I've been involved in the Traditional Bowhunting community for over 25 years now, and have always been impressed with the quality and character of the people with whom I have crossed paths.  Oh, there have been a few scoundrels, but they tend not to stick around for very long!  It  has been a privilege to be a part of a "fraternity" like this, and it has been humbling to watch and participate as people have stepped up, over and over, to support and give in all kinds of circumstances.

The St. Jude's auction, people suffering from theft, fire, illness, or loss of loved ones... in a wide range range of situations, I've seen kindness and generosity displayed by a group that many these days would see only as "cold blooded killers" but I know as Kind-hearted... "Softies"... Friends!

This week, my family was the recipient of a wonderful gift from a group of some of the members here on Trad Gang. Every few months, a semi-secret society of great guys on the Gang called TGMM offers a giveaway drawing for a kid's bow and arrow set to help get the next generation going in our favorite sport.

For quite a while, I had entered my grandkids in the drawings when they were offered.  Their names didn't get drawn, but it was always a privilege to congratulate the winners and thank the TGMM members who made it possible.

THIS TIME, though, my youngest grandson had his name drawn by Eva, the daughter of TGMM giveaway wrangler "Woodpuppy", and last week, a much-anticipated package arrived from Mike of Maddog Bows!

As you'll see from the pictures, Abe is still a little guy, but along with his two older sisters he will be getting a LOT of good, a LOT of fun, and a LOT of education (like safety and sharing!) out of this beautiful little bow. 

The package included a Maddog "Pup" R/D longbow with white glass and a laminated riser so nicely crafted that I thought was black and white ebony at first glance!  It is a beauty, 48" in length and 23#@26" (when their arms get long enough to pull it that far!).  There was also an armguard, a finger tab, and four crested kids arrows that I am trying to find some rubber blunts for to start out with.  I also have two dozen additional 1/4" kids arrows I have tracked down, so that ought to keep them  going... for at least the first afternoon!   

The purpose of this long post is three fold: 
1. To say "THANK YOU!" to the TGMM crew and Mike for the work they do and the generosity this illustrates.  Abe, Clara, Dinah, and their Daddy and Mommy (and Grandpa!) will never forget what you did for us.
2. To encourage any of you who have kids, grandkids, or young friends you'd like to get involved in archery to keep an eye peeled for the next giveaway TGMM does on the Z Giveaways Trad Gang forum.
3.  To thank the other "Crusty Old Bowhunters" for the heart and kindness shown in so many other situations, and challenge us all to never quit being such a special community and "family".

A picture of Abe and his first time holding a bow that will come to mean a lot to him!
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Abe, Dinah, Clara, and Daddy all thrilled with the package that came from TGMM and Maddog Archery on Abe's Lucky Day
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Here is the thread about the last giveaway, if you want to follow how it gets done: http://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=163597.0

Thanks SO much!

Daryl

Had trouble with uploading pics.  Here is the one of Abe smiling with his new friend-to-be:

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OMG..

Too cute:)

Great pics, congrats

 

Awesome stuff!

   

Awesome! He'll love it! Bet his sisters will too.

Couldn't have gone to a better family.  Daryl is as good as they come!

Top notch...

,,Sam,,

 

Bisch

 

  very nice!!

That's awesome

Congratulations on winning the bow. Your little one seems to be young enough that, if you start teaching him to pick a spot, he will master the concept by the time he begins to hunt.

You are also quite right that the Trad Gang community is truly concerned about the well being of fellow trad shooters. This truly a great group of people, and it is a privilege to be associated with them.

Darryl, how in the world could Ben have (3) children?  You are blessed in many ways my friend!

Quote from: Mighty Big Country on October 16, 2018, 10:27:02 AM
Darryl, how in the world could Ben have (3) children?  You are blessed in many ways my friend!

Mark, by this point in life, I really shouldn't have to explain THAT to you!    Yes, our little boy, who it seems was Abe's size just a blink of an eye ago, is 29 and has a beautiful family.  We are blessed, indeed!

Quote from: Biathlonman on October 15, 2018, 08:52:30 PM
Couldn't have gone to a better family.  Daryl is as good as they come!

Brad, thanks for the kind thought.  It's just a good thing you didn't get to know me any better during our time chasing bears!    (By the way, a full year later, my shoulder is finally healed up and I can draw a bow without it bringing tears to my eyes!)

Congrats!  My son Jack won the 4th of July drawing this year.  He talks about his bow at least once a day!  Such a wonderful program.