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If you’re going to listen to anyone’s archery advice, make it Eric’s. He doesn’t like to brag, but he holds a world record! Next time you’re in the Lincoln, Nebraska store, stop by the Archery Shop and ask him about it. Scheels: When did you learn about archery? Schack: When I was five. My dad would be in the backyard shooting, and I would join him because I liked the outdoors. It also allowed us to spend some quality time together. My whole family including mom and brother are bow hunters, so we have an awesome time collectively. Scheels: Do you remember your first kill? Schack: It was when I was 13. Ever since, I’ve been addicted. I realized that hard work really does pay off. Scheels: What’s most exciting part of archery? Schack: You have to learn how to get close enough without scaring them away. I like being hidden in the woods and being able to see them or hear their noises, knowing that if I just get close enough I can get a shot off. Scheels: What’s the most frustrating aspect? Schack: I have a hard time being patient all day. It is a big challenge to sit without moving, but it’s a pretty amazing feeling when you are up in a tree stand and able to get away from all of life’s worries! Scheels: What trends have you seen recently in archery? Schack: There seems to be growth in the popularity of the sport. More and more hunters are having a hard time finding land to hunt on. But if you use a bow, you can basically hunt in someone’s backyard. A lot of rifle hunters and archers get the same thrill, and you know your hard work paid off once you make that great shot. Scheels: Working at Scheels: how has it been for you? Schack: I enjoy talking to fellow hunters and listening to their stories. It helps me to know if the animals are moving outside, even when I am inside. When I am working, I wish I was outside, but sometimes by hearing their stories I know that I am not missing much. Working at Scheels also allows me to work with what I’m passionate about. Scheels: Do you have any advice for newcomers to the sport? Schack: Be patient. When you buy a bow, you need to realize it might take you awhile to become accurate. However, it will be satisfying once you get the hang of it. With archery, there are more details with form, technique and patience to master. Scheels: Do you have any proud bow hunting moments? Schack: Would you believe I hold the world record for the biggest turkey shot with a bow? On March 31, 2001, I was hunting with my dad, mom and brother; two of us were in each blind. We had our decoys up, and were located about 300 yards from where the turkeys were roosting. We ended up sitting in our blind for about an hour, hour and a half before one of the turkeys decided to break away. Because I was in high school and was unable to take hunting trips very often, my family decided to let me take the first shot. When the turkey approached, I took the shot and ended up getting him! When we went up to the turkey, I noticed that he had three beards, but soon realized there were two additional ones. I had never heard of a five–bearded turkey before, and didn’t realize that it would be a record! It was a non–typical, 5–bearded turkey reaching 112.445.” At that time, the next closest record was 13 inches away; today it is only five inches away. It was one of my proudest moments, and every time I see my mounted turkey, I look back at that day and remember almost exactly how it happened! |
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