ABOUT JASON . . .
Jason Forck is a twenty-eight year old living in Washington, Illinois. He lives there with his wife and three children. He works as an Engineer at Caterpillar and his free time is spent with his family and in the outdoors.
He started hunting when he was fourteen with friends and family. The outdoors was an addiction and when he turned sixteen he began bow hunting with his friends. He continued to hunt through college, though at a slower pace. Once out of college and with a good job he was able to devote more time to hunting.
Three years ago, Jeremy Wampler, introduced him to 3-D shoots. He dreaded his first competition because while he thought he was a decent shot the thought of competition was intimidating. He thought that everyone one would see him if he was bad, but what he realized after his first shoot was that everyone was there to improve and willing to help. Competitions were no longer intimidating but great fun. After his first shoot Jason was hooked.
During the summer he went to as many local 3-D shoots as he could with friends. He slowly improved in each shoot and spent a considerable amount of time practicing. He credits his friends with giving him the extra push to improve at a quick rate.
The following winter and spring he shot an indoor league. Jason used the same equipment he used for hunting at that time. During his time shooting indoors he learned he was a good shot for a hunter but a mediocre shot in an indoor competition. This fact only drove him work harder though because he had seen the great improvement he had made.
In the summer he worked to shoot every local 3-D shoot he could with friends. During the year he noticed his name was often close to the top of the list in the results. He also watched as his friends improved with him.
One friend in particular, Ken Barkhuff, had begun shooting in the winter and had made great strides in improvement. He credits Ken for giving him the extra push to know he could be a good shooter to know that he could be a great shooter.
Last winter Jason invested in a bow he only used for competition. Together, his friend and Jason, made huge improvements in our indoor scores. When we started looking at the results from indoor competitions, we were surprised with how close our scores were getting to a professional level.
Last year Jason shot 3rd in the Stated Bow Hunter Freestyle class and participated in the N.F.A.A. Indoor National Championships. While he did not do as well as he had hoped in Nationals he left having learned more than he had anticipated. He had went with and open mind and left with a lasting impression. Jason continued to shoot local outdoor competitions and continued to perform well.
While 2008 has not started yet Jason has started practicing early. He also traded in his previous competition bow for a full-fledged target bow. While he does practice at local ranges the majority of his practice is in his basement at six yards. There he concentrates on form and a consistent release. His motto in archery has been, “Aim small and miss small.” As long as you keep aiming at smaller targets you will continue to miss by smaller amounts.
He currently shoots the Bowhunter Freestyle Class, which is primarily dictated by the use of no scopes and a maximum of a 12” stabilizer. He currently chooses to shoot this class because it is closest to bow hunting set up.
This year his goal is to shoot The Prestley’s Pro/Am, The Indoor Illinois State Shoot, The NFAA Indoor National Championship, an ASA Outdoor 3-D shoot in Metropolis, IL, the ASA Illinois State Event, The Illinois IBO State Championship, a local indoor league and local 3-D competitions. As the new year starts he may shoot other shoots but wants to make it to more large scale shoots this year.
This coming year he will be sponsored by MVP Outdoors, a local magazine, in which he also writes in. So far he had one article in the magazine and wants to have a focus on incorporating children into outdoor events. Jason wants to share the adventures he has with his family and friends and hopes to inspire others to spend more time in the outdoors and shooting.
What started out as a hobby and away to improve for hunting has turned into a passion. He looks to continue to improve and one day become a professional. Jason looks forward to sharing his experiences with his friends and family and hopes to see you out shooting this coming year. |
