In 34 years of archery exhibitions lots of tv, radio and outdoor writers have covered my show. One thing I always try and convey in the interviews is this .. I’m an exhibition shooter not a “trick shooter”.

Of course PT Barnum once said he didn’t care what they wrote about him as long as they spelled his name right but to me the word “trick” implies smoke and mirrors. That you are pulling something over on the audience. To me this short changes all the years of practice and hard work getting my show off the ground.

A hunting personality on a tv hunting show can get famous pretty quick. And now with the internet people in our industry can also get well known quick. My shows started in the mid 80’s before the internet and before hunting shows took off. I built it slow and steady. Small venues and shows at first.

I had good mentors along the way like my father and mother, Rev Stacy Groscup, Fred Bear, Earl Hoyt, Sherwood Schoch, Ted Nugent and even Dick Mauch. So the word “trick shot” also short changes the time these folks put in. Some more than others but all the names above helped with advice, role modeling or both. Some were just supportive friends.

What I do is because God gave me 20/8 eye sight and reasonable hand eye coordination. So yes the term “trick shot” short changes His role too. I’ve always given credit for any ability or talent I have to God.

Stacy used to call his shooting style reflex shooting. I Liked that term. Instinctive is the age old term and yes that is a shooting technique.

Anyway, it’s a rainy Tuesday morning and I was at my desk and took a break to visit LW. Hope y’all are having a great Autumn.

Take care, that’s my two cents for today.

Frank

Would be nice if you actually contributed to discussions on archery related topics and left the ME at home once in a while.

I agree. "Trick shooting" is too much related with something done to deceive people - like in illusionist's performance.

Howdy Skip Thanks. (Laughing).

I’m all ears, what do you want to talk about.

F

Send the rain north a little bit, Frank. I planted wheat into a powdery dry field yesterday and need it bad.

Stikbow x2

Big Bear Fair question. I was a more rounded shooter as a young man. I think at age 20- 21 I was at my very best. I don’t know that it’s ages as much as time and practice.

I grew up having an archery dream set up around my home. My parents were in the business so pop has a 48 target field range, a 28 target 3-D range, 80 yard practice range, a running deer on a cable, a Silhouette range, tree stands built to practice out of, and an indoor range. We lived archery 24/7. As a teen my buddies and I would get pizza or wings and go in the shop after hours and shoot our bows into the wee hours. We would build a fire and just hang out at the shop.

I shot both compounds and recurves in the shows in those days. I had an Oneida Eagle and at Elk River Middle School I shot pencil erasers off of pencils without breaking the pencil at 15 yards. That Oneida shot great instinctively. I also would shoot a lifesaver off a string. I once hit 13 in a row without a miss I started at ten yards and backed up a few steps every time. The last shot was the entire length of our building.. from the shop through the indoor range door to the target. I think it was nearly 30 yards.

In those days all i did was shoot. Hours a day. I wasn’t doing behind the back aspirin shots yet- that came in 94.

Anyway, my eyes remain the same - 20/8. I don’t shoot nearly as much as I once did. I can maintain my shows easily but don’t shoot ranges anymore due to my time constraints. We have two sons and I am busy with them. They both shoot archery but they also are into sports and I’ll be at six basketball tournaments this weekend.

I shot my first bear with a bow at age 18. The guide, Merv Rinta, called me shooter. I was pretty accurate with hunting tackle.

It was the time. I fairly certain given time I can still shoot many of the same shots I did then. With my exhibitions I am better now but that’s about all I get done.

The old adage about use it or lose it is probably true. I’ve kept my show and exhibition skills rolling, but have let the other shooting alone awhile. It wouldn’t take long to get it back. Stacy Groscup was as accurate at age 82 as he ever was. We did a show together and he hit a baby aspirin 7th shot at that age !

Thanks for asking. I don’t mind Phil and those guys posting, it keeps the thread up longer. And the PT Barnum in me loves that. Ha

Frank

Good stuff here.

elderly Stacy Groscup was the greatest of all. No one matches him. Not even close.

Frank

Big Bear When I can. And usually with my Dad ... we have hunted New Mexico, Canada, Wyoming, etc. and now it’s gonna be good to take the boys too.

I like whitetail and elk hunting the best.

Frank

No. The word "trick" is just an old nickname for a skill that you posses like shooting behind your back. "Does your dog do any tricks?" "Yes, he does "X,Y, and Z". Smoke and mirrors is what a traveling carnival worker uses to fleece the audience for the weekend then moves on to another town. Or David Copperfield. Don't feel bad to be called a trick shot! That's something not a lot of other people can do. Trick shots are fun, interesting and entertaining!

So Texas buck

Stix Here’s a practice technique I use when I set up a new bow. I also use it to help new shooters.

Start close range at about ten yards. Once you’ve done some warm ups then you can pop a balloon or two. As they get smaller then you can stick an arrow in the bale and tie a string on the end of the arrow with a tennis ball. With your back to the target place about 5 arrows from ten yards to maybe 25 yards. Walk to the first arrow, load your arrow and spin and shoot at the ball. Back to target walk to the next arrow, soon and shoot. Etc. Then replace the tennis ball with a lifesaver.

I like 3-D targets (balloons, etc) better because your eyes focus on it quicker. Try this and see if it helps.

This is assuming your bow is properly tuned and arrows set up for your bow.

Frank

Enjoy your posts and your shows Frank. Keep up the good work.

Thank you.

I don’t let the negative comments upset me. Believe me, I was heckled when I first started the shows and you get thick skin fast.

Frank

Stix We’ve all done it. I did it in Dick Mauch’s cabin years ago. Do you know that story ?

Do you shoot similar bows for hunting that you use in your shows? Ever shoot a deer with the draw behind you? I shot one while on my back once, pretty close shot. Not a trick shot at all, actually with a little bit of practice, it is not that difficult. I was taking a much needed rest to alleviate back pain at the time.

Dean I get buck fever like you all do so no, the behind the back stuff is for the stage.

As fat hunting, I prefer all recurves/longbows to be 45# and mu Compound (instinctive) is 60#.

Frank

Yeah, I've never really liked the term "trick shooting" either, but I think most folks know whats up when they watch the shots/shooting.

Some of the video shooting you see now days (no matter how well done) are actually "trick" & fraudulent. If you know what to look for you can pick it out. Lots of fantastic amateur video editors out there now days.

Rick

X2 with Rick. Yes sir there are some people out there that have a lot of knowledge and can manipulate / tamper with videos to make the viewer see what they want them to see. Hollywood has been doing it for a very long time. But it's hard to fool someone when you see them shooting in person. Don't let the naysayers bother you Frank.

I've always referred to it as exhibition shooting. I would explain to people that we all have the ability to do it. Then I would say to point your finger at something then sight down your finger and see that it is pointed right at what you're lookin at.

I saw it as a means to promote shooting a bow naturally without sights. I'd like to think my exhibitions encouraged a lot of people to put down their tricked out compound and pick up a longbow. Another thing I would tell folks is if there was one word to describe shooting a traditional bow it was "FUN"

Just imploring someone with such vast shooting skills to opine on other germane trad subjects. Vast majority of us do not make our living shooting pharmaceuticals, and 99.9999% cannot do it behind our back. Hats off! Might such an expert offer opinions on fletch length, rada vs stone, or the Merits of Velcro vs leather? Rug vs elevated rests? Unlimited opportunities for people to express learned opinions on this site-as the topics change rapidly I guess those of “ limited intelligence “ would like to hear such opinions-from experts- I like reading Stout, Big Jim, Ron, penny, jinkster, and frisky as they offer insights into many topics and are not one trick ponies Jmho

Can't imagine Nugent contributing much to you. You seem to be a much kinder and more respectful person. Maybe he was a non- exemplar?

Skip, I guess you were writing between my post. I don't think the merits of Velcro vs leather? Rug vs elevated rests really matter when shooting a traditional bow Howard Hill didn't use any on his arrow rest, just shot off the side of the wood riser.

I first met Frank at ETAR a few years back. He was doing his exibition shooting there. Franks shows are more then just showing off his ability to hit an asprin from behind his back, he is entertaining of coarse with his shooting skills but he also tells the folks a little archery history and I'm sure he inspires some with rhe hope to improve their own skills with the bow.

Ron, no one disputes his message to our youth nor his amazing ability.

Frank...you have to tell the arrow in the cabin story now. :)

Ron Stacy Groscup thought very highly of you. He told me that on more than one occasion. Thanks for posting the pics. Post more. I wish I’d been able to see your show. I’ve watched videos.

Getting to hear you recite some archery poems at ETAR was as good as it gets. Thank you.

Frank

You da man Frank.

My pal Dick Mauch enjoyed telling this story to mutual friends and would get lots of laughs, including alot of laughter from archery collector Wade Phillips. It is about the time I missed a log cabin, from the inside. Yes, from the inside. Luckily there were only three witnesses to this story, Dick, his wife Carol, and myself. However, since the story is getting told I decided perhaps I should tell it in my own words. Years ago I bowhunted at the Mauch's Plum Creek cabin North of Bassett, Nebraska. I have written about this famous cabin many times, including my "Plum Creek Memories" column last year. Fred Bear, Earl and Ann Hoyt,Ann Clark, Ted Nugent, Glenn St. Charles, and many bowhunting greats have hunted there. I believe that there have been 12 Archery Hall of Fame inductees hunt there over the years. Anyway, the cabin is full of reminders of these greats-- from tokens left behind like arrows, etc to signatures, and other items. There are many quiet reminders of these archery greats.

In 1982 Fred Bear shot the outside of the cabin over the front door. In 2010 Dick asked me to shoot an arrow into the interior of the cabin. So one morning after a turkey hunt I came in for lunch and Dick showed me where he wanted the arrow. I was supposed to shoot it in the center of the "Borkle", an animal that hangs on the far wall near where Fred was photographed on the couch with Dick and Carol's dog. I've seen that photo many times. Anyway, the Borkle is made from cow bones and I was looking at where I didn't want to hit... the Borkle. It’s an oval shaped cowbone about 12” in a year drop shape He wanted my arrow centered in the borkle.

So I drew my 60# bow back and released the ACC arrow with a 145# grain muzzy head. Instead of picking a spot, I was looking at the beef bone I didn’t want to it. That was my focus.

The arrow flew out of the bow and traveling across the cabin. It hit the Borkle with a loud "whack" and bounced around. Dick was shocked... who misses a cabin from the inside?!?!?

Dick ducked as that broadhead tipped arrow bounced around the cabin. After it settled with a “thwack”... After the laughter faded, I asked Dick and Carol for a piece of chalk. I drew a quarter sized circle in the center of where I wanted the arrow to hit. The second shot nailed the spot! The Muzzy head buried in the log and I signed the arrow and numbered it. I told Dick that his cabin was the first Pope and Young cabin I'd ever shot. He reminded me that Fred was actually the first to shoot the cabin. I grinned and said, "Yeah but mine scored more. You added the porches after Fred's shot so mine was a nontypical and scored higher." We all shared another laugh after that.

That arrow remains a conversation piece buried in the wall of the cabin. Dick took great delight in telling everyone about the famous exhibition shooter who couldn’t hit a cabin from inside the cabin!

There ya go ! That’s the story.

Was a good day Ron L.

Hi Frank...Been awhile.. You mentioned Ted Nugent and mentor in the same sentence? How so?...

Wow, how much time have you spent with him to be able to say that JDP...? He's probably done more to promote shooting sports than you ever have, but maybe you're a 'rock star' too, so how would I know, I don't know you, maybe you have... if not, the joke's on you. And: "I was heckled when I first started the shows" Why would someone who probably hasn't got the stones to even try it, much less in front of a crowd, heckle someone else for doing it? Gotta wonder about some people...

So here’s why I like Ted.

My first meeting with Nugent didn’t go well. I was at a show and he had done a video I didn’t agree with. In the video he had shot a doe that had a fawn with her. Now as a hunter I know that the fawn was old enough to make it but when the doe ran after the shot, the fawn went after. There was A few other things on the video I didn’t like. Anyway, Fred Bear’s movies were the benchmark and I felt the kind of videos Ted and a few others were making at the time were bad for our sport’s image. So I was blunt and spoke my mind. Yes listened. He didn’t argue and he didn’t get an attitude.

So a few years went by and Stacy Groscup stopped and talked to Ted at a show. I was with him so we ended up talking. And he was gracious and nice. Stacy told me later he held Nugent in high esteem. One of the reasons was that Ted appealed to people that wouldn’t come to a Stacy Groscup archery show. He told teens at rock concerts to say no to drugs and he promoted Fred Bear, shot a bow on stage at every show, etc appealing to a Much different audience than any of us would.

I began to watch Ted’s actions. We became friends and later close friends. I saw how people liked Ted- Dick Mauch, others that I admired really liked Ted. I saw why after giving him a chance.

Then came the act that sealed the deal for me on Nugent. I did a show in Billings, Montana. Kevin B threw targets for me. We became friends. After the show a few months later I get an email from Kevin. There was a young man in Billings with a terminal illness. The young man, Scotty, has two last wishes. He wanted to shoot a trophy bull elk and meet Ted Nugent. I forwarded that email to Ted. He took it from there and that very day contacted Scotty’s family. He tried to get a special permit in Montana. When that fell short Ted has a trophy elk brought to his ranch and then flew Scotty and his parents to the ranch. The young man took the elk, posed for photos with Ted and they went home. A few months later Scotty passed away.

The next time I went to Billings for a Show Kevin took me by an office where Scotty’s mom worked. She good with tears in her eyes thanking me- and showing me the framed photos on her wall from their experience with Ted. I told her it was all Ted.

Ted has NEVER once turned me down when I call him for Something to use at a charity event to raise Money. He has a heart the size of Texas.

He hunts with my parents and we communicate often. As Dick Mauch was fading we communicated often. He called Dick fairly often and wrote about him and is writing a longer story on him.

My parents always enjoy having Ted in camp. Sometimes he says things in a Much different way than I would but that’s Ted. He’s a friend. And I think he respected me because the first time we met and talked I Wasn’t asking for an autograph, I was complaining about a film he made. We laugh about it now.

Frank

It's nice Ted treated you well. Just too many questionables for me to be a fan. That you for the way YOU represent our sport.

BIG BEAR, did you ever consider that maybe there wasn't time or opportunity to arrange a free range hunt? Did you ever consider that perhaps the young man wasn't physically able to participate in a free range hunt?

You can't get behind a person who spends his own money, and takes his own time to help do something charitable for a person?

That's absolutely terrible.

Truly a case of no good deed goes unpunished.

Bear The young man was dying. He was weak and they were running out of time. Ted tried to get a special permit issued but was unable to. So with limited time and given the young man’s compromised health Ted did what he did to fulfill a dying young man’s wishes. Given the circumstances let’s overlook the high fence debate in this situation.

I understand what you are saying. I’ve never hunted in a Hugh fence - area for game. But I give this situation and that young man a pass in this situation. Do you agree ?

F

Mike Thank you.

Frank

AB did you ever meet Tred Barta?

^^x3 I was thinking the same thing, fer cryin' out loud, the poor kid was sick, and running out of time. Don't you think there are some acceptable exceptions? Some real hard-asses on here lately, Crikey!

I've been lucky enough to see Byron Ferguson and Stacy shoot. I hope to get to see you someday.

Ted takes on the anti's I like that.

Nolz Barta is someone I admired from afar. We communicated via messages but never talked on the phone or in person. We may have been in the same building once or twice at a large show but I never met him. I regret that. He was someone who’s attitude was all systems go 24/7 even with adversity. A driven man. That was a big loss.

I also waved at Dan Quillen once and told him I wanted to hear his Bear Hunt story but i didn’t get back by his booth. After he passed I regretted that too.

I’ve met most of the folks in the sport from 1970 until now but a few i didn’t get to know.

F

I'd support someone taking on the anti's with a higher level of respectability and education. Unless I missed ted's admission that he was ready to atone for his past, I can't support him. When it comes to publicly representing our sport, the icons are getting older, and hopefully the younger up and comers will set a high standard as role models.

playing nice with the antis is a failed strategy sometimes you got to get in their face they way they do us.

For whaT it's worth here's a Ted Nugent story. Some years back when Michigan Bowhunters use to have their big MBH Rendezvous at the fairgrounds, speakers did their seminars in front of the Grand Stand bleachers. We got some pretty big crowds in those days.

Ted was one of the speakers that year and his seminar was just before my shooting demonstration promoting instinctive shooting with a longbow. At the end of his presentation Ted told the crowd, "Come to my booth and get an autografted picture" to which half of the crowd got up and headed for Ted's booth.

Later I mentioned to Ted what he had done and said, thanks for stealing half of my audience. He apologized saying that wasn't his intention and we both had a big laugh.

Thanks Frank...

Big Bear Your opinion is fine, we all won’t agree on everything. You showed no disrespect for Ted, you stated your opinion. Not a big deal. Like I said Ted and I got off to a rocky start three plus decades ago but I came around. I’ve learned to watch his actions and I really like what he does behind the scenes to help Others. That’s not always out there, so some don’t know what all he does. I’ve been backstage and watched wounded warriors, federal officers, etc come to Visit with him and he never shuts them out or away. He has all the time in the world to talk to them.

I may be around but I thought make a wish quit doing hunts. Anyone know? There are other organizations that do it but I heard they quit. Not certain though.

As long as people respect each other and don’t come on just to insult or put down someone it’s a ok in my book. I one time wasn’t a Nugent fan. Now that I know him well he amazes me how he uses his fame and name to help others.

Frank

Here’s what Nugent wrote when Dick Mauch passed :

“Please know the great American Dick Mauch.? please know that every day America is great it is because of dedicated Americans like Dick Mauch who never swayed from the TruNorth compass setting. I cry tears of joy having connected deeply with the greatman and tears of heartbreak that the he is not physically with us today as he joined Fred Bear and all bloodBrothers at the heavenly campfire this morning. Godspeed my bloodbrother. In the wind you are with me everyday??.“

This is from his Facebook page. The man has a huge heart.

F

BIG BEAR, Make - A - Wish hasn't sponsored hunting trips in years.

Bear I knew you must be law enforcement. You stated your opinion but did not insult me or really Ted. You simply stated what you felt. All good.

Today’s world it’s so easy to insult and belittle people. You didn’t do that. Thank you. I respect the way you posted. It’s a big world and we are all different so my opinion and yours may differ.

Thank you for your service - both then and now.

FDP - I will call you today. We gotta catch up.

Frank

I come to this archery site to learn about archery related things and enjoy the stories. When reading a thread I don't enjoy having it derailed by a few that only want to talk about who they like and dislike. This site is about archery, not who you like and dislike. If that is all you can talk about please go somewhere else and have a good day.

Percy

Yep hero worship is alive and well on this thread.

It's too bad when some people think it's alright to trash someone else's thread. If they have opinions about something or someone they should start their own thread.

Frank started his thread on a light hearted atmosphere. Now because of someone's selfish need to express their off topic opinion Franks thread is in danger of being closed.

JDP You can’t call the man trash. That belittles this thread, you and Nugent. I respect your service. I had the eyes (20/8) to serve but because of my lungs could not pass the physical. So I didn’t serve but I try and use my shows to promote a message to the next generation. Spend time with your families outdoors. Don’t do drugs and put away the video games, computers and tv remote.

But come on, don’t take this all out on this thread. Tossing insults like that benefits no one. You don’t have to like him but there is a certain amount of respect and manners you should have here. Who were you calling windbag?

Fred Bear once told me something I never forgot. “It is not required that a great man be without fault..”. I had him write that down for me and sign it. There’s also a story in the Bible about a woman at a well.

I don’t judge you JDP. Please apologize and let’s move forward.

Frank

Who, Me? I stand corrected, YOU being a VET, not a rock star, I'm sure YOU have done your share to promote the shooting sports. Shooting your mouth off anyway... And further, is it just me, or does everyone with three initials in capitals from Indiana have a lousy habit of name calling and a $#!++^ attitude with every post made here and on Bowsite? Seems to be a pattern there, maybe its just the VETS from Indiana...?? ;^)

Read the title of this thread again boys plus it's "DEBATE FREE"

I think you were using a shoehorn John. (roll eyes)

I belive everyone is intitled to an opinion but I don't think this site is the place for negative rhetoric. It's a place for sharing and learning about traditional archery.

Respect is expected to be exhibited, not just for some but for EVERYONE

What is easier to hit, a coin tossed vertically or a coin tossed in a 10 or 12 foot lob across a four foot wide target stack? I say the across the target lob is much more difficult. The coin is almost standing still at the top of the vertical toss. Oh, before you get a sucker to toss coins make certain they have a safe space to toss from. I use an angled 3/4" sheet of plywood and put the tosser at least four feet off to the side of the target. four from, four feet across and four feet beyond from eight yards back, was my set up. It really helps to have the blunt hit the target and not the garage. My record on quarters was one miss 5 hits and then two missed out of the eight available quarters tossed across. With a brave fast handed person behind the barricade I hit vertical two quarters in a row and then he wanted to try. It took him until my back was giving out but he finally got it. He never touched the across target tosses ever, over the next week. I finally talked him into clay pigeons as long as he buys the clay pigeons. We use the hand throwers to put a bit of a variable ito the game. No tricks, just luck.

For shooting exhibitions some one gave me a section of bullet proof glass for the thrower to kneel behind. It was very thick and heavy and a pain to tote arown but it gave the people watching a sense of security for the thrower.

Frank, remember that little guy in I think McAllen That was setting in the front row? He started thinking up different shots for you to try?

I remember he kept having ne add balloons to the different shots to see if you could hit them? He was a hoot.

And the young girl that came up after the show that was interested in FITA? We were able to get her set up with some folks to help her out.

How about the young man who had served in a Striker unit in the Middle East? He came to the show at Wheeler's and we got to see he and his wife presented with the keys to a new house.

As a USMC vet I understand & share some of the expressed emotions, but . . . "Debate Free." Big thanks to you, Frank, for all that you do.

Some people clearly need more time in the woods and less behind the computer. Or maybe more time with the bow and less behind the computer.

I’m a big boy and I’m old enough to know some of my friends may not like others but they like me, vice versa.

As an entertainer, my show isn’t gonna please everyone. Some yawn and move on and some come every time I am in the area. For 34 Years this has been my life and I love it. But I have had hecklers and had people that said unkind things.

What I would suggest to JDP is that he address Ted. That’s what I did. I didn’t say things about him to others. I walked up and said it to him. I wanted to look him in the eye and say what I needed to say.

JDP, I respect you. Especially your job. And your service. I certainly hope you weren’t calling me a windbag. If so, you may be right I like people and I like to talk.

Anyway, I’ve never seen the reason to cut down others on social media platforms.

Frank

I watched a man shooting with a cap and probably those taper muzzleloader heads off the shoulder standing up at a deer that was so far away that i could not make out what it was even with binoculars, probably 600 yards. Buck only early season, the old 'I could tell it was a great big buck by the way he held his head' is pure dumbass BS. Then he shot at another deer in that same open field way out there right at and just after sunset, a few times. He never bothered to even check to see if he hit anything, I headed towards him and he just got up and left the hunting area. A game warden referred to the early season muzzle boys as the worst of the worst. I know from experience, that long range dirt busters, will not listen to what they do not want to hear. I can understand why certain belligerent behavior can get people to want to say something.

Frank what exactly do you want from this thread?

Ron LaClaire answered that. Just friendly talk. I was talking about a pet peeve I had with the word truck shooter. Tossed in some history and jokes along the way. Fun thread.

I do regret that someone called a friend of mine trash. That was not called for.

Anyway, some may ask about what some of the old guard of the sport thought about Nugent.

Here’s Stacy and I With him. This was before Ted and I became friends as my expression shows.

That’s Dick holding a Nugent for President sticker. Dick was the last of Fred’s inner circle. I know he thought very highly of Nugent and I know for a fact Nugent called him during his last days to say goodbye.

F

Phil Let me turn your question around. Why did you post on here ? Curious.

F

No Frank you don't get to turn it around ... answer my question please

Phil

My thread Phil. Your turn. Why did you post.

No Frank I'm sorry but I'm not playing your game. Good night

Agreed Bear.

Phil You brought the game, I simply turned the table. If you can ask a question so can I. Good night.

Stix Not bad. It’s like a big family, some are just tougher than others. I had German uncles. They make this crew look like Mr Rogers. This is my late uncle Bill. Doesn’t he look like a warm and friendly fella ? He was also a drill Sergent at one point.

Frank

Now I am bummed out. I had to use my 3/4" to fix part of my house, so I rigged a crappie rod to swing quarters. My wife went to the chiro, so no hunting today. Bless her, but she is the most uncoordinated quarter swinger ever. Shooting at ten yards I only hit two out of 16 tries, then she said, 'You are off today, better just shoot the deer target.' and she quit on me. Trick shooting can be helpful for bowhunting, but it needs to be part one's normal routine.

TTT

TTT, we need a fightin' thread, those are always the most fun. Just don't bring up that great draft dodging patriot, Tedward. Actually, that Vietnam thing was about as much a farce as those weapons of mass destruction.

I like Nugent. He’s a friend. If others don’t that not a big deal. Their choice.

Frank

now we are talking. getting right now.. Speaking of Pod's. I know someone that used a pod

I have friends with faults. None of them are a combination: draft dodger, sexual predator, poacher, shooter of animals in high fences, AND someone who has said the most vile things to women who disagreed with his views. Guess I've been lucky that way, eh?

How fortunate of self promoting Theodore to get his picture taken with icons. Gives him street cred. Wonder if those icons knew now what we ALL know about Theodore, if they would've posed with him?

What's this about a sex predator. Never heard that.

BS he has publically stated that he has never done drugs but was a sex addict

.....let them throw the first stone.....

I often wonder how many of these folks would say some of this stuff to his face? I had a beef with Ted. I went to him without concern that I was a young archer that was not on his celebrity plane. I walked up and said what I had to say - to his face. Boys I’m sorry but that’s the way it should be done.

I guess I had seen the way Papa Bear made his films and presented hunting. I felt that Ted’s way was wrong. At the same event I also had the exact same conversation with Dan Fitzgerald. I told them anti hunters Would use their films against us. Both men are now friends. I think they respected me for talking to them and not about them. There’s a big difference.

Please don’t make accusations about his character unless you Have proof. And please don’t call him trash. That is below us.

My two cents.

Frank

Now then... back to the original thread.

Where were we ...

Here’s some of the exhibition shooters I’ve met or seen perform .... And a note or two.

Ron LaClaire Stacy Groscup held him in high esteem. After meeting him I see why.

Byron Ferguson A great showman and international ambassador for archery.

Chris Hurt A fine young man from Pa with a great family. A really fine young man.

Randy Oitiker Uses multi arrows from a Mathews compound bow. Another nice young man.

Ann Clark Archery Hall of Fame member and was a super Sweet lady. I performed at her 85th birthday party.

Bob Markworth Bob lives in Nevada. He’s also performed internationally. Also did a Large number of school assembly shows and a Vegas style act.

Rev Stacy Groscup An amazing man and amazing archer. Tossed the first aerial target I ever shot at. Proud to be his protege’.

Matt Stutzman A inspiring archer that was born with no arms or hands that shoots with his feet! Neat story.

Lilia Stepanova The young lady that appeared on America’s Got Talent and wild shoot with her feet while supporting herself with her hands and arms. We shared a Stage in California.

That’s the few that came to mind.

Sorry to interupt .... Juliet I was right.... you owe me a case of Château Cantin Saint-Émilion ...

sorry ... carry on

JDP, you've got dime serious issues there dude.

You seem to have bi self control related to your need to post negative comments about people that you likely don't even know, and have never met.

What kind of disagreement did you have with Nugent that left you with such a sense of hate? Do you actually know the man ir are you basing your opinion on things you hear and read?

Who are you insinuating as having narcissistic tendencies, is that you ? Because you keep coming back.

You aren't going to change anyone's opinion about anything. U understand that it gives you a feeling of power to try, but its a false sense of power. You don't seem to have ability to effectively control your emotions.

JDP Is the post about me or Nugent? Just curious.

Phil- again, my question stands. What did you want to achieve with your posts on this thread ? Same question you asked me.

Guys, you know this is an archery site right?

Frank

Moving on with the original post...

Each exhibition shooter typically has a Shot they are known for. Or a style.

By the time my time rolled around most shots had been made... so I developed an entire show with every single shot “behind the back”. The purpose? When you are that different people take note. Media takes note. And it becomes a one of a kind feature.

I count exhibition shooters as those that perform live in front of audiences. A video exhibition shooter is different. We can’t see how many attempts are made and we also can’t know of the video was edited or dubbed.

Groscup was again the stand out. Why? A tv show called “That’s Incredible filmed him hitting seven aspirin in a row from mid air ! Talk about hard or Duplicate. That is simply amazing to me. At age 21 I hit four in a row. Groscup was our best. In so many ways.

Sorry Frank .. I had a wager with a friend who I know is following this thread ... I won the wager and now she owes me a case of superb Château Cantin Saint-Émilion .. you should try it Frank it's delicious

JDP, oddly enough I have a habit of making my decisions about people based on my own experiences with them, and what I see them do and here them say. Not I read, or what others tell me.

I have no desire to be the supreme judge of any persons character as it pertains to the world. Too much responsibility for me.

I sure hope this thread dies. Sorry to say I couldn't stop reading it.lol

I grew up learning to believe none of what I hear, and only half of what I see.

The only bad things about Ted Nugent I know of are what I've heard, or read, and lots of those things were questionable as to being bad after a little research.

I think I'll withhold any judgment, and simply say: I've shared camp with Ted. It was a pleasure, and he was nothing like what you see on TV.

"Let he without sin cast the first stone." Or, jump on the band wagon, and heave away with all the rocks your arms can handle. 8^)

Rick

JC is just a metaphor, for what we already posses inside.. You were a blessed man Frank to know Fred and the others..

Damn, this? still? Anyways, carry on.

JDP Perhaps you and Ted need to have a conversation.

In the meantime, let’s get this thread back on track.

Also, Phil- have answer for me yet?

Frank

I’m asking please no more Ted bashing on this thread. Take it up with Ted. It has no place here.

Frank

Your correct Frank I haven't answered you yet.

Frank, there was a thread here not long ago about Tom Jeffrey, Owen' son. Tom is building the Jffrey bows now by the way.

What was it that Owen said at that show when you asked him how many bows he figured he had built?

You also mentioned Dan Quiilian.

That is one man that you would have enjoyed meeting. That big old deep voice that you could hear all over a venue. And it didn't make any difference whether he was laughing, or setting you straight on something (which he wasn't shy about doing). He was a fine one.

That man probably knew as much about wood arrows as anybody that ever lived.

FDP Owen was funny. I can’t repeat what he said on a family website but it was funny. As far as Dan, he was a huge man. I regret not meeting him. It was a simple wave and “I’ll come by later to hear your story” and I didn’t get back by. I’ll always regret that.

I always have to mention Earl Hoyt too. He was a gentle giant. So quiet and humble but the man could build a bow that would shoot.

Frank

Boy you guys are easy get rolling. When I graduated high school, 1969, even with all of the scholarships, I could handle going to either Julliard or the Chicago school of music, not a city boy. The air force wanted me to take some tests for free tuition, providing I took science and engineering courses. I tested very high, free tuition and then straight off to officers school and flight training, was the deal. Not bad, but the more I learned about the Vietnam 'conflict' the less I agreed with it. Then the draft drawings came out right after that, 321. I took astronomy, presem and music courses at a local college, no jet flying for me. I do not know the reasons for Tedward's draft dodging, don't care. I do not believe that he was ever a drug addict, he does not even drink coffee. Some people take a while to grow up, the rock and roll world is crazy. I was offered chances to join rock groups. I can sing the music and play the music and have had some experience sitting in with rock bands, ever hear Led Zeppelin with an opera tenor voice? While it was fun on stage, I found that off stage those boys were despicable turds. Not for me. I have no criticisms of Teward's political stance, I agree with them, although it did take him a bit to get woke up to the real truth concerning the the real power behind the left/right paradigm. Will I ever hunt the way he does? Nope. As long as it does intrude on me, his business. Will I ever let him play my guitar? Nope. I will give him one thing, he has the nerve to fight the battle.

this would drive Ted nuts. My friends from minneapolis are coming to my home town october 26, no hunting for that saturday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN5wI8HAoH8

Big Bear I grew up in my parents archery business. I started performing at age 18. It started out very simple. I performed local shows. My father kept me on his payroll so that my career as an exhibition shooter could take off. It did. I’ve tried to pay him back over the years by taking him on special VIP hunts (King Ranch, celebrity one shot hunt in Wyoming for turkey, etc...). We are very close. I carry his name and I’m proud of that and my parents.

Yes, for 34 years this is what I do. I almost “retired” once when our first son was born so I could get a regular career off the road but it wasn’t in the cards. I didn’t retire from my shows and I gave up on ever having a “real” job. This is how I make a living.

I would hope in the future that if JDP or anyone has an issue with Nugent or anyone, they would talk to that person and not post it on social media. I mark these debate free and label them “Addington” so folks won’t have to read them that don’t like my threads. I had an issue with Ted nearly three decades ago. I went to him the first time I met him and discussed it face to face. That’s the best way to handle it.

My two cents.

Frank

Some people are apparently without sin and all too eager to cast stones.

Wow!

After seeing the movie Big Jake as a kid, I never once ever called my father Daddy. But I’ve sure appreciated all he’s done for me in my lifetime. I did work for him JDP. We had 15 employees at one point and I helped with his retail archery shop. He was the top Hoyt retailer in the US in the 90’s and in 2003 was the largest Mathews dealer in the country. He was on the cover of Archery Business magazine as Dealer of the Year around that time. Amazing guy. I have a deep respect and love for my parents. He taught me to respect others, showed me how a Christian acts and he showed me many things and still does. He and mom also kept me around positive role models as a kid. Fred Bear, Earl Hoyt, and Tom Jennings was even at my home when I was young. Jim Easton was a friend. Etc etc.

Pop and I still set my new show bows up together. He’s forgotten more about setting up and tuning a bow than most will ever know. All kids think their father is Superman, I’m certain mine is.

As far as a “real job”, my job is my shows. Walking out on stage is only part of it. You have to book the show. Write the contracts. Do the media interviews. Arrange the gear to be shipped show to show. Have it there on time and then shipped to the next venue in time. I typically do five exhibitions per weekend. And have performed in around 43 states. Idaho, Vermont and a handful of States are the only states I have not performed in my 34 year career.

As I said earlier, all of us that have spent time with Nugent haven’t seen any of the traits you have described. Let me ask you this and please answer honestly.

Do you know him personally? Did you have a disagreement with him over anything?

Frank

Wow indeed !

I do shows for part of my living, anyone who thinks it isn’t work is delusional. Just because you love it doesn’t make it less worthy, my hat is of to you. By the way I met Ted in the early nineties, funniest guy I have ever met.

Big Bear I get paid the same whether one shows up or my largest crowd was 15,000. And it’s never been monotonous. Ever. Last year at the State Fair of Texas they wanted 36 shows in 14 days. It was great fun. And we had huge crowds and good media. Here’s a photo from last year- this was my first show on a Monday at 11:30 am. They were packed in their seats and five rows standing!

The beauty of it is the excitement on the kids faces when I do a show. And hopefully they listen to my message. Which is to put down electronics (tv remote, video game controller and iPhone) and get outdoors. Spend time with their family outdoors. That never gets old. Ever. And if a small percentage of the thousands I see each year try archery with their family I’m following Fred Bear’s advice on growing archery.

In LA, all six LA TV stations in one day filmed my show. That’s never boring. I love my job. I enjoy meeting so many fine people from all walks of life.

As as as JDP- I’ll pray for you. But not to Nugent.

Frank

Big Bear Yes, I shot Hoyt Bows when Earl still owned it. After he sold out I continued to use their recurves. The first aspirin I hit from mid air was with a Bear bow and Fred sent me a special model (signed) that I never did string.

I shot Hoyt 85/86- 2003 and then when Ear passed away he had a second bow company called Sky. When his widow sold Sky to Mathews i used Sky from 2003-2009 and have been back with Hoyt since.

I do have several sponsors. Visit my show website and you can read more about that.

Frank

Jim Easton asked me to do media for the FITA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS in the early 2000’s. I enjoyed it and even taught CNN’s Jeane Moos to shoot on camera during her interview.

I’ve met a wide variety of people from all walks of life because of my job. I’ve heard Fred Bear tell a lot of funny stories and jokes and ate sour dough waffles with Dick and Carol Mauch at their cabin in Nebraska. Even did this show on behalf of a President in 2004.

It’s a Fun job for sure.

Frank

There's a guy named Brady (not Tom!) who shoots Hoyts too, I believe.

I'm all for archery manufacturers promoting the sport and the fun. Yeah, they sell stuff, but most archers buy from a number of different sources. Today's junior Olympic shooter may someday decide to try a classic longbow.

If it gets kids out shooting, I'm all for it.

It ain't what you hear or even what you see about a man it's what's in the man's heart! And if you ever get close enough to see that man's heart you learn the truth about them.

We all have good and bad days so those who talk it's just talk. But to those who know and have seen know the truth about a man.

Frank you and Ron are so blessed with what you have been allowed to see and experience in this world there are simply no words that can explain it other than blessed.

I meet stacey in Pa. many years ago and my buddys said Cat watch this guy. At first glance ok old boy in buckskins dressed ingin. LOL

Then I heard minister and now Stacey had my full attention. Funny how quick I was alert on that. What a man in deed was a pleasure to talk to him and see his shooting.

My buddy is a really hard nut and him and stacey wrote letters back and forth to each other I found out later. I'd love to read what stacey said to him. I asked he said no the letters are personal. LOL

My buddy

I don't understand. He doesn't want to be called a trick shooter. So what LOL.

I made part of my living as a professional magician and I never referred to what I did as tricks either.

I am definitely one of Frank's "fanboys".

He's been like a brother to me over the years..

When my younger brother was dying he called me everyday to see how I was doing.

Much appreciated during a very tough time.

I've seen his show twice and it is fantastic

Jawge

Thanks Ryman and Jawge.

Appreciate the kind words.

Frank

This thread has been interesting. Ha

I do love my job and I also enjoy hanging out here on LW. Fun stuff.

Frank

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