Spring should be upon us as “The Good News” arrives.  Turkey season is here. I hope everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the spring season and perhaps add a Tom to their trophies. We would love to see pictures and read your stories. Don’t hesitate to forward your info so we can share it will the whole organization in your newsletter.

   You read last fall about our meeting in Manitoba to discuss the Disabled Bowhunting Policy. We were told they would revisit their existing disabled policy with hopes of amending it for the 2008 season. Low and behold Manitoba will amend their hunting regulations for the 2008 season. Brian Hagglund (The Wildlife Allocation Manager) has been in contact with us for suggestions.  Brian asked if we would give their final policy a look over and with pleasure we agreed.

   As I write I can’t help but reminisce back to September as six of us arrived in Manitoba and met Ernie and Kevin Noordenbos at our rendezvous point. We went back to Ernie’s, he had a couple 3-D targets set up so we took a few shots to make sure our equipment didn’t need any last minute adjustments, after such delicate care of our airlines. After coffee and a little paperwork, Ernie took us back our hotel where we settled in for our first morning hunt. We hunted with Ernie for six days with Thursday afternoon set aside to meet with the DFG&W of Manitoba. The meeting went very well. To those who are not aware Kevin Noordenbos was involved in a motor vehicle accident which left him physically unable to shoot a conventional bow. Despite his disability, Kevin today has a will and determination that surely makes me proud to call Kevin my friend. At the close of our successful meeting, I turned to Kevin  and Ernie and there stood three men in tears. Well, it looks like Kevin  will be bowhunting in Manitoba this fall along with anyone else requiring adaptive devices or a crossbow.  I am truly blessed to be a part of such an AWESOME organization full of people helping people.

   The PCBA has taken another leap. The board had decided during our last meeting that it was time to have a paid secretary. Karen Vought was then voted into that position. We all know Karen and all that she does for the PCBA. Her dedication and hard work has brought us to this and we are all proud to be in a position to offer her a small salary for all she does. Good Luck Karen.

   We have also had two board members step up and take on the role of forming a steering committee to develop a program to introduce State Chapters of the PCBA. These chapters will work on promoting archery to physically challenged individuals in their state. From there the possibilities are endless. We will keep you informed on the progress. Members looking to participate should contact John Brod. John is a board member and his information can be found in “The Good News”.

   I would like to acknowledge our Corporate Sponsors who support us with no hesitation and stand behind us 100%. Our state organizations, manufacturers, business’s, and individuals we cannot do this alone. We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God Bless.

Until next time,