Hey everyone. It finally happened today! After what seemed forever of my son asking questions, watching, being curious, and turning down almost daily offers to go shooting, he walks up to me this afternoon and says, "Dad, can I go shoot my bow?"

Well, I must say, after encouraging him everyway I could, he finally surprised old DAD and up and became interested.

About 6 months ago, Droptine59 gave my son a bow to use, but it was just a bit too heavy for him to draw. I came across a York Crest 66" 31# about 5 weeks ago and snagged it up for myself because it was gorgeous. It had a slight twist in the limb (which Droptine quickly straightened, and added a new flemish string) and when I got it home the boy said, "That looks like a bow for me Dad, can I try to pull it back?". Well I immediately strung it up, and he proceeded to practice his draw. He can pull it back, and mighty fine I might add.

When he came to me today and asked to shoot it, I couldn't get my shoes on fast enough! Out the door we went. I shot three arrows with him watching three different points on me so he could see what to do. I gave it to him, knocked an arrow for him, and discovered that my boy is a natural! He sunk 'em right in there. I was blown away. He had never released an arrow in his life before today, and I am one proud Papa. He is so excited with it he can't believe he hasn't tried it sooner. He didn't want to quit even after his poor little arms were shaking so bad he could barely hold the bow up.

I am pumped! Please welcome my son to the world of archery with me. The first pic are the 6th through 10th arrows of his life at ten yards. The rest are of him and HIS bow.

(Please bare with me on the pics, This is my first attempt at posting pics here)

 
 
 

Of course I had to throw one in of myself with HIS bow.

Looks like he's got pretty good form. Keep him at it. Take him stumpin next and he'll really be hooked. Congrats

THATS AWESOME!!! Can't wait to get my son interested in shooting. And he's only 4 months old!!!

Wow you think your son could teach me how too shoot?    Looks like a natural congrats I know that puts the warm fuzzies in your chest.

Did you say HE was excited lol. Good for and your boy. Alan

Raineman,
    My son and I started shooting together as soon as he was old enough to hold up a little green plastic bow I got for him at the toy counter. He's a senior in high school this year and we still shoot together. The high point of his life was when he beat me at a 3D match. Of course it made me feel pretty good too.
  I guess I've done him irreparable harm by being "friends" with him but some times I just can't help myself.
  You guys look like you'll have many happy hours together. Congratulations!

  Rusty <><

VERY nice. Congrats  

Yea, little excited here. Had to tell someone, I figured what better place. Thanks everyone for letting me share it. Few more pics. (By the way, he likes the pictures on the home page here. You know, the Bob Lees. What have I done?)

Congrats to both.His form looks better than mine.Groups are better too.

Three under, same as me, except he shoots better than me!! Keep up the good work Raineman!

Jim,
I am misty eyed. No really. I got your message during the banquet last night. It stunk by the way...my wife was asleep 30 minutes into it.
Anyway, You know you and Tristan are more than welcome to use my range anytime.
He and his generation are the future of our sport. Introduce him to Fred bear, Howard Hill, etc. those where the pioneers of our sport and the last of the gentleman archers.
Patience is a virtue. Out of 5 children, my youngest "Jake" did not gravitate to the bow until he was about 12 (same as your son?).
My 3 other boys and daughter had been in the woods with me since they where 6. He for some reason was just not into it like his siblings..and that is ok.(my advice to parents...let them come to you. so long as you are consiistant in having the "visual" influencve there.. they will either come or ...not. It is their choice.
Great job Jim. I am proud. The wife is dragging me to the movies today ..so use the range if ya want.
here is a pic of my son Jake and I stump shooting 6 years ago. He kicked my butt first outing. ..chip off the ole block. at 18 now...well his mind is occupied.. with 2 legged deer. He will come back to it when he gets married..LOL

59 very cool bud!!!!!!!!!