for Americans
to Respect Hunters, Anglers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- National Hunting and Fishing Day is set for Sept. 26, 2009. Congress formalized the annual celebration 37 years ago but organizers say hunters and anglers deserve America's respect now more than ever.

"Recent-year surveys show nearly 8 in 10 Americans approve of hunting and more than 9 in 10 approve of fishing. That's strong support. But, when viewed in the context of a recession and other modern headlines, our sporting traditions look even better today," said Denise Wagner of Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo., the official home of NHF Day.

She added, "On NHF Day, I hope people will pause to reflect on hunter and angler contributions to society. And for those of us who've long understood and enjoyed these passions, share the pride by introducing someone new to hunting, fishing or shooting."

Here are three reasons for the American public to value hunting and fishing today:

Economic Impact
No bailouts needed here. Hunting and angling together are an economic force worth $76 billion a year. In 2010, America's economic stimulus package will generate its highest level of federal spending at $236 billion—but hunters and anglers will spend almost a third of that amount all by themselves. A Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation report shows if hunters and anglers were a nation, their Gross Domestic Product would rank 57 out of 181 countries. About 1.6 million jobs depend on hunters and anglers. Gas stations, stores, restaurants, hotels and other businesses benefit, especially in rural America. And these recreations are comparatively recession proof. In the first half of 2009, hunting and fishing license sales actually gained 7.6 and 5.4 percent, respectively, over 2008, say the National Shooting Sports Foundation and Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.

Wildlife Management
Rabies, crop damages, nuisances. Hunting helps control these wildlife issues and many others—none more dramatic than highway accidents involving deer. White-tailed deer once were on the verge of extinction but rebounded behind historic conservation efforts. Today, deer numbers are skyrocketing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates 1.5 million deer collisions occur each year. Over 200 people are killed annually. According to a Western Transportation Institute calculation that includes costs of emergency response, injuries to driver and passengers, damages to vehicle and more, the 2009 average cost of hitting a deer is $6,600. Total public cost: $9.9 billion a year. Now consider that, nationwide, for every deer hit by a motorist, hunters take six. Imagine the human casualties and costs if hunting ended.

Conservation Funding
What if Congress announced a tax increase to cover $2 billion in annual expenses for conservation programs? Don't worry. Hunters and anglers are already paying that tab. For the privilege of consuming surplus, renewable game and fish resources, hunters and anglers purchase licenses. They also pay special excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, bows, arrows, rods and reels. Combined, these fees generate $100,000 every 30 minutes, more than $1.75 billion per year, for wildlife, fisheries and habitat programs. Hunters and anglers also contribute another $300 million a year to nonprofit organizations that extend conservation benefits even further. Results have brought many species—turkey, elk pronghorn, Canada goose, wood duck and others—and their habitats from vanishing to flourishing. These efforts enabled restoration of other species such as wolves. America's living landscape is a precious asset for all citizens who enjoy wildlife and wild places.

Country music star Luke Bryan is serving as honorary chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day 2009.

NHF Day sponsors include Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman Channel, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Hunting Heritage Trust, Cabela's, Boone and Crockett Club, Smith & Wesson, Field & Stream/Outdoor Life, Woolrich, Yamaha and Pope and Young Club.

For more information, visit www.nhfday.org.

The Pope and Young Club has announced its Conservation Program Grants for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.  The Pope and Young Club Conservation Program, with a budget for the year of over $120,000.00, includes Grants awarded to the following projects and programs in areas of education, pro-wildlife management, pro-bowhunting, research and partnerships:

·                     National Archery in Schools Program

·                     Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance

·                     The American Wildlife Conservation Partners

·                     United States Sportsmen’s Alliance – Bowhunting Rights Coalition

·                     Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

·                     Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies

·                     Arizona Game & Fish Dept. / Purdue University – deer DNA research project

·                     Wyoming Game & Fish Department – Absaroka elk research project

·                     National Shooting Sports Foundation – public schools conservation videos

·                     The Archery Hall of Fame

·                     Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation

·                     Jack Creek Preserve Foundation – youth conservation & bowhunting education

·                     Youth Conservation Education Portal

·                     National Conservation Leadership Institute

·                     Sponsorship of the 75^th annual North American Wildlife Conference

·                     A new P&Y / NASP Equipment Matching Grants Program

·                     National Bowhunter Education Foundation’s Project STAND

·                     The Kicking Bear Foundation

·                     Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow

·                     Unallocated – defense of bowhunting and defense of bowhunting-only seasons

With these grants, the Pope and Young Club has given more than a half million dollars over just the last five years to conservation projects around North America.

Included in this year’s P&Y Conservation Program plan is significant funding for a new partnership the Pope and Young Club is undertaking with the Boone and Crockett Club on their television program, Leupold’s Big Game Profiles.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Bowhunting is deeply engrained in traditional outdoor sports and conservation, a proud heritage promoted and protected by the Pope and Young Club. Today the Club is announcing a new partnership to help strengthen these efforts—a sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day for 2009.

NHF Day, formalized by Congress in 1972, has been called the most effective grassroots effort in history to educate the American public about hunting, fishing and conservation.

Always the fourth Saturday in September, the 2009 celebration is slated for Sept. 26.

“It’s gratifying to welcome new sponsors, and the Pope and Young Club is the latest national supporter for our continuing efforts to build public appreciation for traditional outdoor lifestyles and their ties to healthy fish, wildlife and habitat. We’re appreciative of the Pope and Young Club’s leadership,” said Denise Wagner of Wonders of Wildlife museum in Springfield, Mo.—the official home of NHF Day.

Wonders of Wildlife is developing new ways to deliver the NHF Day message. For example, free, downloadable hunting and fishing communication tools, tips, handouts and more for students and public speakers are now posted to www.nhfday.org.

Such efforts are designed to pass the word that nobody does more for conservation than hunters, anglers and sport shooters. Hunting and fishing licenses, along with excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, bows, arrows, rods and reels, together generate $100,000 every 30 minutes—totaling more than $1.75 billion per year—for conserving fish and wildlife resources.

“The Pope and Young Club is proud to proclaim its public support of National Hunting and Fishing Day. We stand shoulder to shoulder with millions of sportsmen and women in paying tribute to our nation’s first and oldest outdoor pastime. Our NHF Day sponsorship represents a serious commitment to assisting in the organized efforts to preserve hunting and fishing for future generations to enjoy, and we are immensely pleased to be a part of this vital campaign,” said Pope and Young Club President M.R. James.

Country music star Luke Bryan is the honorary chairman for NHF Day 2009.
The growing list of sponsors for National Hunting and Fishing Day includes Wonders of Wildlife, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman Channel, Realtree, GunBroker.com, Hunting Heritage Trust, Cabela’s, Boone and Crockett Club, Smith & Wesson, Field & Stream/Outdoor Life, Woolrich, Yamaha and the Pope and Young Club.

CHATFIELD, MN — At its national convention this spring, the Pope and Young Club recognized Dr. Kenneth Mayer (Nevada Department of Wildlife), Kelly Semple (from Alberta) and the New York Bowhunters, Inc., for achievement in pro-bowhunting and pro-conservation efforts.

Kenneth Mayer receives the Lee Gladfelter Memorial Award

In recognition of lifelong commitment to bowhunting efforts by a professional wildlife biologist, the Pope and Young Club presented the 2009 Lee Gladfelter Memorial Award to Kenneth Mayer, Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife.  In receiving the award, Ken mentioned that this was special and humbling because he had personally worked with Lee Gladfelter prior to his passing.  In making the presentation, P&Y Conservation Chairman Mike Schlegel noted Ken’s years of service in the California Department of Fish and Game, his 11 years on the American Archery Council’s professional wildlife management team, his service on the Wildlife Society’s technical review committee “The Use of Bowhunting in Wildlife Management,” and his involvement in the 1^st National Bowhunting Conference in 2001.

2009 P&Y Conservation Award presented to Kelly Semple

The Club’s Conservation Award is presented biennially to recognize achievement by a person or organization in the promotion of the future of bowhunting and hunting, the image of bowhunting and hunting, and the conservation and wise use of our natural resources.  The 2009 recipient is Kelly Semple of Edmonton, Alberta.  Kelly has been a high-profile spokeswoman for the future of hunting and conservation issues in Alberta for more than two decades.  Principally, she is the executive director for the Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation. Through the foundation, she is heavily involved in youth mentoring and women-in-the-outdoors programs.

New York Bowhunters, Inc. receives the Stewardship Award

Given to a bowhunter or bowhunting organization that, by their actions, has conveyed a positive, good-citizenship image to the bowhunting and non-hunting public, the 2009 Stewardship Award went to the New York Bowhunters Inc.  As the state bowhunting organization in New York State, they are involved in a plethora of activities.  Of special note are their Urban Deer Committee, their Erwin Bowhunting Program which addresses deer-vehicle accidents and property damage, their physically challenged bowhunter program (promotion of adaptive equipment) and their strong youth programs.

The Pope and Young Club’s Conservation Achievement Awards are presented biennially at the Club’s national conventions.  Nominations are open for the 2011 presentations.  Send nominations to the Club’s headquarters.

* * *

Established in 1961, the Pope and Young Club is a non-profit North American conservation and bowhunting organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of our bowhunting heritage, hunting ethics and wildlife conservation.  The Club also maintains the universally recognized repository for the records and statistics on North American big game animals harvested with the bow and arrow.

Four new World’s Records were officially recognized during the Pope and Young Club’s 26^th Biennial Convention and Awards Banquet in Denver, Colorado, this spring. 

Species:            Polar bear

Score:              26 10/16

Location:          Cape Brown, Northwest Territories

Bowhunter:       Jimmie Ryan

Year:                2008

This bear bested a World’s Record that had stood since Richard McIntire’s Alaska polar bear shot in 1958 (which was tied by a 2002 bear from Nunavut).

Species:            Roosevelt’s elk

Score:              378 6/8

Location:          Columbia County, Oregon

Bowhunter:       Clifford M. Hayden

Year:                1991

The gigantic coastal rainforest elk exceeded the  previous world’s record by over 11 inches (367 3/8, Tillamook County, Oregon, Dale Baumgartner, 1985).

Species:            Tule elk

Score:              312 5/8

Location:          Solano County, California

Bowhunter:       Audrey Goodnight

Year:                1990

Audrey’s bull is the first declared world’s record for a new record book category that was formally introduced last year.  Found in central California, Tule elk are an elk subspecies that exhibit the similar crowning point structure as do Roosevelt’s elk, found on the west coast further to the north.  Since establishing the category July 1, 2008, the Pope and Young Club has accepted 22 Tule elk entries into the Records.

Species:            Desert Bighorn sheep

Score:              178 6/8

Location:          Hidalgo County, New Mexico

Bowhunter:       Jim Hens

Year:                2007

New York state bowhunter Jim Hens traveled to New Mexico on a lengthy hunt that resulted in a ram that narrowly surpassed the previous world’s record (178 2/8, Tiburon Island, Mexico, George Harms, 2000). 

Just over 100 of the biggest and best animals taken in the last two years were requested and received for verification by the 26^th Biennium Panel Judging Session prior to the Denver Convention.  These outstanding specimen represented all 34 categories of North American big game and were displayed in an unforgettable public exhibit during the three-day convention in Denver.

travel to Williams Lake are hunter’s expense.  Lodging, meals, other transportation, field care of meat and trophies all included.

6-DAY COUES’ DEER HUNT IN MEXICO (2009 or 2010) donated by Enrique Molina (520-980-6834, 011-52-1-662-256-5119, chairababi@hotmail.com) A guided Coues’ deer hunt (and javelina) in the mountains of northern Sonora, Mexico, on a 30,000-acre exclusive hunting ranch.  Everything is included:  modern ranch facilities, bed linens, bottled water, beer, cape and meat care, license, tags, importation paperwork, pick-up and return to Tucson airport.  Treestand or ground-blind hunting over waterholes and spot-and-stalk hunting, if preferred.

6-DAY SPRING BLACK BEAR HUNT IN ALBERTA donated by Gunther Tandeleir of Wizard Lake Outfitting (780-984-4868, hunt@wizardlakeoutfitting.com) Spring black bear hunt in northern Alberta includes 2 bear tags and a wolf tag.  Wall tent lodging, cooking, transportation to and from airport and guiding included.   Late May 2009 (to be arranged).  License and GST not included.

7-DAY EXCLUSIVE COUES’ DEER HUNT IN MEXICO (2009 or 2010) donated by Sergio Jimenez of the El Plomito Ranch.   Be treated like a king, staying in a mansion with servants and special attention on the private conservation-managed El Plomito Ranch owned by the Sadas.  Fully guided seven day hunt, primarily waterhole hunting.  Transportation from Hermosillo or Tucson included.

10-DAY BEAR BONANZA IN THE ALASKA RANGE (combo hunt for brown bear, grizzly bear, black bear and caribou) donated by Steve Perrins of The Perrins Rainy Pass Lodge (www.theperrinsrainypasslodge.com) This is an incredible opportunity!  The chance to hunt and harvest both a brown bear and a grizzly bear on the SAME hunt, in addition to a black bear, is rare indeed!  Hunter responsible for his own license/tags and travel to the main lodge.  The second brown/grizzly bear would require an additional $3,500 trophy fee.  Rainy Pass Lodge is located in pristine wilderness and unsurpassed scenic beauty on the historic Iditarod Trail some 125 miles northwest of Anchorage. Hunt dates:  September 24 to October 3, 2009.  Approx. value:  PRICELESS!

6-DAY OHIO WHITETAIL DEER HUNT donated by James McCollum of Licking County Whitetails (330-603-5725, www.lickingcountywhitetails.com)  An archery whitetail deer hunt slated for October 25-30, 2009, includes lodging, meals, transportation and transportation from Columbus Airport.  Over-the-counter license not included.

SASKATCHEWAN WHITETAIL DEER HUNT donated by Rob Nye and Donnie Sealy of Canadian Trophy Quest (870-774-6101, www.canadiantrophyquest.com ).  5 ½ day, fully guided whitetail hunt in 2009, guided by Rob Nye.  Lodging, meals and guide service included.  Travel to lodge is not.

5-DAY ADAMS COUNTY, OHIO WHITETAIL HUNT donated by Scott Heatley of Beech Ridge Outfitters (570-772-7825, www.beechridgeoutfitters.com) October 26-30, 2009.  Guided, stands, lodging and non-resident license fee are included.  2 meals included…full kitchen available.  Hunt to be filmed by Wolf Creek for “The American Archer.”

5-DAY KANSAS WHITETAIL HUNT donated by R. L. Foster of Trophy Class Outfitters (256-891-2200, www.trophyclassoutfitters.com , trophyclass@charter.net).  Hunt takes place October 31 to November 4 in either 2009 or 2010.  5-day, fully guided rut bow hunt on 10,000 acre ranch in the Flint Hills area.  Lodging and transportation after arrival provided.  Meals available at local restaurants.  Draw required.

FOR YOUTH (under 21), WOMEN, OR MEN (Over 65):

7-DAY MONTANA ELK HUNT donated by Jack Creek Preserve / Jon Fossel.  For a youth under 21, woman, or man over 65.  Jack Creek Preserve Foundation special access, archery only, good fishing, cabins.

FOR YOUTH:

6-DAY SPRING BLACK BEAR HUNT IN MONTANA donated by Jack Creek Preserve / Jon Fossel.  Unguided…up to 2 adults can accompany.  Spot and stalk bear hunt in May or early June (either 2009 or 2010) on the special access Jack Creek Preserve.  Bears of all color phases are around.  Cabin facility.  Bring your own food and camp equipment.

COLORADO BOWHUNTERS ASSN. FUNDRAISING:

COLORADO ELK HUNT donated by Tim Resch of Estes Park Outfitters (970-215-7064, www.estesparkoutfitters.com)  5-day, guided elk hunt in the Roosevelt National Forest.  Lodging, meals and hunt transportation provided.

WYOMING WHITETAIL DEER HUNT donated by David Nelson of Nelson Outfitters (307-672-6996, www.nelsonoutfitters.com) and Matt Burrows of Stick & String Outfitters (303-816-1136, www.bowhuntingoutfitters.com)  4-day hunt taking place in November of 2009 or 2010.  This guided, Region Y (Sheridan) archery hunt includes hunt transportation and accommodations.

Seeking Graphic Design Specialist         

Chatfield, Minnesota-based, non-profit organization seeking creative person to handle in-house graphic design / layout.   Job duties will include, but are not limited to:  graphic design and layout of advertisements, brochures, handouts, signage, etc. , web-based activities of a similar nature and assist in the development of marketing approaches.

Must have demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, current publishing software (such as, but not limited to, Quark, Illustrator and Photoshop).  A high level of writing and editing skills are beneficial.  A working knowledge and experience with DreamWeaver, html or equivalent also desired.  Education requirement:  Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design or equivalent.   Ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has good communication skills, as well as the ability to take direction and work independently.

½ time position.  Salary/wage is dependent on experience.  Potentially, this could be either an in-house position or a home-based position requiring periodic travel to administrative offices. 

Inquire at (507) 867-4144

Kevin Hisey

Kevin@pope-young.org

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The 2008 Summit meeting of the North American Bowhunting Coalition was held this spring at the Pope and Young Club’s national headquarters and Museum.  34 attendees, representing 29 different bowhunting organizations were on hand to discuss issues relevant to bowhunting and bowhunting organizations.

Marilyn Bentz, Executive Director of the National Bowhunter Education Foundation, introduced the NBEF’s significant tree stand safety campaign, Project STAND.  Tree stand accidents are not only personal/family tragedies, but also have the potential to damage the image of hunting in general.  Instructor training courses are being held and the major marketing campaign is underway.

Roy Grimes, National Archery in the Schools Program President, provided an exciting update on progress of the NASP program and ways in which state bowhunting organizations can help assist on the state and school district levels.

Several presentations were given and discussions were held regarding such topics as:  improving/enhancing organizational fundraising, auctions and effective communications (e-marketing and websites).  A panel of reps (from NY, MD, MN, LA and MO) discussed recent or emerging crossbow threats in various states and what strategies are in play. 

In NABC business news, Lou Leavens (Michigan Bow Hunters Association) was elected to serve as the Midwest Regional Director, replacing Mike Brust (Wisconsin Bowhunters Association) whose term had expired.  A few structural changes were made, including the redefining of the facilitator position as “NABC secretary” and the creation of a Vice Chairman (Chairman elect) position.  These organizational leaders discussed the need to seek future leaders and to focus on developing a sense of responsibility and ownership in protecting bowhunting’s future.

There was also plenty of time for networking among the attendees and absorbing some of the rich heritage and history showcased in the Club’s Museum of Bowhunting.

***

The Pope and Young Club's 2008 Museum raffle, an important biennial fundraising event for the Club's Museum Program, concluded with the drawing on April 18^th, at the Club’s Museum in Minnesota.  The drawing took place during the North American Bowhunting Coalition annual meeting.  More than $47,000.00 was raised to assist the Pope & Young Club / St. Charles Museum of Bowhunting to carry out its mission of improving the awareness and appreciation of our rich bowhunting history and heritage.

The winner of the Grand Prize was Galen Wertz from Maryland.

The Grand Prize was a fully-guided, 1x1, 8-day bowhunt for elk in Wyoming's Shoshone National Forest with Tim Doud of Bliss Creek Outfitters (www.blisscreekoutfitters.com).  The hunt was generously donated by Tim Doud and Bliss Creek Outfitters.  The grand prize also includes all transportation and license fees, which the Club, itself, is providing. 

The winner of the Second Prize was George Ellis of North Carolina.

The Second Prize was a fully-guided, 5-day Fall bowhunt for black bear with Wayne Bosowicz of Foggy Mountain Guide Service (www.foggymountain.com) in northern Maine.  The Fall of 2008 bear hunt was generously donated by Wayne Bosowicz.  All transportation and license expenses are included, compliments of the Pope and Young Club.   

As a longtime member, Mr. Wertz received the books of raffle tickets sent out by the Club at the beginning of the raffle, in November.  He immediately completed and returned his tickets.  The second prize winner, Mr. Ellis, purchased his raffle tickets via the Club’s web site!

The Pope and Young Club congratulates the two winners and wants to extend our deepest appreciation to everyone who supported this fundraising effort by purchasing and/or selling tickets!  We would also again like to acknowledge and thank our partners, Bliss Creek Outfitters and Foggy Mountain Guide Service, for making this such a successful raffle.

Pope and Young Club

25^th Biennium Convention

and Awards Program

Lancaster Host and Convention Center

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

April 26^th – April 28^th, 2007

AGENDA

Thursday, April 26^th

9:00 am                                                Golf Tournament (meet in Hotel Lobby)

10:00 am – 7:00 pm                             Registration (Ballroom Foyer)

10:00 am – 10:00 pm                           North American Big Game Exhibit (Expo Center)

10:00 am – 10:00 pm                           Outfitter Area (Expo Center)

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm                               Seminar:  “Black Bear Biology and Management” by Dr. Gary Alt (Ballroom)

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm                               Seminar:  “Be Bear Aware” by Chuck Bartlebaugh (Ballroom)

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm                               Seminar:  “Turkey Calling” by Gary Sefton (Ballroom)

7:00 pm – 7:30 pm                               Opening Ceremonies (Ballroom)

7:30 pm – 11:00 pm                             Reception (Expo Center)

Friday, April 27^th

7:00 am – 5:00 pm                               Registration (Ballroom Foyer)

8:00 am – 6:00 pm                               North American Big Game Exhibit (Expo Center)

8:00 am – 6:00 pm                               Outfitter Area (Expo Center)

8:30 am – 11:30 am                              Joint Membership Meeting (Ballroom)

Noon – 1:30 pm                                   Friday Luncheon (Lancaster Showroom)

Presentation:  Len Cardinale—Early Days of P&Y in the Eastern U.S.

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm                               Seminar:  “Suburban Whitetail Deer Management” by Jody Maddock (Ballroom)

1:30 pm – 5:00 pm                               Amish Tour (departs from Hotel Lobby)

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm                               Seminar:  “Hunting Ethics and Conservation Heritage” by Jim Posewitz (Ballroom)

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm                               Reception (Lampeter Exhibit Hall)

7:00 pm – 12:00 am                             Friday Banquet (Lancaster Showroom)

                                                                        Entertainment:  Gary Sefton

                                                                        Conservation Award Presentations

                                                                        Panel Judges’ Recognition

                                                                        Photo & Art Contest Awards

                                                                        Silent Auction

                                                                        Social

Saturday, April 28^th

8:00 am – 5:00 pm                               Registration (Ballroom Foyer)

8:00 am – Noon                                   North American Big Game Exhibit (Expo Center)

8:00 am – Noon                                   Outfitter Area (Expo Center)

8:00 am – Noon                                   Strasburg Railroad Tour (departs from Hotel Lobby)

8:00 am – 11:00 am                              Associate Membership Meeting (Ballroom)

8:00 am – 11:00 am                              Regular/Senior Membership Meeting (Wheatland)

11:00 am – Noon                                 Joint Membership Meeting Concludes (Ballroom)

Noon – 1:30 pm                                   Saturday Luncheon (Lancaster Showroom)

                                                            Presentation:  Frank Addington, Jr. “The Aspirin Buster”

2:00 pm – 5:00 pm                               2007 Pope & Young Club Auction (Lancaster Showroom)

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm                               Seminar:  “Elk Hunting in Arizona” by Corky Richardson (Ballroom)

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm                               Reception (Ballroom)

7:00 pm – 1:00 am                               25^th Biennial Awards Banquet Dinner (Expo Center)

                                                            Keynote Speaker:  Monty Browning

                                                            2007 Conservation Raffle Drawing

                                                            25^th Biennium Awards Presentation

                                                            Social

 Come join us as bowhunters from throughout North America gather for a great weekend of fun and fellowship!

Any questions can be directed to the Club's headquarters at (507) 867-4144, admin@pope-young.org.

***

2007 POPE & YOUNG CLUB CONSERVATION AUCTION

April 28, 2007

2:00pm

Lancaster Host & Convention Center

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

One of the highlights of the Club's biennial national conventions is the Auction.  The Auction takes place Saturday afternoon, during the Club's 2007 Convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  This exciting event raises important monies for the Club's Conservation Program, and our efforts in pro-hunting activities, education, bowhunting preservation, research and wildlife management.  The Auction will include a number of generously donated hunts along with many unique, one-of-a-kind or historically-significant items.

The following hunts have been secured for the 2007 Auction: 

5-DAY TEXAS WHITETAIL DEER HUNT (2007 or 2008) donated by Bob Keith of the Barnes/Keith Ranch in San Saba, Texas, (325) 628-3247, www.barnes-keith.com   Hunt Texas whitetails with Tom Nelson on this five-day bowhunt.  The hunt, on a bowhunting-only ranch, includes a buck tag, a doe tag, a feral hog and a turkey.  Dates to be arranged with Tom Nelson.  Lodging, meals and transportation during the hunt are provided.  License/tag not included.  Value approx. $3,000. 

TWO 7-DAY MONTANA ELK HUNTS (2008 or 2009) donated by Jack Creek Preserve / Jon Fossel (406) 682-7930, fossel711@aol.com   A seven-day elk hunt for a youth under 21, a woman, or a man over 65.  5,000 acre ranch with exclusive access, bordering the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area in southwestern Montana.  Jack Creek Preserve Foundation special access, archery only, good fishing, cabins.  Extra non-hunters welcome.  License/tag not included (hunt is available until tag is drawn—50% first year, 100% second year).  Semi-guided.  Food, cooking and transportation are hunter’s responsibility.

6-DAY CANADA MOOSE HUNT IN ALBERTA (2007) donated by Eric Rauhanen of Silver Fox Outfitters in Edson, Alberta, (780) 723-3475, hunting@telusplanet.net, www.silverfoxoutfitters.com     2 on 1 guided moose hunt for six days in Northern Alberta.  Tent camp, meals and transportation from Edmonton Airport included.  License not included (over-the-counter).  Dates according to availability.  Value approx. $4,000.

6-DAY WHITETAIL DEER HUNT IN SASKATCHEWAN (2007) donated by Kent and Lori Wolowski of Rock Ridge Outfitting Ltd. in Carrot River, Saskatchewan, (306) 768-2617, rockridgeoutfitters@hotmail.com   Six-day Saskatchewan archery whitetail hunt.  Lodging and meals included.  Tags separate (over-the-counter).  Transportation not included.  Dates according to availability.  Value approx. $4,000.

6-DAY COMBINATION ELK / DEER / ANTELOPE HUNT IN MONTANA (2008) donated by Mike Parsons of Crow Creek Outfitters, (406) 326-2349, www.crowcreekoutfitters.com   Fully guided September 2008 hunt for elk, deer and antelope.  Exact dates to be determined.  Includes cabins, cooking and transportation from Bozeman.  Elk and deer tags are outfitter-guaranteed.  Antelope is unlimited draw (June 1^st deadline).  License/tags not included.  Value approx. $6,500.

6-DAY WOODLAND CARIBOU / MOOSE COMBO HUNT IN NEWFOUNDLAND (2007) donated by Roy Goodwin of Tag-A-Long Consultants, (508) 473-6790 (office), (508) 523-1357 (cell), www.tag-a-longconsultants.com  A terrific woodland caribou hunting opportunity at Dolland Pond, a bowhunting-only camp in southern Newfoundland.  1 on 1 hunt includes full-service lodging, cooking, float plane transportation and tag.  Guides are experienced bowhunters and there’s only 4 hunters per camp.  Can upgrade with a bear.  Pick up and drop at Gander included.  Hunt takes place in 2007, to be arranged.

5-DAY CALIFORNIA COLUMBIAN BLACKTAIL DEER HUNT donated by Jim and Tina Marie Schaafsma of Arrow Five Outfitters, (707) 923-9633, www.arrowfiveoutfitters.com   Fully-outfitted, Northern California Columbian blacktail deer hunt takes place August 3-7, 2007.  Wall tent lodging, meals and transportation (from the Eureka/Arcadia airport) included.  Value approx. $4,000.

6-DAY COMBINATION ELK / DEER HUNT IN MONTANA (2007 or 2008) donated by Mike Robinson of Thunder Bow Outfitters in Swan Valley, Montana, (406) 754-2701 www.thunderbow.com   2 on 1 guided combination hunt for elk and whitetail or mule deer. Must purchase your own license/tag (tag guaranteed through outfitter).  Lodging, meals and transportation during the hunt provided (arrival at your own expense).  Value approx. $3,350.

10-DAY AMERICAN ELK ARCHERY HUNT IN ALBERTA donated by Tanner Walgenbach of Center Fire Oufitters in Stettler, Alberta.  September 6-16, 2007.  1 on 1 guided hunt.  Wall tent lodging, cooking and transportation from Calgary included.

5-DAY SPOT AND STALK BLACK BEAR HUNT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (2007 or 2008) donated by Allan Tew of Chilanko Forks Outfitters, (250) 296-0118, www.chilankoforksoutfitters.com   A fully-guided, five-day, spot and stalk black bear hunt near 150 Mile House, British Columbia.  Arrive on a Sunday, for five exciting days of hunting, and depart on a Saturday.  Cabins, meals and transportation from Williams Lake airport provided.  A second bear can be hunted for an additional $1,000.  License/tag ($300) not included.  Exact dates to be arranged (May 1^st to June 30^th, in either 2007 or 2008).  Value approx. $2,500.

OSCEOLA TURKEY HUNT (2008) donated by Hoppy Kemper of Osceola Outfitters (407) 957-3593 www.osceolaoutfitters.com   3 day, 1x1 guided turkey hunt for one mature tom.  Hunter responsible for license and permits.  Lodging, meals and transportation after arrival at ranch is provided.  Dates according to availability.  Near 100% success on the world’s most elusive turkey.  This is a great opportunity for those seeking a chance at another species of wild turkey.  Value approx. $2,000.

5-DAY IOWA WHITETAIL RUT HUNT (2007 or 2008) donated by Jim Wilshire of Iowa Hills Outfitters, (712) 527-5514.  Hunt Monday to Friday in this archery-only area located 45 minutes north of Council Bluffs in western Iowa.  1x1 fully-guided hunt with bunkhouse lodging, meals and transportation from (and to) Omaha provided.  Hunt available dates in 2007 or 2008.  Licensen/tag not included.  It is a draw (deadline in May), but the hunt can be taken when draw is successful.  One full hunt donated (could be two half-price hunts or three 1/3-off hunts, if friends want to team up).  Value approx. $3,000.

5-DAY WOMAN’S WHITETAIL DEER HUNT IN KANSAS (2007) donated by Greg Hill of Kiowa Creek Outfitters (620) 845-2219, kiowacreekwhitetails@yahoo.com.  1x1 guided whitetail hunt in southcentral Kansas.  Tags/license not included.  It is a draw (May 31 deadline), though landowner tags are possible if draw fails.  Exact dates according to availability.  Lodging, meals and transportation after arrival at ranch included.  Value approx. $3,500.

5-DAY QUEBEC/LABRADOR CARIBOU HUNT (2007 or 2008) donated by Bernie Dominic of Safari Nordik, (800) 361-3748, www.safarinordik.com   Hunt the Leaf River and George River caribou herds in Northern Quebec.  Two caribou tags are available ($260 each) for this semi-guided hunt.  Wooden cabins, hot running water, generators and excellent food are included.  Transportation from Montreal included.  Hunt available dates in 2007 or 2008.  Value approx. $5,450.

5 ½ DAY WHITETAIL DEER HUNT IN ILLINOIS (2007 or 2008) donated by Greg Guerrieri and Dan Perich of Midwest Trophy Outfitters, (570) 676-5710.  Early November whitetail deer hunt in Fulton County, Illinois (may select dates 2-7 or 9-14 in either 2007 or 2008).  This 3x1 guided, Illinois whitetail hunt includes lodging, meals and transportation after arrival at camp.  License/tag not included—guaranteed draw (June deadline).  Value approx. $2,750.

5-DAY COLORADO ELK HUNT (2007 or 2008) donated by Walt Isenhour of Lone Star Outfitters, (512) 273-2129.  Five-day, 2x1 guided elk hunt north of Vermejo Park near Trinidad, Colorado.  Tent camp, camping gear, meals and transportation from Trinidad are provided.  License and tag not included (over-the-counter, $498).  Hunt can be taken in either 2007 or 2008—dates according to availability.  Value approx. $5,500.

6-DAY WHITETAIL DEER HUNT IN ILLINOIS (2007) donated by Jeff Bower of Triple T Whitetails in Barry, Illinois, (217) 653-7600, www.tripletwhitetails.com   A 1x1 fully guided, whitetail deer hunt in Adams County, Illinois.  The hunt taking place October 22-27, 2007.  License is not included, but is a guaranteed draw   Lodging and meals provided.  Transportation after arrival is provided.  Value approx. $2,000.

10-DAY SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI (2008) donated by Anton Derksen of the Kurumakatiti Reserve, in conjunction with Chuck Leidheiser of World Class Safaris, (888) 395-0714, www.worldclass-safaris.com   African plains game bowhunt on the Kurumakatiti Reserve for one bowhunter and one non-hunting observer.  Trophy fees for an impala ram, an impala ewe, a kudu cow and a zebra are included (all other trophies charged at prevailing prices).  Lodging, cooking and transportation from Johannesburg included.  Hunt available dates in 2008.  Value approx. $9,000.

UNITED BOWHUNTERS OF PENNSYLVANIA HUNT DONATIONS

5 Day Iowa Trophy Whitetail Hunt with Medicine Creek Outfitters, 515-979-5498, or 641-873-4385, medicinecreekoutfitters@hotmail.com.  This trophy hunt takes place during the first two weeks of November.  Iowa is a draw so the hunt will take place the year the hunter draws a deer tag.  Deer taken on this hunt have averaged 150 inches.  Two Boone and Crockett class bucks were taken in 2006.  Shot opportunities have been near 100%.  The hunt is all inclusive and includes meals and accommodations in a 5000 sq. ft. lodge, airport pick up and return and field care of your trophy.  License fees ($420) are not included.  Medicine Creek Outfitters is a family operation interested in keeping the trophy quality high by keeping the number of hunters low.  Value approx. $2750.

6 Day Black Bear Hunt in Alberta with Northern Wilderness Outfitters, 1-888-NOW-HUNT, www.huntingalberta.com.  NWO is known for their giant Alberta Whitetails but they have huge black bear as well.  NWO has been featured on a number of television shows including “Scent-Loks Getting Close.”  Two dozen P&Y class bears were taken in 2006 with 5 Boone and Crockett caliber bears killed as well.  This is a 2 bear limit hunt with 30% of the bears having a color phase.  Shot opportunities have been 200% with 180% success rate.  The hunt includes wall tent lodging with heaters and hot showers, all meals, transportation from the Edmonton airport to camp and return to the airport after the hunt.  Wolf tags are also included.  There is no trophy fee for the second bear.  The hunt can be taken in May of either 2007 or 2008 with dates according to availability.  Value approx. $3950.

4 Day Texas Fair Chase Whitetail Hunt with Briley Outfitters, www.brileyoutfitting.com, Day: 325-651-6072, night: 325-374-6867.  You will bowhunt the same ranches where Realtree films each year for their “Monster Bucks” videos.  Promos, Penn Woods, Archer’s Choice and the Mooreheads have also filmed on Briley’s 8 ranches (60,000 acres).  Briley Outfitting also offers hunts for exotics and turkeys.  This donation is a four day management deer hunt for a big 8 point buck.  Mutually agreeable dates of the hunt are between October 1 and 25, 2007.  Shot opportunities on this hunt have been 100% for bucks scoring between 124 and 140.  All meals, lodging and airport transportation are included as is the $1500 kill/wounding fee.  Tags, license and gratuities are not included.  The hunt can be upgraded to a trophy hunt for an additional $1000.  Value approx. $3,000.

8 Day Pink Mountain (British Columbia) Free Range Bison Hunt with Sikanni River Outfitters, www.sikanniriver.com, 403-987-4178, sro@sikanniriver.com  Free range bison hunting opportunities for bowhunters are rare.  Hunt the only free range herd in British Columbia.  You will fly to Ft. St. John and hunt from a comfortable log lodge while enjoying home cooked meals.  Bison are plentiful and tags have been recently increased from 6 to 12.  Hunt available dates in November/December of 2008 or 2009.  The hunt includes meals, accommodations at Sikanni River Ranch, and trophy field care.  License and tag fees and non-resident hunter preservation fees are not included.  Value approx. $8,500.

10 Day Archery Trophy Moose Hunt in British Columbia donated by MVP Guides and Outfitters, www.mvpoutfitters.com, (888) MVP-HUNT.  Hunt one of the top areas in BC for moose, both in numbers and large antlers.  An average moose in this area would score between 155 and 190 P&Y points, with some bulls reaching the 195 B&C marker.  Success rates in this area have been 95%.  “It is our goal to be the one outfitter known for its first class guides, an outstanding hunting area with quality animals and to be second to none in customer service.”  This is a 1 on 1 horseback/backpack hunt, August 23-September 1 or September 1-10, 2007.  Not included in the hunt:  chartered flight ($1,500), additional non-scheduled plane trips, commercial airline costs, accommodations while in Fort St. John, hunting license ($180), tag ($250), 6% Government tax, royalties ($125) and a $125 NRPHF.  Included in the hunt:  transportation to and from the Fort St. John airport, transportation while in the hunting area, meals and lodging, capping and skinning of the trophies, and a hunt you will never forget.  We will welcome a hunting companion for $7,500 and a non-hunting companion for $200/day.  By special arrangement with MVP, you may be able to hunt additional species as well.  Our motto is “Come as a Client, Leave as our Friend.”  Value approx. $7,500.

Any questions can be directed to Auction Co-Chairmen Roger Atwood (208-356-0794) and Tom Nelson (517-627-9586), or to the Club's Executive Secretary, Kevin Hisey (507-867-4144, admin@pope-young.org).

A Virtual Mall – Online Shopping Mall - eMall

Raising funds to support the Pope & Young Club can be difficult and time consuming. The 4OurCause eMall program makes it easy for our Club to raise funds on an ongoing basis.

The eMall is a FREE and easy fundraising program designed to allow supporters the ability to shop online and at the same time, generate money for the Pope & Young Club, and at no additional cost to you.

Hundreds of name brand online stores and gift cards are available. Great Stores, with great prices, products and services which contribute high percentage commissions from each purchase made through our eMall!

You just click the link on the Pope & Young Club’s home page and go to our branded eMall.

Shopping at The Pope & Young eMall is very simple. Navigation is provided on every page, click on your favorite store, and you will go to the Merchant Detail page. It explains who each merchant is, the products they offer and the percentage amount you earn for the Pope & Young Club while shopping online. At times you have access to special merchant offerings such as discounted prices and free shipping.

The Pope & Young Club will receive 100% of the published amount indicated next to each merchant’s name. No administrative cost or additional fees are deducted from the published amounts. Each merchant pays 4OurCause a commission on each purchase (excluding taxes, shipping, handling & gift wrapping) from this net amount the Pope & Young Club receives its contribution.

• In today's global marketplace value, quality, customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience are paramount. Now, from the comfort of your home or at work, our stores are always open, availability is guaranteed, there is no pressure to up-sell or add-on items you will never use and you almost always get a better price than at the merchant’s local store.

Supporters with Websites, please add a link to The Pope & Young eMall on your site:  

The link is: http://www.4ourcause.com/emall/64230

Please share the news of the Pope & Young Club’s eMall with family and friends who can shop and support our Club with their own online shopping. Think what an impact their purchasing can make in helping support our programs.  The potential is exciting for The Pope & Young Club as more and more people shop online and become aware their shopping can make a difference. For help adding a link or more information call Kevin at 507-867-4144 or email at Kevin@pope-young.org

Purchase with a Purpose! ®

A recent announcement by the World Hunting Association has raised significant concerns within the Pope and Young Club. According to WHA publicity releases, a televised tournament series featuring “professional hunters” is slated for broadcast this coming fall. Competitors reportedly will seek to tranquilize deer within high-fence game farm properties. Lucrative prizes are to be awarded to individuals collecting the biggest or most captive deer during televised “hunts.” Both bows and firearms will be used to deliver the tranquilizing agents.

“Hunting is not a ‘catch and release’ proposition,” said P&Y President M. R. James. “Nor is it intended to be an entertaining public spectacle. The Pope and Young Club certainly does not want its organization identified with this type of commercial endeavor, either directly or indirectly. That includes any reference to P&Y-class animals or the use of our measuring system to determine the score of captive deer. This idea flies in the face of the ethical, Fair Chase bowhunting challenges our organization embraces.”

Noting that the Pope and Young Club does not accept any captive animals as record book entries, Executive Secretary Kevin Hisey added: “The idea that this concept is just plain wrong goes well beyond the issue of game farms and high fences. Many responsible hunters will view it as an affront to the values, principles, and integrity of hunting so many hold dear.”

### 

The Club has announced its Conservation Program Grants for the 2004-2005 fiscal year.  Grants, totaling almost $85,000 were awarded to projects and programs around North America, as well as Club activities, in areas of conservation education, wildlife management, pro-bowhunting, research and partnerships.

Over the last seven years alone, the Club has contributed more than $500,000 to conservation and pro-hunting projects throughout North America. The following programs/projects/partnerships are receiving grants:

• Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance
• Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
• the National Assembly of State Caucuses Program
• Ballot Issues Coalition
• U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance - Bowhunting Rights Coalition
• American Wildlife Conservation Partners
• Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program
• National Shooting Sports Foundation, public schools video series
• Judy Kovar's Heritage Program
• Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry Program
• International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
• Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation
• Archery Hall of Fame
• National Archery in Schools Program
• South Dakota State Univ. - pronghorn research project
• Utah State University - mule deer winter range research project
• Nevada Dept of Wildlife - deer and elk workshop
• Arizona F & G Dept / Purdue Univ. - deer DNA research project
• Alaska F & G Dept - wood bison restoration project
• National Shooting Sports Foundation - Heritage Trust
• Wildlands Center
• Orion, the Hunters' Institute
• Jack Creek Preserve - youth conservation and bowhunting education 
• Boone and Crockett Club's Hunt Fair Chase Initiative

2005 AUCTION TAKING SHAPE

HUNTS

A significant portion of the money raised for our Conservation Program activities, and for the Museum, comes from the live auctioning of generously donated bowhunts at our biennial convention.

Among the hunts already secured to be auctioned are:

Donated by Thunder Bow Outfitters. Archery or firearm.

Donated by Kiowa Creek Outfitters. 2005 Guided 1x1

Donated by King Ranch. 16 Years of age or younger. Cull buck, javelina, feral hog.

Donated by King Ranch. 16 Years of age or younger. Cull buck, javelina, feral hog.

AUCTION ITEMS

Many other valuable, high-quality or historically significant treasures will be live and silent auctioned. Among others, these include:

A Howard Hill Big Five Longbow, signed by Fred Bear, donated by Andy Carpenter

Cheyenne Indian jacket and two vests, made and donated by Judy Kovar

Elk antler chair, donated by Dave Rogers

Elk antler mirror, made and donated by Doug Kauer

Handmade pine slab table w/Ishi replica arrow inletted, donated by Bill Brown

Collector books, framed prints, handmade quilt, commemorative broadheads/arrows, custom made arrows, crocheted table cloth, signed St. Charles spokeshave and more.

If you have an item or items, or a hunt, that you would like to donate to assist with our fundraising for the Conservation Program and the Museum, please contact Auction Co-Chairmen Roger Atwood (208-356-0794) or Tom Hoffman (518-465-0123).

Friday Night Auction

April 15, 2005

Donated by Bill Suenram, Big Dog Outfitters, Kingman, Kansas (620-243-3263). South Central Kansas hunt to be auctioned at the Friday night banquet in Missouri. A six day hunt in Units 15 and 16 with meals, lodging and field transportation. Non-resident transferrable tag is available at $750.00 if you do not draw a Kansas deer tag. Proceeds go to the Pope and Young Club Trust Fund.

The importance of hunting ethics and sportsmanship will be on display like never before thanks to a hunter education program orchestrated by the Boone and Crockett Club and sponsored by various conservation organizations, hunting product manufacturers and the outdoor media.  With ethics and fair chase hunting at our very core, the Pope and Young Club, naturally, is a supporting partner in this program.   

Visit http://www.huntfairchase.com to receive a free Hunt Fair Chase window decal and review information about hunting history, the origins of sportsmanship, and what we can do as hunters to see that our tradition of conservation leadership will continue in the future.

The Club has announced its Conservation Program Grants for the 2004-2005 fiscal year.  Grants, totaling $52,500 were awarded to projects and programs around North America, as well as Club activities, in areas of conservation education, wildlife management, research and partnerships.

Over the last six years alone, the Club has contributed more than $415,500 to conservation and pro-hunting projects throughout North America. The following programs/projects/partnerships are receiving grants:

• Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance
• Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
• Public Lands Access Study (partnership with CSF)
• Ballot Issues Coalition
• U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
• American Wildlife Conservation Partners
• Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program
• National Shooting Sports Foundation, public schools video series
• Judy Kovar's Heritage Program
• Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry Program
• International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
• Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation
• Archery Hall of Fame
• National Archery in Schools Program
• University of Alberta - black bear research project
• South Dakota State Univ. - pronghorn research project
• Washington Roosevelt's elk research project
• Utah State University - mule deer nutrition research project
• Utah State University - mule deer mortality research project
• Boone and Crockett Club's Hunt Fair Chase Initiative

To support the ongoing Pope and Young Club / St. Charles Museum construction project, the Club is conducting a raffle of a 6-day elk and deer combination hunt in western Montana.

The fully-guided hunt is generously donated by Mike Robinson of Thunder Bow Outfitters.  The prize is an all-expense paid trip, thus lodging, meals, transportation, license and tags are all included.  The winner may elect to receive a $3,000 cash prize instead of the hunt.  

Tickets are $5 each or a six for $25 and are available on the Merchandise section of this web site or by contacting the Pope and Young Club at (507) 867-4144, PO Box 548, Chatfield, MN 55923.  Drawing will be held October 2, 2004.

Your support of the Museum Program is greatly appreciated!

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service held a Conservation in Action Summit at its National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia, May 24-27th.  As a Conservation Partner in the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Pope and Young Club attended the meeting.  Mike Schlegel, the Conservation Committee Chairman, represented the Club.  

The summit's charter was to bring together representatives of various groups to develop and prioritize management action for the Wildlife Refuge System.  Five major management topics were targeted during the process:  wildlife and habitat, wildlife dependent recreation, science, strategic growth and leadership.  Final results are available at http://www.fws.gov.

Appointments to positions on the Board of Directors were recently made: 

Executive Secretary:        Kevin Hisey (Chatfield, Minnesota)

Treasurer:                        Doug O'Herron (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Conservation Chairman:   Mike Schlegel (McCall, Idaho)

Membership Chairman:    Harvard Ebers (Sedalia, Missouri)

Records Chairman:          Glenn Hisey (Chatfield, Minnesota)

Recent action by the Board of Directors, following research and recommendations by the Records Committee, has resulted in the following changes that will go into effect immediately: 

1.)    Name Change from "Yellowstone" elk to "American" elk

Throughout the history of the Pope and Young Club, the categories for the species, wapiti (Cervus elaphus nelsoni and certain related subspecies), have been called "Yellowstone" elk.  These categories will now be called "American" elk to better reflect their range distribution as well as the more common and recognizable name for the species.

2.)    Boundary change for Roosevelt's elk in British Columbia

Previously, the only elk in British Columbia that were within the official boundary of Roosevelt's (Olympic) elk for the Pope and Young Club's Records Program were those elk on Vancouver Island.  For several years the Records Committee has been studying the possibility of extending the boundary to include a small portion of the coastal mainland immediately across from Vancouver Island.   A wide range of considerations are involved in decisions to change boundaries, such as (but not limited to) historical range, present population, outlook for future population, hunting seasons, and presence of distinct geographical and topographical features to divide and separate larger and smaller subspecies to ensure the integrity of specie categories.  

Approval has been given to adjust the Roosevelt's elk boundary in British Columbia.  The exact boundary definition can be obtained by contacting the Club's headquarters.  In general terms, the boundary now includes Vancouver Island and the coastal mainland west of the Coast Mountains from the city of Vancouver north to the Knight Inlet.

3.)    Boundary change for Roosevelt's elk in California

The elk of central California have been popularly referred to as "Tule" elk.  In 1998, after a substantial review time, the Boone and Crockett Club established a separate records category for these elk.  Throughout that same timeframe, the Pope and Young Club reviewed the same possibility, but concluded that there did not exist a sufficient level of category entries, harvested with a bow, to warrant a separate category.  Thus, elk from this range have continued to be listed in the Yellowstone (American) elk category, as they historically were.  However, due to the similarity of antler configuration and the common presence of the "crowning" structure consistent with Roosevelt's elk, the Pope and Young Club is now changing the boundary for Roosevelt's elk in California to include the area designated as "Tule" elk by the Boone and Crockett Club.

The exact boundary definition can be obtained by contacting the Club's headquarters.  In general terms, the boundary includes the previous area of Del Norte, Humboldt and Trinity Counties and western Siskiyou County and the "new" area of the Napa Valley south to San Luis Obispo County and east.

Much has been said in various outlets and mediums over the last few months by individuals expressing opinions about the Club's recent change to the "65% let-off rule" (see below).  In all too many cases, half-truths, fallacies and/or omissions exist.  That is natural and to be expected; however, it has created a perpetuation of incorrect information and/or opinions about the meaning of the change.

In light of this, the Board of Directors felt it necessary to publicly share the Club's position on the change in the following position statement:  

"The Pope and Young Club membership made a change to the Records Program in November 2003 to recognize and honor some animals taken ethically with archery equipment that is legal in the applicable state/province, that were not being honored under the Club's previous rule.  The Pope and Young Club remains committed to the philosophy that reasonable equipment limitations are inherent to bowhunting and necessary to protect the primitive status of bowhunting.  Furthermore, the Club encourages state/provincial game agencies to enact reasonable equipment limitations to protect the primitive status of bowhunting. (2/25/04)"

Ballots for the election of officers and directors were sent to the membership during the first week in February.  The election concluded on March 1, 2004, with the ballots being counted.  The results of the election are as follows:

President:                  Donald Ace Morgan (Kearney, Nebraska)

1st Vice-President:    Stan Rauch (Victor, Montana)

2nd Vice-President:   Brian Scarnegie (Island Lake, Illinois)

Director:                    John "Jack" Frost, MD (Anchorage, Alaska)

Director:                    Andy Carpenter (Memphis, Tennessee)

Congratulations to those individuals who were elected as officers and directors.  In addition, a sincere and heartfelt thanks to all who had stepped forward offering to serve on the Board.

In an effort to "resolve" a very hotly debated and divisive issue, the Pope and Young Club's Board of Directors has been developing a possible compromise solution to the ongoing debate over the Club's well-known 65% let-off limit on compound bows.

A solution was finally adopted by the Board and forwarded to the Club's Regular Members and Senior Members (voting members) for a vote on a change to the Club's By-laws.  That vote concluded on Friday, November 14th, and the ballots have been tallied.  By a vote of 294-148, the membership passed the motion.

THE CHANGE

The proposal called for a change to the Records Program, whereby the Club would begin accepting entries harvested by compound bows that have let-off greater than 65% (provided they are legal, in the state/province where used, AND meet the Club's remaining definition of a hunting bow).  Any record book entry with a compound bow exceeding 65% in let-off will be listed with an asterisk (*) in the Records and in the record books.

The proposal also called for the production of a periodic, specialty book that would contain only animals harvested with "traditional" bows (recurve bows, longbows and self bows), in addition to them being listed in the all-time record books.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Effective January 1, 2004, the Club will begin accepting entries taken with compound bows that have let-off greater than 65%.

This change is retroactive, meaning that animals harvested in the past can now be submitted for possible acceptance into the Records.

The 65% value remains an important numerical "line," as any entry taken with a compound bow having percent let-off greater than that will be listed with an asterisk.  The Club's definition of let-off remains the same and is an important consideration when accurately completing the entry materials.  The Club's definition matches the A.M.O. standard method of measuring let-off.  It differs from the now-popular advertising definition of let-off, referred to as "effective" let-off.  This is a point all bowhunters need to be aware of---when completing the "Hunt Information Form" on the Fair Chase Affidavit, you need to list the A.M.O. standard let-off for animals taken with a compound bow.

A "traditional-only" record book is intended to be published in 2007, with subsequent editions published on a six-year cycle.  Those entries will remain in the all-time record books, as has always been the case.  The next all-time record book (which has been, and will continue to be, published on a six-year cycle) is due out in the spring of 2005.  The deadline for that book, the 6th Edition of "Bowhunting Big Game Records of North America," is 12/31/04.

In July the Pope and Young Club awarded a grant to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation in support of the landmark National Archery in Schools Program.

According to a report from KY Deputy Commissioner Roy Grimes, the NASP, which is being piloted in Kentucky, has been expanding rapidly.  In Kentucky, 190 schools have now been enrolled in the program, with 253 teachers certified to present the archery curriculum in the schools.

Alabama and Arizona piloted the program earlier this year, and 19 schools in Georgia have picked up the program already this fall.

Much of the Pope and Young Club grant was utilized in funding a workshop/training program in October, where DNR staff from Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois and Ohio were training, equipped and motivated to implement NASP in their respective areas.

The National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) is a school program developed according to National Physical Education Standards to teach target-style archery to students in the 4-12th grades.  For more information, visit http://www.kdfwr.state.ky.us.

The Club conducted a strategic planning session late this summer--a goal-setting effort to assist the Club in better serving its mission and its members.  The Board of Directors and ten members from throughout North America were invited to participate in the session at Club headquarters in Chatfield, Minnesota.

Through the two days of facilitated meetings, the group worked through various exercises discussing internal strengths, internal weaknesses, external opportunities, external threats, our constituency, and studying the components of the Club's mission.  The group then developed and discussed a list of possible goals for the organization and explored potential objectives for accomplishing such goals.

The Pope and Young Club's mission is "...to ensure bowhunting's existence for future generations."  Following the planning session, the Board of Directors approved the following nine topics as "Goals of the Pope and Young Club" for carrying out our mission:

• To remain financially stable and independent through aggressive and constant fundraising.
• To make the public aware of the Pope and Young Club's position on ethics, sportsmanship and bowhunting.
• To maintain the primitive status of bowhunting.
• To increase the awareness and appreciation of our heritage and history.
• To be recognized as the spokesman for bowhunting--politically and socially in North America.
• To have a membership that supports and promotes the Club's principles and programs.
• To maintain a scientific records keeping program of North American big game animals harvested with a bow and arrow under sportsmanlike conditions.
• To encourage, above all, adherence to a high standard of sportsmanship and ethics.
• To have an effective conservation program.

The Board then approved the formation of ad-hoc exploratory committees for each goal.  The committees will address and enhance possible objectives, formulate strategies and project potential results, timeframes and costs to accomplish these goals.

Presently, three exploratory committees are working on the topics of financial stability & fundraising; promotion & education; and membership.

The following new items of clothing and caps are available for purchase on the Club's web site:

• Camo Cap
• Two-tone Cap
• Leather Cap
• Dress Polo Shirt
• Dress Twill Shirt
• Polar Fleece Jacket

Place your order on the Merchandise Section of this web site or contact the Club's headquarters at (507) 867-4144.

The Board of Directors has approved the addition of two special projects/contributions to the Conservation Program budget for this year.

The Pope and Young Club is providing Sponsor Level support for the 7th Governor's Symposium on North America's Hunting Heritage.  This Governor's Symposium is being held December 3-6, 2003 in Houston, Texas, and is being hosted by Governor Rick Perry and the Texas Parks and Wildlife.  Building on the success of previous symposia, this event will focus on relevance, ethics, recruitment and retention in assuring the well being of hunting traditions for future generations.

The Club will be participating in a publication being commissioned by the National Wildlife Refuge System.  The NWR system is producing "America's Best Kept Secret", a publication celebrating the centennial of the Refuge System.  The book will detail the refuge system's history, its functions and diverse uses, of which hunting and fishing access is a major focus. The Pope and Young Club will have ad space featuring our mission and a message of congratulations.  The book will be released in March of 2004.  For more information on the 100th Anniversary of the NWR, visit http://www.nwrs100.com.

The Club has announced its Conservation Program Grants for the 2003-2004 fiscal year.  Grants, totaling $66,000 were awarded to projects and programs around North America, as well as Club activities, in areas of conservation education, wildlife management, research and partnerships.

Over the last five years alone, the Club has contributed more than $363,000 to conservation and pro-hunting projects throughout North America. The following programs/projects/partnerships are receiving grants:

• Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance
• Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
• Public Lands Access Study (partnership with CSF)
• Ballot Issues Coalition
• U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
• American Wildlife Conservation Partners
• Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program
• National Shooting Sports Foundation, public schools video series
• Judy Kovar's Heritage Program
• Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry Program
• International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
• National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial sponsorship
• Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation
• Orion the Hunter Institute
• Archery Hall of Fame
• Kentucky's National Archery in Schools Program
• University of Alberta - black bear research project
• South Dakota State Univ. - pronghorn research project
• Washington Roosevelt's elk research project
• Utah State University - mule deer nutrition research project
• Utah State University - mule deer mortality research project
• Take Pride in America Program

Released this spring, Bowhunting Records of North American Whitetail Deer, 2nd Edition, is a 616-page hardcover book listing more than 28,600 whitetail deer and Coues' deer entries from the Records archives.  Included are all entries accepted into the Records Program through January 1, 2003.

A must for any hunter's or whitetail deer enthusiast's personal library, the whitetail deer record book is designed as a handy, information-packed resource tool.  State and provincial listings are separated and ranked in numerical order by final score.  Scientific data gleaned from the scoring forms in the archives, including final score, length of main beams, inside spread, number of points, county where harvested, hunter's name, year taken, all-time rank and state rank, are given for each specimen listed.

The listings are enhanced with portrait photographs of the largest deer, typical and non-typical, for each state and province.  Also featured are dozens of quality field photos and entry density maps for each state.  Three chapters of editorial weaver an important theme for this book--whitetail deer are thriving, populations are exploding and bowhunting, and bowhunters, are keys components of the wildlife management solution, now and in the future.

For the first time anywhere, a CD of the records is included with this record book.  The CD contains a digital version of the whitetail deer record book (in .pdf format) as well as the records information in database format (Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access and comma delimited files).  Popularly sought-after and requested, this format allows users to personally sort the data fields at their choosing on their PC.  Copyright issues do not allow for the reproduction or dissemination of this information.  

Order your copy(s) today!  The book sells for $37.45 (including shipping) and can be ordered on this site in the Merchandise Section, or by phone at 507-867-4144, or by sending a check or money order to:  Pope and Young Club, Box 548, Chatfield, MN 55923.

The Boone and Crockett Club was the recipient of the 2003 Conservation Award.  With a unprecedented legacy of more than a century of leadership in the conservation community, the Boone and Crockett Club is a fitting recipient of this award.  Their recent activities have included, among other things, the formation of the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance and involvement in the formation of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners.  Accepting on behalf of the Boone and Crockett Club at the presentation during the Pope and Young Club's convention in May, were President Bob Model and Director of Big Game Records Jack Reneau.

The Hunters and Farmers Feeding the Hungry Program received the 2003 Stewardship Award.  This model program, spreading across the nation, has had remarkable success in expanding the venison feeding program concept, providing a valuable public service.  Accepting on behalf of FHFH, was C. J. Winand.

Refer to the Conservation Section for more information.

And the winners are...

The winning tickets were drawn at the Club's 23rd Biennium Convention in Madison, Wisconsin, on May 3rd.  Leonard Scarborough, from Pennsylvania, was the lucky winner of the all-expense paid moose/elk combo hunt grand prize.  Collin Weekly, from Minnesota, was the winner of the second prize, an all-expense paid caribou hunt in the Northwest Territories.   

The Club would like to again thank Barry Tompkins of Big Nine Outfitters and Bowhunting Safari Consultants for arranging the grand prize, and Gary Jaeb of True North Safaris for donating the second prize hunt for this conservation fund raising effort!

100% of the raffle proceeds will be used to perpetuate our bowhunting heritage and conservation of North America’s wildlife.

The Pope and Young Club has begun a campaign to heighten the awareness of the importance of adhering to a strong ethical code in hunting.  The above poster, featuring a father and son sharing an outdoor experience, stresses the importance of passing on principles of fair chase and ethics.

This year marks the Club's 40th Anniversary.  Throughout the past 40 years, the principles of fair chase and high ethical standards in bowhunting have been the basic foundations of the Club.  In celebration of this year's significant milestone, the Club is initiating this campaign to spread the message about the importance of ethics in a more pro-active fashion.

The text includes a quote by Aldo Leopold, from Sand County Almanac, "Voluntary adherence to an ethical code elevates the self-respect of the sportsman, but it should not be forgotten that voluntary disregard of the code degenerates and depraves him."  and a definition of Fair Chase--"Fair Chase is defined as the ethical, sportsmanlike and lawful pursuit of free-ranging wild game animals in a manner which does not give the hunter an improper or unfair advantage over the animal."

The poster was introduced at the Club's Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah, this spring, and in a recent Club newsletter.  It is now available to anyone interested in helping to spread this message.  

The posters, which are 22" x 28", are available for no cost (we do ask for $3.50 to cover shipping--no minimum or maximum quantity).  The intent of this project is simply to get this message out where it can be seen.  We are asking members, and anyone interested in helping, to place these posters in such places as archery shops, sportsmen's clubs, taxidermy shops, regional game agency offices, outfitting camps, etc.

To order, send your request and $3.50 for shipping to:  Pope and Young Club, Box 548, Chatfield, MN 55923.  Questions can be directed to:  (507) 867-4144.