Volume 1, Number 1, Page 2
From the Publisher
Welcome
You have just entered a world that has never before been explored. Dedicated to Alberta archers, BOWBENDER MAGAZINE explores the many opportunities available to the Alberta archery enthusiast. It is written for, by and about local archers and provides information for the veteran as well as the beginner.
A wealth of knowledge and experience can be gained by Albertans by reading stories about New Jersey Whitetails, Colorado Mulies, Idaho Elk, Maine Bruins, Alaskan Dalls, and Georgian Gobblers in American archery publications. The American archery scene is well represented and extensively covered in as many formats as there are authors, but barring the occasional article, Albertans have had precious little local archery material available to them ... until now! The number of individuals becoming involved in this fraternity is increasing at a remarkable rate and deserve local, objective information. BOWBENDER marks a crossroad in the Alberta archery scene. It is making its debut at a time when marked alterations to Alberta's bowhunting regulations have been completed. The U.S.S.R. hosted the Silver Arrow competition in May, and was attended by an accomplished Alberta archer. The 1984 Summer Olympics, at the time of this writing, are just around the corner, in which the Canadian archery team is comprised of three individual archers. The tremendous growth and development of archery clubs and retailers reflects the avid interest in this sport. The number of bowhunting stamps purchased has increased steadily from 3273 in the '79/'80 season, to 6842 in the '83/'84 season. The dedication of individual archers has resulted in excellent performances in international tournaments. Along with this increase in Alberta archers come some growing pains to the sport in general. There will be those who need direction and help in choosing and handling their equipment. Those |
engaging in their first competition may not be familiar with the rules and procedures, and will benefit from the patience and guidance of the more experienced. Sportsmen who are turning to the bow and arrow in search of challenge or additional opportunity to spend time in the house of Mother Nature may need to be impressed with the virtue of patience and respect for their quarry and others. We owe it to ourselves and to our fellow archers to take the time required to assist where possible.
The intent of BOWBENDER MAGAZINE is to promote the sport of archery in Alberta and at the same time, portray a healthy image and attitude of local bowbenders. Several columns will appear regularly and more will be added as we progress. The column "Equipment 'N Stuff" will discuss such topics as bow types, arrows, release aids; items that have been on the market for years as well as new products only recently available. "Officially Yours", a message from our Wildlife Management Officials, is intended to promote a better understanding and awareness of wildlife management. I am very please with the content of the inaugural issue of BOWBENDER. We have attracted some very well-known Alberta authors, Russell Thornberry and Dave Richardson, as well as others equally prominent in the archery scene, Fred Walker and Ken Nowicki. Russell Thornberry has put together an article on the Alberta White-tailed Deer, which is in keeping with his tradition of excellent writing. The romanticism of traditional archery and the longbow is eloquently explored in the article by Dave Richardson. Fred Walker analytically discusses the history of competitive archery as well as Alberta's archery beginnings. Angling with archery equipment is introduced in BOWBENDER MAGAZINE by Ken Nowicki. We are please to cover the Canadian Olympic Archery Team Trials, and several other articles of general interest are included. |
We invitie all clubs to participate in our "Club Reports", which will include a calendar of events in future issues.
Articles about bowhunting will form part of our editorial as will pieces covering aspects of competitive archery. As such, we welcome any submissions for publication, and recommend that you write for our Editorial/Photography Guildlines to assist you in this endeavor. Regular general interest stories about Alberta flora and fauna may help improve your enjoyment while travelling around our fair province; each issue will include a description of a bowhunting zone. In the future we plan to include articles on camping and personal experiences of individuals and groups of archers. The response from manufacturers and retailers advertising their products and services has been very gratifying. Without their support and confidence, this magazine, and the information contained in it, could never have been offered for the enjoyment and benefit of the Alberta archer. Therefore, I urge you, the reader, to take special note of the products offered by our advertisers. With all of this, we are confident that BOWBENDER will contain something of interest for every archer and outdoor enthusiast in Alberta. It can act as a directory and information tool for the individual clubs throughout the province. It offers entertaining reading for the competitive archer, bowhunter, and butt-puncher. It provides information to assist the novice in getting started, as well as helpful hints and other opportunities for the experienced archer. The staff at BOWBENDER welcomes you and invites you to become involved in our magazine. Letters, suggestions, tips and information will be greatly appreciated at our office, and will help develop this magazine into a publication that covers the Alberta archery scene. As you read the following pages, we trust you will enjoy BOWBENDER MAGAZINE. Bill Windsor
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The content of this article is an unedited archive of the original published in Bowbender Magazine's Volume 1, Number 1 in 1984.