Duran Martinez - AM Outdoors Radio Show

THORNY ACRES ARCHERY CLUB 1960 - 2010

Back in 1960, a group of Archers got together to create a place where like minded individuals could meet and shoot together. Since then, members have had a place to shoot, gather and enjoy the company and traditions that archery has created from the making of the first bow.

In that 50 years, archery has seen many innovations. From new and lighter materials to create traditional equipment like long bows and recurves to the invention and refinement of the new super-fast compound bows. Innovations in arrows from cedar to aluminum to carbon have all been introduced in that same 50 years, weeding out the weak and saving the strong for future improvements.

As archery equipment has improved for the better, the one thing that made this club strong has deteriorated. The family structure has suffered greatly in American society. Many single parents have been left to work two or more jobs leaving the children to entertain themselves through video games and television. Although I believe they have their place, it seems that their level of importance has been elevated beyond the need to get outside. With these circumstances, clubs all over America have seen a decline in memberships. Current members are getting older and not participating at the level they once were, and enlistment new members is at an all time low. Believe me when I say that “I know money is tight.” Investment in a club may not be affordable at this time, but it’s more than just an investment in the club, it’s an investment in Michigan’s future and the future of your children to become good sportsmen and to keep Michigan’s voice loud and clear from our hunter’s, angler’s and shooting sports enthusiasts.

2010 3-D EVENTS

Each year, Thorny Acres features three, 3-D events that welcome archers of all levels. From the beginner or youth (Cadet) archer, to the seasoned competitor in the sharpshooter division. ( for more info: http://www.amoutdoorsradio.com/events.html) A kitchen with food and snacks is open and the club welcomes all shooters to each event.

NOVELTY SHOOTING

Every year, I look forward to the novelty shoots that the club has set up. From the flying pig, where archers take aim at a large 3D hog that comes flying down a zip line, to the moving “backyard buck,” and “beat the skunk,” where archers shoot at suspended clay targets and try to avoid a hidden black can that drops when the target is broken. My favorite challenge though, is a game called “air ball.” a canister vac blows air through a tube and bounces a ping pong ball on a jet of air. The trick is to not only shoot the ball out of mid air, but to stick you arrow through the ball itself. An accomplishment I have only done once. I have knocked it off many times, just through it once.

   AIR BALL

As I mentioned, air ball is my favorite in the novelty shoot competition. This year, my daughter Eryn tried her hand at shooting the ball out of the air. Being he first full year of shooting, her confidence was not very high. With a little prodding from friends at the club and a nudge from her old man, she took a few shots. On about her 5th shot, SUCCESS! She buried her arrow right through the bouncing ping pong ball at 15 yards. A feat that club founder Jerry Barnum said he has still never accomplished.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

I guess part of the reason for that story was to share a proud dad moment. But it was also to get kids inspired to want to to learn about archery and shooting. Because of friends like Bob Miles of Martin Archery and Tom Nelson and Steve Gruber, I now shoot. I picked up a bow at the age of 39 and have not set it down since. My love of archery has inspired me to teach my daughter and reintroduce my own dad back into the sport. The time spent together teaching and learning with friends and family is priceless. Knowing that someday she might teach her own children gives, me comfort in knowing that my skills as a dad are not as bad as I sometimes think they are.

Please, whenever you can, get out into the woods and waters of Michigan. Go hunting, go fishing and take the kid’s with you. They are the future of our outdoor sports. 

Agoraphobia - The fear of public places. Dipsophobia- Fear of drinking. Caligynephobia- Fear of beautiful women. As you all well know, I do not suffer from any of these. What do I suffer from? Blogging! As odd as it may sound, I have a serious disdain for writing what I think may drive someone to take a long walk off of a short pier. 

Maybe if I were to own a laptop I could write when the mood struck me. But as much as I am on the road, another bad idea. And no, I’d rather not go the Stephen Hawking route either.  so type, I will. Hopefully you will like what I have forced myself to do.

WHO KNEW?

Earlier this year, I took AM Outdoors on the road to Detroit. Hoping to bring some interest to the masses of the Motor-City, I set up shop with a booth full of information and literature on the show. A couple of nice young ladies had stopped by to promote an event of their own. A triathlon for the somewhat athletic. A triathlon that was to consist of Trap Shooting, 3D Archery and Golf. Surely, this was an event that I could not only attend, but actually have a shot at (no pun intended…well maybe). After many phone calls, emails and facebook messages with coordinator, Vicky Warner, it was set. TEAM AMO would be heading to Naubinway and the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club for two days of fun and friendly competition. With all good intentions it seems that a wrench finds it’s way into the works. Difficult work schedules and last minute changes crumble the mighty TEAM AMO to just one member. ME. So when June 17th came, I packed the truck and headed for the UP.

 PRELUDE TO THE TRIATHLON

Making the four and a half hour drive to Naubinway, I made it to my destination the night before so I could rest and get the lay of the land before the event. Located in what is truly God’s Country, Naubinway has the unique distinction of being the largest fishing port on the Great Lakes and is also the northern most point of Lake Michigan. 
My location for the next three nights would be a two bedroom cabin with all the amenities of home. Stove, television, microwave and refrigerator. One of many available to rent. The view that welcomed my every morning and tucked me in at night, was a view of Lake Millecoquin. An average sized lake for Michigan, it features lot’s of pan fish and pike. Having fishing gear in tow, this lake was going to have to wait. Food was the first order and off to a little local place was in. I found a little place that had good sandwiches, but I wanted something with a bit more local flavor. I found it, but not until the next night.

 TRIATHLON - DAY ONE

The first day of the event had me shooting with a team of folks unknown to me. Vicky had put with Team Vallier. What that meant to me at the time, honestly, I was nervous. I was being added to a team of guys that have probably known each other since birth and have no need for some “troll” from Lansing. When I got to the trap range, an older gentleman named Dennis informed me that the team that I was to be shooting with had all four members and that I was misinformed. After a bit of talking, it was decided that I did actually belong and would compete the next day during the golf and 3D archery competitions. Thinking to myself “Great! Not only am I on a team with people I don’t know, I have to wait another day to participate.” “I can only imagine what they’re thinking.” At the end of the days events I headed back to the cabin to freshen up and off to the beer tent after dinner. Oh, did I mention the free concert? Sorry.

FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY

After finding the local bar, I ventured in for dinner. For me, the atmosphere was perfect! Shuffleboard, rope lights and knotty pine covering every wall. I was in heaven. Right on down to the American flag with the image of John Wayne in the middle of it. Being Friday night, dinner was the “Friday Night Fish Fry.” The pool table was converted to a salad bar with the best deviled eggs I dare say I have had. Several different salads and soup graced the green felt of the Valley table at one end of the bar. The soup was also amazing. I overheard the tall gentlemen behind the bar telling someone that he had made the fish soup that was loaded with carrots and potatoes that would make the Soup Nazi green with envy.

The main course was deep fried whitefish and fries. French fries to go with the potato salad that I had previously devoured with my fish soup (also with potatoes). It’s hard to beat freshly caught and cooked whitefish and an ice cold Busch Light. During the course of the meal, it seems that everyone that was working that evening came to check on me. The bartender, cook, everyone. All concerned that I was taken care of. A service that seems to be lost everywhere else in the bigger cities.

To finish the meal, as if I needed more, was homemade dessert. My choice of several sweet temptations were available. Brownies with toasted walnuts or bread pudding with a rum type of glaze. All home made! Absolutely unbelievable to say the least.

After the feast, I lumbered down to the city marina to check out the band Twisted Finster. A pretty good rock band that included a radio personality from Traverse City on bass. 

TRIATHLON TIME

Finally, Saturday rolled around and I was off to the golf course for the weakest part of my abilities. I met up with the gang from Team Vallier, introduced myself and to the first tee we went. Two teams together to keep it honest, eight people per hole. For those of you who don’t golf, neither do I. At least it’s been three years since I picked up the clubs and when I did golf, I was terrible at best. Nervous and feeling sick, I teed off. SMACK! Right down the middle of the fairway. Only about 200 yards (pushing it) I felt pretty good. My new team consisting of Brent Vallier, Geoff Van Hise, Dennis Goerke and myself. A few holes later, the wheels came off as I expected. As much as tried, I’m just not a golfer. But the 9 hole course cut out of the 36,000 acre club was breath taking. Finishing somewhere around 4 over, we moved on to the 3D course. This was what I was waiting for. Or was it? Our shooting time was 2:00 PM so we all had lunch and made our way to the course.

The rules of the 3D course were simple. Split the teams up to two members from each team per target station. The opposite team keeps score. Paired with two members of the opposition, we walked through what could’ve easily been over a mile of pristine hills and tall Michigan pines. The lack of elevated stands was overshadowed by shots down and uphill alike. The funniest being the cougar target. Joking about the discovery of the predator in the UP and contemplating photos for the DNRE to review, made for some good jokes along the way. 25 stations later and a million laughs, we exited the course with a need for side stapler and tissues from the tears of laughter brought on at the expense of poor Carl. A member of team Goerke and a damn good sport. Needless to say, we didn’t win a trophy for our team efforts, but one member of the opposing team, Joel Piatek, won individual honors for his overall efforts. A new shotgun and trophy as a prize to the young man from Harsen’s Island, Michigan (a la Ernie Harwell).

THE BANQUET 

As with all good events, the event finished with a huge banquet with all of the teams together. Food and beverage were made available as a part of your entry fee. A mere $80.00 for all of it.  9 holes of golf, team trap shooting and 3D archery. Even in tough times, that is a steal!

One person deserves recognition for this event above all. If not for the chance meeting with Vicky Warner and her drive to make sure that we were all informed, I can’t see this being the success it was. It may have not been the success that some of the vendors were looking for, but I see a much bigger and brighter future for this event in years to come. So, for all who extended a hand in friendship, I say “thank you!” “It was the best time I have had in a long time.”

Finally - Final Thoughts

As I hope you have endured this blog, please know that it was to share with you an incredible event with some new friends that I truly hope I get to see again.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an incredibly beautiful wilderness that goes beyond Mackinac Island and the tourist shops (troll traps) of St. Ignace and Sault Saint Marie. Fine cities in their own right, but not what I consider the heart of the UP. The people of Naubinway and the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club were amazing. I was met with a friendly wave by every passing vehicle. What some would consider going out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable, was a part of the personality of all in the service industry. If there truly is a time machine that can take you back to 1959 and the true spirit of Michigan sportmen, it’s US 2 heading West through God’s Country. Also known as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

-Duran

 For more info: www.hiawathaclub.com