About the ISB
The Idaho State Bowhunters Inc. is an organization of affiliated clubs and sportsmen whose primary interest is hunting with a bow and arrow.
The I.S.B. derives it’s beginning from the National Field Archery Association realization that more had to be done to reach the unaffiliated bowhunter and enlist his or her help in support of archery and bowhunting in particular. In order to achieve this end, the NFAA created a non-competitive bowhunter membership at a reduced fee. The state associations were encouraged by the Nationals to do likewise.
A bowhunter membership was approved by the IFAA in February of 1972 and a chairman was appointed to advertise the new program. Although several early organizers of what was then called the Idaho Field Archery Association, bowhunters fell by the wayside. By may of 1973, the young organization had a full slate of officers appointed by IFAA President, Jack Fisher, and a membership of nearly 200. Leading the new State Bowhunter group was Jim Fitzgerald of Pocatello as Chairman and Larry Trumbull of Boise as Secretary-Treasurer.
One of the first actions of the bowhunter officers was to authorize the printing of a bowhunter manual which appeared on the scene in July of 1973.
1974 brought several significant and later somewhat controversial changes to the IFAA Bowhunters. Authorized by the Bowhunter Committee, Richard Nichols of Boise, then Chairman of the Bowhunter of the Year competition, designed the eye catching bowhunter patch which is now utilized.
With the Idaho State Bowhunter name catching hold, the first bi-monthly newsletter was mailed to members during February 1974, as the Idaho State Bowhunters Bowbender News by newly appointed Secretary-Treasurer, Les Detmer.
In January 1975, an I.S.B. general meeting was held in Twin Falls, Idaho. This brought about the first election of officers for the club. Richard Beesley of Rexburg, Idaho, was elected President; Les Detmer of Boise, Idaho, Secretary-Treasure; Roger Attwood of Rexburg, Idaho, Bowhunter Competition Chairman; Lawrence Clark of Orofino, Idaho, Region 1 Director; Dale Forrester of Boise, Idaho, Region 2 Director; and Randy Stephens of Soda Springs, Idaho, as Region 3 Director.
During this meeting it was felt that although the 1974 Jamboree at the Upper Snake River Bowmen field range, held in Rexburg, Idaho, had been a huge success, it did not fully represent a true hunting situation. As a result, a National Forest Campground at Copper Basin was chosen as the site for the 1975 Jamboree. The Jamboree had now moved to the heart of the Sawtooth Mountains in the Stanley Basin to be more centrally located and provide more camping and shooting. The format has changed from shooting 2d and 3d targets to only 3d targets at unmarked distances. This year we had over 800 shooters at the three-day event; held each year on the third weekend of July.
The Idaho State Bowhunter organization now provides a host of benefits and activities for its new members. The I.S.B. newsletter is mailed quarterly to all members. This contains articles on hunting, reports from officers, hunting pictures, club and regional news and any pertinent information informing members of matters that effect hunting privileges.
Our Regional and State Bowhunters Jamborees provide provide the most realistic practice for hunting to be found anywhere. Hunting practice sooner or later provides success and the I.S.B. maintains a full supply of big and small game awards and pins with the Bowhunter of the Year competition providing the prestige for Idaho’s most successful Bowhunter. (Bowhunter of the year is limited to animals killed in Idaho)
However, the greatest benefit to all bowhunters is the tremendous effort put forth by the officers and members of the I.S.B. to maintain and enhance the great bowhunting that is now enjoyed in Idaho. Many hunts have been saved or added as a result of these efforts.
A life membership was established by Ron Sherer of Atlanta, Idaho, in 1982. This has grown to a total over 230 members. These members are the backbone of the organization and can always be counted upon for help at anytime or if the need arises.
Today, the membership is over 1250 members, of which many are from out of state. We have many clubs from around the state that affiliate. We welcome everyone!
For General Information, please e-mail the ISB at crbeesley@aol.com
Mailing address for the ISB:
ISB Current Board of Directors
President — Richard Beesley P.O. Box 154, Rexburg ID 83440
208-356-9726 email: crbeesley@aol.comVice President — Eric Thomas PO BOX 3357, Hailey, ID 83333 208-578-1383
email: ericandcathy@earthlink.netSecretary — Kay Haver 8700 Oakmont Dr., Boise ID 83704
208-378-9796 email: katiehaver@msn.comTreasurer — John Quapp 1965 E Summerdawn, Meridian, ID 83642
208-887-9257 email: jquapp@idaa.comNewsletter Editor — Stacey Francis 8196 S Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208-523-1063 email: staceysue32@gmail.comPast President — Clayton Nielson 610 Monroe St, Kimberly, ID 83341, 423-5287, email: clayniel@msn.com
Director of Competition — Jeremiah Pope 173 Sevensprings Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301 208-421-0625 email: jeremiah-n-kylie@hotmail.com
Big Game Chairman — Brian Frickey 273 N 4000 E Rigby ID 83442
208-745-6500 email: rattlengrunt@aol.comRegion Directors
1. Open
2. Open
3. Tom Haver — 8700 Oakmont Dr., Boise ID 83704
208-378-9796 email: thaver10@msn.com4. Caleb Drake — 1966 E 4100 N, Filer, ID 83328;
208-308-0810 email: muleylover@yahoo.com5. Brian Paulsen — 2176 Michaud Creek, Pocatello ID 83204
208-237-4575 email: middlemaker@gmail.com6. Reed Stewart — 1173 Crescent Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208-852-6301 email: ivoryhuntercustom@hotmail.com7. Mike Wallingford — 1409 Cleveland Ave., Salmon ID 83467
208-756-4468 email: mkwallingford@custertel.net
ISB Favorite Links