The 31st Biennial Convention in Omaha Nebraska left smiles and new friendships in it's wake. The Convention saw thousands of bowhunters gathered to celebrate incredible trophies, spectacular speakers and raise much needed funds for the Club's Education, Conservation and Outreach efforts.
Donald Trump, Jr. spoke to a sell out crowd on Friday evening. His message of conservation and protecting our hunting heritage was well received by all attendees. Saturday evening saw five new world record animals honored (Wes Ely's non-typical Coue's deer, Chris Cammack's Alaskan Brown Bear, Dennis Bennet's non-typical mule deer, Clayton Miller's Rocky Mountain bighorn and Frank Cheeney's typical mule deer), along with the top ten of each of the twenty-nine North American big-game species taken over the past two years.
"We just finished up our 31st biennium awards banquet and it was one for the ages," stated Pope and Young Club President, Jim Willems. "Governor Pete Rickets addressed our members with a great message about the wildlife successes in Nebraska. Our keynote speaker for the convention was none other than Donald Trump Jr. who is a proud and successful bowhunter. He is one of us. He spoke to a packed house with plenty of applause. We showcased over 100 of the in biggest and most impressive specimens of all big game species of North America. The success of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is undeniable. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this amazing event."
Thousands of dollars were raised for the Club's Education, Conservation and Outreach Fund. The venue was full of outfitters, gear vendors and happy bowhunters who enjoyed seeing old friends, making new friends and planning their 2020/21 bow seasons. One convention attendee stated, "This one is going to be tough to top!" Silence fell over the crowd Friday night as the Club honored the P&Y members who have passed since 2017 with a montage of member pictures. They are gone, but never forgotten. It was a special moment when Bowhunting industry icon, M.R. James was honored with the inaugural Glen St, Charles Outstanding Member award.
The 32nd Biennial Convention will be held in Reno Nevada in 2021. To reserve outfitter or manufacturer booth space, please contact Rick Mowery at rick@pope-young.org, or 989.884.3800. Spaces are limited, so reserve your booth as soon as possible.
