AANS / BANS

[sticks]

A long time ago, two groups went their separate ways. Somebody will correct me if I'm wrong, I know, but bowhunters needed an organization dedicated to their needs. AANS at the time was very much a target-shooters club, and the political climate of the day meant that AANS could not be associated with "blood sports" because they would lose their funding.
That has changed. AANS consists mostly of bowhunters shooting 3D, and the President is a bowhunter. Hunting has been enshrined as a Heritage Sport in Nova Scotia, and hunting groups have been given grants to promote wellness in Nova Scotians.
This begs the question...is it time for one body to once again represent bowhunters?
A unified voice, and a unified body for hunting and shooting, which as Gary M. has pointed out is the way it is out west, and everybody knows they're wayyy ahead of us in terms of organization, promotion of their sport, and protection and promotion of hunting.
I've volunteered for the job of BANS director to the North American Bowhunting Coalition (www.pope-young.org)(don't tell my wife till after the holidays please)and I would very much like to go to those people with a message that bowhunters are unified under one umbrella in Nova Scotia and speak with one voice. It's Christmas, time to mend fences, bury hatchets, shake hands and get on with it.
What are the pros and cons? Bowhunters....what are your views? I have posted an open letter to the President of AANS on their site; he's probably also curious if the will is there to unite and fight for common goals. www.aansontheweb.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=4721#4721

[huntwisely]

The easy thing would be for AANS to allow BANS members full access to sanctioned shoots, the provincials, etc.

Myself I'd like to see AANS be the focal point but represent the Fita and Filed archer under a new group - perhaps FFANS, the 3d and hunting group under BANS.

One can join FFANS or BANS and be represented by AANS who get the gov funding and allots it to the archery groups for coaching, travel, or whatever. Perhaps even one newsletter covering all aspects of archery represented by AANS

[biggame]

That's like saying the NHL and figure skaters should join together because they both wear skates.

AANS is a good association, and I think they represnt archery as a sport very well. But I joined BANS as a hunter, that is what I care about. I realize joinning AANS will increase membership, but I don't want a thousand members if they don't represent perserving hunting, and I am sure they don't want a larger club that don't represent the sport.

[archer2]

As with all subjects there area select few who will post their opinions on many matters but most will just read what is written.
Some of us have been trying to repair the rift that happened many years ago without hurting too many egos along the way and not making old woulds hurt once again.
It's unreasonable to beleive that you can change the minds of those who have already decided an attempt to re-join the two associations back together is either futile or not wanted.
For others it's a possibility that it can and will happen eventually because of mutual needs.

[guest]

huntwisely said:

The easy thing would be for AANS to allow BANS members full access to sanctioned shoots, the provincials, etc.

Myself I'd like to see AANS be the focal point but represent the Fita and Filed archer under a new group - perhaps FFANS, the 3d and hunting group under BANS.

One can join FFANS or BANS and be represented by AANS who get the gov funding and allots it to the archery groups for coaching, travel, or whatever. Perhaps even one newsletter covering all aspects of archery
represented by AANS

thats the stupidest thing ive evar heard!

archer2 i like your style!

sticks goods well thaught out post

[huntwisely]

Guest -

I fully support you having an opinion on my previously post, but have to ask

Why is it a stupid idea? Is it not similar to what the NSFAH does ?

With that idea, someone representing each group of archers would be present at meeting, things would be discussed / agreed / disagreed at one meeting and people would hear other's points of view. AANS would then represent the views of a concensus and would have a larger base membership whe approaching Sport and Rec.

Please take the time to explain your view so all my benefit in this discussion.