I set them up with a couple of Mission bows. I'd bought him a Bear Apprentice III a month or so before I got her bow, but she had a better sight....and a better rest....and a better bow (in his mind), so I leveled the playing field.

He's 8 and she's 12. Her draw is longer and she's pulling more weight.

She's wearing the dots out and all he wants to do is bust lungs on the deer target.

She won't venture beyond 20 and he's arching arrows in from as far as he can.

Just watching them brings back good memories from my childhood. Now I'll have to watch them like a hawk all fall. Arrows will be sticking out of all things with four legs around here. The countdown to September is on and I'd bet big money they'll both be ready. They're on a Mission...

Good on you dad.

Good on you dad.

Awesome! Well done!

Nice well done!

That is awesome!!!! Once they get rid of those death grips and bend at the waist to their target they will be deadly. I love seeing parents getting their kids into archery.

Great!! Love the different colored peep tubing. SWAG...

Excellent! I can't wait until my grandkids are big enough for this. Exciting stuff!!!

Doesn't get any better then that ! Nice pictures.

Ken

Good stuff! Well done all the way around.

It's fun to watch!

They're both shooting a bunch and their form is improving. There is some competitiveness between the two. It really makes me happy they're showing this much interest.

The best part of the whole deal is that they told me what they wanted. I suggested nothing. They both said, "Dad, I want a bow!"....

This is most excellent. Good looking yutes you've got there.

SAS;

Details and rationale on why the Mission? Is this their starter? If so, why? Teach, man, teach...

Got a couple little ones of my own. Also bow shopping. Is the bear apprentice III a good bow?

It's a good bow. It's lighter than the Mission. Had she not gotten a bow and started kicking his butt on the first day, he'd have never wanted anything different!

It is their starter...The actual model is the Craze II. They're adjustable from 19-30" and the 13-70 pounds.

We're a Mathews dealer and sell a ton. There are other bows in the same category and they're good bows too, but I just like the Mission a little better.

The draw lengths are super easy to change. He started out at 20" and 19 pounds. I've moved him to 21" and 25 pounds. She's at 23" and 31 pounds now. They're super easy to adjust as a kid grows. You don't need a press.

Unless they get trade fever at some point, these bows would serve them well through adulthood. We both know that won't happen though!

SAS- I checked Mission's website, but didn't see any indication, but do these come in lefthand?

EDIT: Found it in an unlikely place. Thought I'd just add it here in case others were wondering:

Wow. They have grown. Trade fever? I'm thinking it is in the blood.

You'll have to come back and visit this year Harry. The horn crop looks good...

Horns or no horns, I would make the trip backwards. Would also enjoy seeing the store and what you have done.

The youngest one had to get in the game too. She'll take lots of effort, but she's having fun! It's a good thing. She saw how much time I was spending with the older kids and wanted her time as well. She brought laughter into the mix. She has a big personality for a four year old.

This was her second shot. Lots of work to do, but worth every minute of it!



The other two have really improved. Grips are now good and their form is much better. They're going up in weight and shooting really well. It's hard to explain how fun it is to watch. I probably shoot one arrow to their 10 -- if that...

Super!!! Really dig these pics/stories.

Excellent. My boy is now 27. He loves to hunt with both gun and bow. My daughter never cared much for hunting, however, I have a 10-year-old step daughter who watches me intently and was at the archery shop the other day really looking at the bows that had any pink on them. She just might be a candidate for archery!

Grand-kids (twins) are due in June...I WILL be influencing them toward the outdoors and away from all the digital/electronic crap.

Good job, SAS!

Is the Craze II the only bow in this highly adjustable category that you can change draw length without a press?

No, there are others. Hoyt makes the Ignite and it doesn't require a press. Bear and G5 also make one, but I've heard conflicting reports as to whether a press is needed.

Thanks 4.

That's really cool of you . I have all three of my boys shooting now . 1 Bear Cruzer and 2 of the Bear Apprintice III. They are loving it. Like you , I can't get an arrow in ! I just leave my bow home now when I take them to the range .