Myself and a couple buddies are going to head to this years Compton Rendezvous in June. None of us have been there and we are coming from central WI. I'm wondering what its like? I'm sure the courses are great. Wondering about the lineup of bow dealers and custom bow makers? Who usually shows up? My buddies are in the market, but want to try try some different bows out from different makers. They are both in there first year of trad shooting and are looking to upgrade from Samicks. We will probly only be able to stay Friday since we work Saturday and we want to cram as much of the experience into it as we can.

Myself and a couple buddies are going to head to this years Compton Rendezvous in June. None of us have been there and we are coming from central WI. I'm wondering what its like? I'm sure the courses are great. Wondering about the lineup of bow dealers and custom bow makers? Who usually shows up? My buddies are in the market, but want to try try some different bows out from different makers. They are both in there first year of trad shooting and are looking to upgrade from Samicks. We will probly only be able to stay Friday since we work Saturday and we want to cram as much of the experience into it as we can.

You guys will be like hungry kids in a candy store. Skeet

1,000s of new and used. and you can shoot them all

You'll call in sick on Saturday

Thinking of heading there myself...'nother Cheesehead.

I've camped at Puckaway!

This cheesehead will be heading over from the Waterford area - can't wait.

At the risk of being a downer....

I and several friends were regulars at Compton for years -- there were years when we had as many as twenty or thirty adults and kids in our "compound." In the beginning, the event was filled with vendors, the campground was filled, and the host club went out of its way to make folks feel welcome. Over the years, however, much of that deteriorated. The last time we attended was 2013 -- we all skipped Compton in 2014.

Folks in my group made several comments about the event in explaining why they finally chose not to attend last year, and probably never again as long as it is hosted at Berrien Springs. While I cannot say if their complaints reflect the whole truth of the situation, the comments certainly reflect THIER feeling about the event gathered from years of their personal experience.

In 2013 there were probably half or fewer vendors than past years -- the giant circus tent was more than half empty, and the outside space had the least number of vendors than ever. There used to be big-name bowyers from all over the country (Ron King/Fox Archery from Oregon, Ben Graham/Hummingbird from N. Carolina, for example), but now it tends to be a few local folks, or commercial dealers like Martin and Black Widow. That same summer, there were probably fewer than half the campers than in previous years -- I remember when it was difficult to find a camping place on Friday, but in 2013 the place felt pretty vacant all weekend. Many in my group complained that the host club put increasing limitations on "family fun" -- prohibiting swimming in the river, for example. At the same time, the host club kept raising prices for camping and shooting, especially for families. For one reason or another, the novelty shoots deteriorated -- Old Sagamore's turkey shoot disappeared, and the arial target novelty was decidedly sub-par in comparison with previous years. Others in my group mentioned that the quality of the targets was pretty bad -- I know that I blew through several cores with my 40# longbow. This may be something beyond anyone's control, but friends simply got bored with the same, wholly predictable target layout year after year after year -- and they felt that the courses were simply too easy to warrant driving the distance and spending the money to shoot the same "gimme" course more than once.

Sadly, I believe the best years of this Compton shoot are over -- and have been for at least four or five years. I applaud the Compton folks for sponsoring the event, but there seems to be a rift between them and the host club and participants that has eroded its overall quality. I bid Compton well, as I believe it is a good organization, but I hope they explore ways to re-invigorate their event....

Vendor count seemed to be down the last couple of years at the Compton rendezvous--don't know if indeed that was the case but it seemed that way, but there are still a lot of them. The shooting ranges are only so-so. Four of them--about 15 targets each maybe, no imagination in set-up such as they have at Cloverdale where every target set is a neat scenario--over 200 target animals to create 50 shot set-ups. I feel that there have been plenty of bowyers at Comptons the last two years that I have been going but as Trillium stated, fewer of the big names. I'm not sure the prohibition of swimming in the river is the doing of Comptons or the Berrien Springs Sportsmans club. I can understand from a liability stand point why that may not be allowed. All of the formerly great shoots seem to be struggling these days. I went to Denton Hill last year after several years absence and found the vendors had changed tremendously--still lots of them but many of the better known bowyers were no longer there and there were more non-archery things like wooden bowls, jewelry, etc. I think it may be due to the state of PA forcing them to register and collect sales taxes. Cloverdale still has the absolutely best 3D range I have ever been on but vendor count is down there too--partly I think due to Comptons being the very next weekend and not very far away. Many vendors don't want to make the trip to that part of the country twice so close together and don't want to have to spend a week hanging out in the area I guess. I've never been able to figure out why Comptons decided to host their event so close to Cloverdale and one week apart. It had an immediate impact on the Cloverdale Traditional Archery Nationals--a great shoot for many years and the one I will pick over Comptons if I have to choose just one in that time frame.

That being said, I enjoy the Compton shoot and the organization makes an effort to put on a fine event--lots of kids' events and youth shooting even under the lights at night. All the Compton folks knock themselves out to do a good event. I think you will enjoy it. If you want some good food--especially Mexican--try the Mark III restaurant up the highway a few miles from the shoot. :o)

In response to the last couple of posts, we no longer allow swimming in the river because we had a near drowning a couple of years ago because some youth were not supervised and got swept away in the current. Also due to fishing in the river there are 100's of lures lost in the river that cause a safety hazzard. As far as blowing through the cores of the targets, we have never had anyone go through the cores. We have had several shoot too high and go through the thin top portion of some of the small targets. We will try to make the shots more difficult but we get complaints that way that they are too hard. As far as cost, we have a family shooting price and we have never charged youth 16 and under to shoot. I'm sure you won't find that at any other shoot. The cost to shoot for Comptons members is the same as it was 15 years ago while all of our costs have more than doubled over that same time period. We try very hard to make this event fun and affordable for all who attend.

It seems comments like these would be better served in a PM to the organizer of the event. It doesn't help attendance or vendor participation with posting negative comments. Unless you have already contacted the organization with no resultsf

The economy has been bad for a while and gas prices were high. This year the economy is somewhat better and gas prices are a lot less. This year could be better than the previous 4 or 5 years. Skeet

I live in ne Wi. and i will be there with a few friends, we had a great time last year. I have been going since Great Lakes Longbow Invitational was held there, a long time, and i have never been disappointed, dealers were down last year, but gas was $4.00 agallon, and that has alot to do with it i think. As far as the club, ive always thought they did an outstanding job, as Comptons does, it takes alot of work to put a shoot like this on, i cant wait till june. I would love to meet some of you fellas from Wi. when we are there. Dave

This event is great and have been going for years even before we were vendors. The vendors their are some of the best out there. A list wont be compiled for a month or so Vendor registrations are just due in now.

Does Cloverdale have a kids event that gives each kid a great prize?

Dave...also from Wisconsin...I've never been to Comptons, but am considering going this year.

I like the idea of meeting other Cheeseheads, and have had an "invite" to meet two other gents there.

Maybe an effort could be put forth as to where/how to gather? Just a thought, but that would be fun.

I think you will find the Comptons shoot is great and I think you will enjoy it ! Jim :>)

I have gone every year since the start. I was there last year and had as good a time as usual. I think if there was a dip in vendors or attendance it was not that noticable. I will sure be there again in 2015 lord willing.

Our group looks forward to this event every year. Also I can't compliment the host club and their volunteers enough for the job they do.

Bill

We will be there. I was just wondering how it was. We all took vacation days (Thursday Friday) was all we could get, So we have to pack it in on Friday. It will be 5 hours for us driving. I could spend the day shooting the courses, but I know my buddies are looking for custom bowyers to try some products. They are both new to traditional. Whether the numbers are up or down, we will make the most of it. I hope to see you guys there!

I don't know about comptons or cloverdale but I have never missed Denton Hill. I go to be with my buddies. I have noticed the vendors change over the years.. I think it has more to do with online sales. It's cheaper for them to sell online than to drive and pay for a booth. Some of the vendors I have talked to say that most of the people at these shoots are just tire kickers anyway. As for the sales tax the state makes them pay the jewelry and bowl makers have to pay it too. I don't go for the bows and merchandise or to even shoot. I can shoot at home. I go to camp with my NJ buddies. Look forward to that week every year.

I've never been to Compton...question: What sort of terrain? Rocky? Hilly? General footing?

Reason I ask, I'm 12 weeks into knee replacement, and will be around 6 months by the shoot time. I took my first, short, woods trek over the weekend and was surprised at how difficult the footing was.

Doc said 6 months to a year for 100% recovery, so I should be OK. BUT...hills will most likely prove problematic for the rest of my days...down worse than up.

Monday was my first day back to work, and I was whupped!!! Only working 7 hours this week, but the shop's doing 60 hour work weeks. Been a long road back.

Rick none of the ranges are steep or difficult, footing is good, but a couple you should have no trouble at all due to the fact that they are pretty flat--especially the range that begins right behind the vendor area.

I too have been driving to compton the last five years and hopefully again this year (got a niece getting mamarried on Saturday ) As a member of Comptons my son and I look forward to it each year. We leave at 3:00am from the Madison area and get there to shoot on Friday morning. Attendance does vary from year to year but the agenda differs. Herb

Last year the club bought a new thrower for aerial targets and the response was exceptional. The kids lined up to shoot it well into the night.

Rick , sounds like a good idea to me, we will have to figure something out. i will say a couple of us are considering going to Coon Rapids shoot this year, as we have never been there and have been to Comptons many times, and they are the same weekend. once we decide i will let you know. Dave

Plan to attend this year as part of the Broadhead Collectors Club. Will spend most of my time trying to trade for vintage broadheads to add to my modest collection

I've attended the last several years and this will be my first as a board member of CTB. I quickly learned at my first board of directors meeting just how much preparation goes into sponsoring and hosting an event of this scale, not to mention the expense, manhours, etc. As always, it should be a great event and fingers crossed, the weather holds true! Look forward to seeing everyone there and hope that everyone enjoys themselves. Oh, and as someone posted earlier, the vendor list will still be about a month out.

Thanks Dave...what Wisconsin shoots do you attend?

Any word on vendors?

The biggest reason vendors don't return to shoots is because they are not selling enough merchandise to recover their costs in attending and it does not make financial sense for them to continue to be there. Some attendees complain about a decrease in the number of vendors but the same complainers never buy anything. One interesting observation is that many attendees of the Compton's shoot come year after year but refuse to support Compton's by joining as a member. If you are not going to support the vendors and are not going to support Compton's then you really have nothing to complain about.

I don't go to Comptons to shoot but I go to shop and visit. I don't care for the idea that the folks in charge of the park charge an entrance fee to go in and shop.

What does the Comptons club have to offer to be a member?

"I don't go to Comptons to shoot but I go to shop and visit. I don't care for the idea that the folks in charge of the park charge an entrance fee to go in and shop."

It costs money and requires a lot of staffing to put on a big show and shoot like this. In addition it takes nice facilities to host the event. Barrien Springs Sportsmen's Club has the right to ask for money for anyone to enter. Why else would they volunteer their facilities to another organization and provide much of the manpower to run the event?

"What does the Comptons club have to offer to be a member?"

How about the opportunity to visit an event like this such as you have been doing. You obviously consider it worthwhile to travel and take time from your day to attend. Compton does a lot of stuff to promote archery to kids. Members receive a quarterly magazine in addition to the opportunity to attend events such as this shoot.

Is there a web site for comptons?

And you don't need to be a member to attend this event.

I am a member of several clubs and real active in one that puts on a shoot and only charges shooting fees for the whole weekend, shoot as much as you want on two differant courses. No vendor fees and no park entry fees. The club picks up the tab for the members. Kind of a give back to the membership thank you.

Now I understand shoots cannot be put on for free but maybe Compton could find another location that doesn't charge entry fees. That may be a draw for attendees, and a nice thank you to its members.

Why anyone would expect a club such as Berrien Springs Sportsman's Club to host this event at no charge is beyond me! They rent the nicest portable toilets I have ever seen at any event I have attended, provide shower facilities, the space for all of the activities, use of their buildings and utilities, volunteers to help with the event, etc, and ought to do it free gratis? Seriously???

As far as what Comptons has to offer members is the opportunity for fellowship with a host of like-minded people, an excellent magazine, a strong voice for traditional archery, a great program of kids' events all week end (and help throughout the year with equipment to help youth archery events that members are involved with), fine seminars, interesting campfire discussions, a record keeping system that recognizes the true score of an animal and also takes into consideration the level of difficulty of the method and equipment used in the taking of that animal. And one more thing....an opportunity to give something back to the sport we love by supporting their programs.

here is the current list of vendors there is always a few more that book late that are not on list. if have never been before you won't regret going. 3 Rivers Archery Ace Archery Al Duckworth Arrow Fix Bear Archery Big Jim's Bow Company Christian Bowhunters of America Compton Traditional Bowhunters Da Wool Lady Diane Nicolaou Dwyer Longbows Foley Custom Bows Great Northern Bows Great Northern Quivers Greybarr Traditional Hunters Image Jack Paluh Kim Sha Archery Kustom King Little Crow Custom Bows Lost Nation Norm's Used Archery Northern Mist Longbows Okaw Valley Bows OMC Bowyer Supply Outdoor Lines Owl Bows Poison Dart Bows Pope & Young Club Raccoon Forge Ray Koehler River Raisin Bows Rock Pile Farms Selway Archery St. Joe River Bows Stringshot Archery The Nocking Point Thunderbird Traditional Archery Trad Archers World Traditional Bowhunters Magazine True North Arrows True South Adventures Wade Phillips Wild Horse Creek Bows Wild Things

Dave I guess that was directed at me so I will explain why I don't think they should charge a guy to shop. Because that is all some want to do, shop. Not shower and not shoot. Just spend a few dollars and leave. To me its like charging someone to enter a store before they spend money. Now if I was going to camp, shoot, spend the weekend, use all the facilities that you mentioned, of course a fee should be imposed.

I am sure fees are collected from vendors, the Comptons club for rent and if I remember right the club gets a fee per archer that signs up and shoots. They can charge all they want I guess.

I have attended for many years, camping, paying for the grandkids to shoot, buying their lunches etc. They didn't have the shower trailer there until the last year I attended so I know what is available. I also know that attendance has been decreasing every year, shooters down, vendors down. Just maybe more folks who want to support the fine group of vendors would show up to spend some money with them would do so if they didn't have to pay a parking fee.

Sounds like you would like everyone to support Comptons, why isn't it mandatory to be a member to shoot at a Comptons event.

Jon, I think everyone should choose if they want to join the group or not after learning what the organization stands for. Being able to attend and participate before joining is a good way to help folks decide if it is for them so I'm glad nobody has to be a member to attend the event.

You do raise a valid point regarding just attending to shop and support the vendors. I guess what many event sponsors have found is that it is hard to enforce that--people being as we often are :o). At ETAR at Denton Hill as I recall they also charge an entry fee if you want to only browse and shop. It is less than the fee for the camping and shooting however--about $5 as I recall but memory does not serve me well now at times. I do understand what you are saying and I'm not sure how it could be done--maybe smarter minds than mine can figure that out. Maybe it could ne as simple as different colored wrist bands for those who just want to shop. That being said, though I am a member, even if I were not I would be happy to pay something to be able to visit an event like the rendezvous where I could find so many dealers and vendors in one place with so much traditional archery stuff. Where I live, like most of us, if it were not for these events I would not be able to see and handle the things I need/want ,and would be stuck ordering on-line. These events are where I stock up. Heck, for me it is better entertainment than going to the movies!

As for vendor attendance and shooter attendance, it seems to be the trend at most of the better shoots and rendezvous. Cloverdale has sure experienced that in recent years--in large measure, I think, due to the Compton event being right on the heels of Cloverdale and in the same general part of the country. Most vendors and probably shooters as well cannot attend both. I have never understood that planning. I am sure there are a number of factors that enter into that situation--time, expense, number of events going on around the country, etc.

Compton doesn't charge a fee to come to their event. The Sportsman club does and it is not really expensive, for the day or the week-end.

I think that you get more for a couple bucks than you do for $100 to sit in the cold and watch a football game . I like football ,but I'd rather watch it from a warm cozy area.

As stated before , the complainers are the non-supporters and for the most part are the ones that throw their soda cans and candy wrapers all over the place,don't clean up the facility after their shower and are in general, inconsiderate of others and their space. Could this be YOU ?

As some have mentioned, there is a lot going on other than the 3-D shoot that costs either Compton's or Barrien Springs Sportsmen's Club money. Let's also not forget that this event is a major fund raiser for both organizations. Both do a lot of worthwhile things with their monies like Compton's promotion of traditional archery with kids. There are plenty of "freebies" for non-shooters like seminars and the free chili/hot dog supper on Friday evening. You are not able to go to the Traditional Expo in January and shop for free so why should the Compton's weekend be any different? Fact is, most guys spend more in gasoline to travel to Barrien Springs and will spend more for lunch than they will for the price of admission. All in all it is a pretty cheap day of entertainment regardless whether you are there for the 3-D shoot, to shop with vendors, or visit with friends.

Last year was the first time I was able to attend and it was very very nice. That club and it's membmers/volunteers were outstanding, can't say enough about them. Top to bottom a first class operation. Coarses/targets were very nice, great breakfast offered every morning, the restrooms and showers were conveniently placed and always clean, stocked and well maintained. It's an event, of course you pay to get in, no different than a gun show or the county fair. Hope to see some of there this year.

Guess is was wish full thinking that us retired guys on a fixed income could attend these events and catch a break. I have been to more archery shoots than most ten people you can put together. Been going to them (with my parents of course) since the late 50's and camping at most. So I have attended a few and still go to two or three a year. This is the only one that charges an entry fee (that I go to or used to go to). I camped at Compton and I set up with another guy as a vendor. I have about done it all.

Never said it was a bad event or had a bad time. Always had a good time. And Mr Griz I am not the guy that complains, eats a snickers and drinks a pop and tosses garbage on the ground and walks away. I am the guy that picks up after folks. My folks and the Marines taught me how to field day an area that I park in and camp at.

I was thinking out loud that it would be nice to get in, walk around and doing a little shopping, do some visiting after dropping $75.00 on gas and food.

I remember the working stiff days of buying out of Cabela's catalog and going to all the shoots that I could but unfortunately those days are long gone and coming to a close.

Not sure it was mentioned yet but I found a vendors list on the Compton Facebook page. I don't have a Facebook account but had no problems finding and viewing the list.

I would have a hard time going to an event for just one day, but I understand responsibilities. If nothing much has changed from last year, there should be an ample amount of vendors to visit with. Everything you could want will be there somewhere.

It is a great time and you will love it...as long as you bring some mosquito spray :) .

See ya there, BigJIm

"...as long as you bring some mosquito spray." Good point, Jim! They can be a real nuisance.

I can understand not swimming that river. I spend a lot of time fishing around the Sportsman's Club. There's a lot of current & the lures lost there are enormous. Not to mention the river level can change very quick. I hope to make it this year. I know gas prices have kept me away before.

I was just checking out the agenda - what is the "bow skirmish"? I could guess but I'll just turn to the wisdom of the Leatherwall!

I can't wait!!!

For those who are concerned about the cost to enter the grounds and shop....

My wife and I have been to Denton Hill (ETAR) a number of times and we were always charged a fee simply to walk in and visit the vendors. We didn't think it was a big deal.

My wife and I attend a number of summer events (not bow related) and there is always a fee simply to walk in and spend money with vendors. We don't think it's a big deal.

If you walk in to Compton and think you shouldn't have to pay to visit the vendors, does that mean you won't be using the toilets...the water...or otherwise utilizing the property which costs money to keep and maintain? Insurance costs? Money is partly responsible for making these events worthwhile to vendors and club members. Agree or not, one measurement of success is the number of zeros in the final tally.

Here is the current list of vendors. There is always a few more that book late that are not on list. if have never been before you won't regret going. 3 Rivers Archery, Ace Archery, Al Duckworth, Arrow Fix, Bear Archery, Big Jim's Bow Company, Christian Bowhunters of America, Compton Traditional Bowhunters, Da Wool Lady, Diane Nicolaou, Dwyer Longbows, Foley Custom Bows, Great Northern Bows, Great Northern Quivers, Greybarr Traditional, Hunters Image, Jack Paluh, Kim Sha Archery, Kustom King, Little Crow Custom Bows, Lost Nation, Norm's Used Archery, Northern Mist Longbows,, Okaw Valley Bows, OMC Bowyer Supply, Outdoor Lines, Owl Bows, Poison Dart Bows, Pope & Young Club, Raccoon Forge Ray, Koehler, River Raisin Bows, Rock Pile Farms, Selway Archery, St. Joe River Bows, Stringshot Archery, The Nocking Point, Thunderbird Bow Finish, Trad Archers World, Traditional Bowhunters Magazine, True North Arrows, True South Adventures, Wade Phillips, Wild Horse Creek Bows, Wild Things

See you all there David and Tracey

I am at the point in my life that I don't know what I am going to do until I get up!! So I may go to any event and I may not.

I do know that I would rather have 100 people get in for free, shop and shoot than 50 people get in for a fee.

I have been to them all except one. The price is right, bows and shooting and camping all weekend. What could be better? Hope to make it this year.

Mr. Stewart, Kids 16 yrs. and younger have always shot free at the Compton shoot!

For anyone that wants to know more about the Compton organization here's their website

http://comptontraditionalbowhunters.com/

I'll try again - does anyone know what the "Bow Skirmish" is that I see on the schedule? Also, is there any set-up like at Kalamazoo for the buying/selling of individual's used bows and tackle?

Don't have any idea what the skirmish is--maybe we all get to divide up sides and shoot at each other with rubber blunts! LOL There is a blanket swap event from 5:00 to 6:15 PM Saturday evening where you can buy and sell used stuff.

Thanks David, The Trading Blanket sounds good, your skirmish concept - well, not so much! But maybe when I was younger and more durable.

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