Braxton is 14 and Now he has a New Bow!

[pianoman9701]

I've been shooting with Braxton every Wednesday now for about 4.5 years. The number of days we've missed in that time I could count on both hands. When I started, some of you will remember, I solicited donations and you all stepped up to the plate with money, clothing, Binos - all kinds of stuff. That rocked his world. About 3 months later, he grew out of the Martin Tiger we got him and his dad and I got him into a Bear Apprentice II. So he's been shooting that for 4 years. He's pulled just about as much out of that bow as he can and I think he needs an upgrade to keep him excited. I mentioned it to his folks around Christmas but I don't think they're able to put in anything for a new bow at this time. So, I'm going to start squirreling money away to get him into something more suiting his talent and teenage years, and one he can use for hunting if he so chooses. I intend on buying it through Archery World down here in Vancouver. If any of you want to throw in $10 or so, I might be able to do it sooner.

I know I seem to come to you guys a lot for stuff like this and I understand if you're tapped. But if you're interested in helping out my little neighbor, please send a PM and we'll get it moving. Thanks so much for putting up with an old beggar!
PMan

[pianoman9701]

Bump

[Jonathan_S]

Can you PM me a good address for you?

[pianoman9701]

Thanks Jonathan. PM sent.

FYI folks: I'm planning on getting him a Bear Cruzer. With draw length adjustable to the .5" and poundage adjustable from 20-70 lbs, this should be the last bow this kid will need for a very long time. The stripped version is $300 and we can move most of his accessories over. The RTH (Ready To Hunt) version is $399. I'm also going to be looking at an upgraded stabilizer.

[Dhoey07]

If you get the bare bow, I have a whisker biscuit and a cheap tru-glo site that I'll send your way. 

[pianoman9701]

If you get the bare bow, I have a whisker biscuit and a cheap tru-glo site that I'll send your way.

Thank you for the offer, Dhoey. He has a whisker biscuit and a nice site we'll be moving over to the new bow. I appreciate it very much, thank you! 

[pianoman9701]

For those of you who don't do checks, Archery World will take payment over the phone. If you call them and say that the payment is for Braxton's bow vis John W's account, they already know you might be calling. Their telephone number is 360-693-7510 and they're in Vancouver, WA. They may also be able to email you a receipt. In lieu of that, I will make a full accounting of all funds received once the bow is purchased. Thanks guys. If you want to PM me for my contact details, please do.

[pianoman9701]

Three of you guys stepped up with some donations and I appreciate that so much. It'll mean a lot to this young man. I was able to come up with a couple hundred this weekend and this is going to happen as soon as we order and receive the bow. It'll be a complete surprise and I'll make sure to capture the event on video and show you what it means to him. Thanks everyone.

[ELKBURGER]

I am just now seeing this. What a great thing you are doing! Are you still looking for donations?

[pianoman9701]

I am just now seeing this. What a great thing you are doing! Are you still looking for donations?

Thanks Steve. I think we're all set now. I've got enough for the bow and some new arrows. No doubt I'll have my hand out for another project down the road.  I appreciate you asking.

[ELKBURGER]

I am blown away by your dedication to Braxton. You, sir, are an inspiration to us all!

[pianoman9701]

I am blown away by your dedication to Braxton. You, sir, are an inspiration to us all!

It gives me an excuse to leave work early every wednesday and go shoot my bow. He's a good kid. Now that he's a little older and his ADHD is under control, it's not a chore like it was in the first couple of years. Thanks Steve.

[Jolten]

I have a spare radsav peep and 1 package of 3-broadheads with replacement blades if he's interested.

[pianoman9701]

I have a spare radsav peep and 1 package of 3-broadheads with replacement blades if he's interested.

He's not quite ready for broadheads yet - no target and no hunting license. We have the peep covered already. Thanks so very much for your offer. I appreciate it a lot. Once he passes Hunter Ed, I may come back to you on the broadheads. 

[Jolten]

No worries. My offer will stand. If I don't have these I'll gladly purchase more.

[pianoman9701]

Thanks Jolten.

[pianoman9701]

His bow is in, so I'll be giving it to him on Wednesday - video to follow once I give it to him. I can't wait.

[ELKBURGER]

Very Awesome!

[Becky]

I am blown away by your dedication to Braxton. You, sir, are an inspiration to us all!

It gives me an excuse to leave work early every wednesday and go shoot my bow. He's a good kid. Now that he's a little older and his ADHD is under control, it's not a chore like it was in the first couple of years. Thanks Steve.

So that's the real reason! I need an excuse like that.... jk jk.

I did hear through the grapevine about you getting him a bow, I think it's very admirable what you do for this kiddo! Hopefully he will grow up knowing how much his life changed from your help, and he pays it forward to other youth in his future

[pianoman9701]

He's a good kid. I'm sure he'll be a good adult, too.

[pianoman9701]

I made him think I'd ruined his bow (the old one), so it takes him a while to warm up to the fact he actually has a new bow. After a while, he's pinging off the wall and shooting really well, as you may be able to see in the second video. Thanks to those who helped make this happen. I really appreciate you guys a lot!
PMan

[pianoman9701]

The video's not very exciting if you weren't there. 

[ELKBURGER]

Way to go Pman! He is set up for awhile now!

[Smossy]

Great work John. Wish I could had a mentor like you at his age. Might of kept me out of a lot of trouble. Your a good person man. Got alot of respect for you.

[pianoman9701]

Thanks Smossy. He should be set up for years, Steve.

[RadSav]

I stopped in at AW earlier this week and asked if Braxton had gotten his new bow yet.  I was ready to pitch in as much as needed.  They said Hunt-WA members already had him taken care of.  What a great job guys!  Every time I start thinking I'm done with H-W drama you guys go and do something great!

[Jolten]

Well RadSav I hope you don't leave the forum. I enjoy picking your brain.

On a side note I've converted 5 people to your savora line after they checked out mine. 

[TVHunts]

I am not sure how I missed the original post.  What a commendable thing you are doing for him. I would have enjoyed helping with it.  Good on you and hope to see some posts of him hunting some day soon.