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It’s Worth the Drive

Have you ever been excited to start something new and your first experience didn’t turn out the way you expected? Did you let that one experience deter you from even starting or did you decide to forge on and give it another try?

I grew up shooting guns, but archery was new for me.I grew up shooting guns, but archery was new for me.
I grew up shooting guns, but archery was new for me.

I decided to jump feet first into archery a few months ago. As I made decisions on how to get started, I decided to stop by my local archery shop to get measured so I’d know what my draw length was for selecting a bow. Let’s just say the experience was not fun, exciting or even pleasant.

I literally went to my car and sat feeling totally defeated—ready to throw in the towel on a sport I hadn’t even got a chance to love yet.

Don't give up. The world is full of people that want to help, but it may take you a minute to find them.
Don’t give up. The world is full of people that want to help, but it may take you a minute to find them.

A week or so later I was telling the unfortunate event to some friends and one of them offered to take me to their local archery shop because she knew they had amazing customer service and were very knowledgeable. I agreed to give them a shot even though it was a two-and-a-half-hour drive. I loaded up with the hope of a better experience and nothing to lose.

Let me tell you it was absolutely worth it. As soon as I walked in the door they greeted me and asked what I needed help with–totally opposite from the greeting I didn’t get at the other place.

I warned him that I was a brand-new shooter so he’d have to be patient and help me with every aspect of drawing a bow back for the first time.

“We have all been there,” he said. “We were all beginners at some point”. He was so patient and supportive.

I handed him a bow and a bag of parts. He assembled it and helped me sight it in. I quickly shot my first bullseye and with that I was 100% hooked.

The best decision was not letting that one bad experience ruin the sport. I forged on and didn’t give up.

Now I'm out practicing with my bow and I couldn't be happier.
Now I’m out practicing with my bow and I couldn’t be happier.

I have since found two other mom-and-pop archery stores that have taken me in and go above and beyond to help in any way possible. They also happen to be over two hours away in the opposite direction. You owe it to yourself to seek out people who know your worth as a consumer.  You can also get advice from your local Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s stores.

If you have ever wondered if it would be worth the drive to check out a place that is highly recommended but isn’t convenient, it is worth it. Make the time, take the trip and enjoy every second.

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