Highlights from the 2023 Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show

Pardon the delay in getting this info out in a timely manner. Doh!

Many moons ago, in the early days of The SoCal Bowhunter, I was invited to the Archery Trade Association Show a few times. Each year I declined due to family obligations. This year was different, as my obligations changed and I was presented with some life-changing choices. After an invite to represent HHA Sports, I made the trek to Indianapolis, IN for the 2023 ATA Show.

First off, I was blessed in many ways. HHA Sports invited me along to attend this year and represent them. I am a die-hard HHA sports user. I was also humbled by being asked to share my testimony at the Target the Heart prayer breakfast. Talk about blessed! Then I had the pleasure of seeing my friends, who mainly reside 1,500-2,000 miles away from me.

As it has happened often lately, my flight was delayed, I was moved to another and did not arrive in Indy until after 1:00 AM on Wednesday morning. After collecting my bag, catching an Uber and meeting up with Chris Hamm, I finally got to bed around 3:00 AM. At 5:30 AM my alarm went off. A large mug of coffee was in my future! Chris and I made it to the hotel breakfast and the coffee maker was down. Talk about disappointment! After eating, and just before we left, I was offered an Americano as the machine finally decided to cooperate. I accepted graciously and didn’t leave a drop in the mug.

I am going to highlight the three days I was at ATA because so much happened that was positive. It’s no secret that I absolutely love to bow hunt. Given the choice between my bow and a rifle, and 9/10 I am choosing the bow. I love the practice, stealth and challenge!

In no particular order, here are my 2023 ATA highlights:

1. Fourth Arrow – SaddleLite Arm will be perfect for filming from a saddle. Looking to try one of these this Fall.
2. Latitude Outdoors – The Carbon Sticks are an awesome and weigh around 1 lb each and they stack and attach better than any others I’ve seen.
3. A3G Initiative – Aaron Ritter (of Limb-itless Outdoors) and I (mostly Aaron) made multiple connections and filled most of the gear needs for the A3G Grant! Talk about blessed!
4. LaCrosse URSA MS Boots – Looking for a boot that will work well for saddle hunting and hiking. I think I found the perfect boot.
5. XOP Gear – I loved seeing the new X2 climbing sticks, but I am very interested in testing out the Orbit ring of tree steps.
6. Target the Heart Prayer Breakfast – It was humbling to be able to share my testimony and hear the testimony of two of my brothers in Christ. 6 people asked to be saved that morning! Praise God!
7. Badlands Film Festival – My first time here and certainly not my last. Was blessed to see my friend Chad Stillman’s film on the big screen. Met up with so many people I have corresponded with over the years and then watched some fantastic films. Loved it!

The 2023 ATA Show was well-worth taking some time off and meeting up with so many archers and bowhunters. Spending time with my friends, laughing, soaking it all up and learning a few things made my first ATA a great one. If you get the opportunity to attend, I encourage you to take the time and plan for a wonderful experience.