2007 Future of Bowfishing Youth Tournament

The Second Annual Future of Bowfishing Youth Tournament held this past May 12 was an overall success. The tournament kicked off from the Rough River Lake State Lodge Beach Pavilion with plenty of elbowroom and parking. The accommodations were great and the park staff was simply the best. Although it got a little warm that afternoon the weather was about as good as you could hope for. If you’re not “schooled” in bowfishing most tournaments are held at night and last all night but with the number of youth involved and considering the safety aspect, this one was held during the day. Of course generators and lights were not needed but “polarized” sunglasses were a must. At night with lights most fish will show up “whitish” but during the day with polarized glasses that cut out the glare off the water the fish will be a “grayish” in color. The last count I had was 34 children in three different age groups had signed up for the tournament, which was a significant increase from last year. The children were divided into three age groups. The first was boys & girls 9 and under, then boys & girls 10, 11, & 12, and finally boys and girls 13, 14, & 15.

The fish were divided into three categories with three places each by weight. Largest carp, largest gar, and largest rough fish; which could be buffalo, drum, catfish, or shad. In addition to this there were overall tournament prizes given to the smallest and largest fish in each category.

The names of each child and the weights of their individual fish are far to numerous to mention so I won’t attempt it. I can say they all came back to the pavilion sunburned, happy and hungry. (At least according to the number of hotdogs they ate.) I’m sure they all had a good time even though the fish were hard to find and even harder to hit and I hope at least some of them will enjoy outdoor sports for many years to come. I would like to mention the three overall tournament champions as determined by the combined weight of all three fish categories. First place; Nick Adams, second place; Brook Pearson, third place; Devin Hardy. I would like to personally congratulate all three of these young people, especially Brook Pearson. Like it or not guys, girls can bowfish too and in this particular tournament do it quite well. As Brooks name was called and she came forward to receive her trophy one of her supporters yelled out, ”That’s what you get when you stay with it Brook!” The young lady displayed a great deal of determination and poise and it paid off. Likewise, I would like to recognize Meade County resident and long-time bowfisherman Darin Barr. Darin along with many other bowfishermen donated the use of their boats, their time and expertise to make this tournament a success. In Darin’s case he was Brook Pearson’s guide and coach. Not a big deal you say. Well it’s not until you realize that Brook had never shot a bowfishing bow before the day of the tournament and Darin coached her to second place. Give yourself a pat on the back Darin.

The complete list of sponsors is far to long for me to mention without the danger of forgetting someone. I would just like to say, thank you all. The prizes donated were so numerous that no child left the tournament empty handed whether they placed or not or even if they boated a fish or not. The prizes ranged from new bows to gar scale necklaces, from hats and shirts, to stickers and videos. They all left with something and they are all winners to me. Similarly, the list of individuals who donated their time and resources are very lengthy and I would just like to thank them as well. I would like to thank Mr. McCoy, the Meade County Vocational School Welding instructor, and his students for donating their time and materials to build a bowfishing platform so the kids could shoot in the bowfishing 3-D contest. Also thanks to Mr. “Legs” for his primitive arms display and demonstration. Lastly to Mark and Keven Embry from the George Rogers Clark Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for their time, door prize, and display.

The Future of Bowfishing Youth Tournament and the Passing On The Tradition Support Group were both created by local Meade County resident and 45-year bowfisherman Dan Richeson, or Mr. Dan as I call him. He has worked tirelessly to get these two concepts off the ground and I support him and his efforts of offering youths a healthy alternative to today’s sedentary unsupervised lifestyle. If you would like to help sponsor or make a donation to next years Future of Bowfishing Youth Tournament or contribute to the Passing On The Traditions Support Group please contact Mr. Dan at 270-668-9253. He is also a regular contributor on www.bowfishingstuff.com. If you would like to see some pictures of the tournament check the previous website or check www.kyhuntnfish.com. Once again, thanks everyone.