The second annual Northwest Traditional Archery Expo held on March 21-23, 2025, did not disappoint. Four states came together this year to put on the event; Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Nevada. The change of venue to the Pendleton Convention Center was a great improvement over the somewhat cramped quarters of the Round-up rooms of the previous year. The registration in the lobby was warm, dry and inviting. Oregon folks, led by Mike and Bob, were the primary greeters, happily welcoming people as they came in from the rain. Vendors and promoters arrived with their goods and set up on tables in the spacious center on Friday morning. The atmosphere was charged with the excitement of renewed friendships and the beauty of the many bows, arrows, quivers, knives, apparel, leather goods, jewelry and artwork being displayed by the creative community of traditional archers.
The Expo opened to the public on Friday afternoon and even though the foot traffic was somewhat light, the convention center hummed with the activity and conversations of the participants. The raffle tables filled with many wonderful prizes donated by the various organizations and individuals. The Nevada club brought a truck load of 3D targets and set them up in the Happy Canyon Arena, so shooting of bows and arrows could be practiced and tried out.
The well attended seminars were interesting and sparked great discussions and encouragement on a variety of topics. Bob Bourland and Jim Akenson addressed the future of traditional bowhunting seasons and methods of advancing the cause of getting some more specifically designated traditional seasons. Karl Findling gave an informative presentation on a topic that impacts us all as outdoor enthusiasts: Backcountry Weather Forecasting. It’s so important to be observant and adaptable in the ever changing weather environment. Preston Taylor gave a lively talk on Tracking and Trailing Black Bears and thrilled us with his stories of grizzly bear encounters in northern Idaho. He offered many good tips on tracking and behavior of bears, both black and grizzly.
The banquet was a great improvement over the inaugural experience of the first Expo. The food was plentiful, varied and delicious and the service was quick and efficient. The round cloth covered tables gave a more intimate and formal ambiance to the meal. Speaking after the meal, Jim Akenson and TJ Conrads gave a slide presentation of the newly formed Traditional Bowhunters Hall of Fame and an unveiling of the first inductees. Each president of the various traditional archery clubs was introduced and gave a brief description of the activities of the clubs. The raffle items were distributed and happy winners rejoiced!
Sunday morning the Nevada club, helped by Alex New from LaGrande Oregon, put on a blanket shoot. Ever ready for a challenge, many archers joined in the joy of shooting arrows from the elevated walkway above the Happy Canyon Arena, in spite of a steady downpour of cold rain. The creative planners had set up several designated shooting stations of various distances to the 3D targets, all downhill shots. It was great fun and everyone got a prize!
Sunday afternoon was a flurry of packing and goodbyes as vendors and participants got ready for the drive home. We all agreed it was a successful gathering and made plans for repeating it at the Pendleton Convention Center next year.
If you weren’t able to join us this year, please make a note to put it on your calendar for next year, Tentatively, the last weekend in February-March is the date. It is well worth attending!
Many thanks to all the folks working tirelessly behind the scenes to put together such a wonderful event! You have our gratitude.
Best regards, Janet Houlihan President ITB