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Class
of 2003
Bowhunter, Contributor to the
Sport, Influence on the Sport
M. R. James spent 35 memorable years writing and
editing material for Bowhunter magazine, the publication
that he founded in 1971. Under his editorial direction,
Bowhunter evolved into the most successful special-interest
periodical in archery history.
 M.R.
is a living legend in bowhunting circles, and is still living
his
lifetime of bowhunting experiences. Leading by example,
he has made vast contributions to the
education of bow hunters through his
writings and through encouraging others to share their
experiences in the written form.
Born under the zodiacal sign of "The Archer" in Wabash County,
Illinois in 1940, M.R. traces his interest in archery to when he
crafted his first crude bows and arrows from native saplings
while still in grade school, and by the age of 12 had saved
enough money from farm work and household chores to buy his
first "real" longbow and arrows. While a college student, he
began to write and sell short stories and articles to national
magazines. His writing career was nurtured by another Hall of
Famer,
Roy Hoff, the
 editor
of Archery Magazine. His byline then began to appear in the
nations leading archery and outdoor publications.
His biography is listed regularly in Who's Who in the West,
Who's Who in America and
Who's Who in the World. Today M.R. James continues to pursue
this dual passions, writing and bowhunting. He tirelessly
promotes the sport while traveling extensively, serving as an
informed and eloquent public relations emissary for the entire
North American bowhunting community.
1971 - Far left photo is M. R.'s first Colorado Black Bear taken
with bow. Other photo is of Mule Deer taken
also in 1971 in Nebraska.
Notes of Interest
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President,
Archery Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. - 2009, 2012
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Vice President, Archery Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. - 2008 - 2009
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Harvested
his first whitetail deer in 1963 - a Pope & Young buck
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Two trophies, a woodland caribou tagged in 1999 and a muskox
arrowed in 2000 rank in the top 5 all-time Pope and Young
records.
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Over 2 dozen of his big game trophies have qualified for the
Pope and Young record book.
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President,
Pope & Young Club, 2006 - 2010
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Founder/Editor of Bowhunter Magazine, 1971 - 2006
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Board Member, National Bowhunter Education Foundation, 1976
- 94
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Director,
Pope & Young Club, 1986 - 90
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First
Vice President, Pope & Young Club, 1990 - 2000
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Director, Physically Challenged Bowhunters of
America,
1996 - 2006
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Author of 6 books
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Over 1,000 magazine articles published
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Served as editor for Pope and Young Club record books and
editorial consultant for Bowhunter Education, National Rifle
Association Skills Book
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Lecturer
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Renowned bowhunter
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Member, Archery Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. Veteran's
Committee
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