About Us
Who MTB Is
Michigan Traditional Bowhunters (MTB) is a non-profit origination of traditional archers whose main interest lies in bowhunting with recurves, longbows, and self-bows. MTB began as a dream by Dan Bertalan and Ed Sandifer. The desire for the group was to share a sense of camaraderie and common purpose among bowhunters using all types of traditional archery equipment. This group could also function as a political entity when needed, to prevent the degradation of traditional bowhunting in Michigan.
That first summer in 1990 a traditional archery jamboree was held at the grounds of the Lincoln Bowmen Club near Detroit, Michigan. It included a large traditional archery shoot, guest speaker, raffle, and a hunting slide show. The excellent turnout only added to the growing excitement about MTB.
At this time a few serious members were leading the way and making the decisions of MTB. After only a year the membership was pushing towards 200 and included many of the finest bowhunters in Michigan and around the country. After only two years the membership grew to over 300. It was decided that MTB needed a structured leadership, through this a twelve-member board of directors was set up.
Since then our group has grown too; 300 plus. We have had over thirty Jamborees, host an annual banquets, rabbit hunts, and members only whitetail hunting camp. MTB is also committed to making sure that we preserve bowhunting and the opportunity only an archery season can provide. We have been fighting against Michigan legislation that would limit or greatly affect opportunities for the traditional bowhunter. We are proud to stand against the inclusion of the Air Gun as well as putting a stop to a 2-week firearm tag, both having attempted to be legalized during the archery only season.
MTB is excited about our growth and are welcoming all our new members.
Jim Eeckhout
President
I am a lifelong Traditional Bowhunter that enjoys bowhunting various species throughout North America. My role as President is to promote and protect Traditional Bowhunting opportunities in Michigan as well as grow the sport for people of all ages to enjoy.
Bryan Miller
Membership Director and Acting Vice President
A lifelong hunter, I took up a bow in 2000, evolving into traditional archery equipment 14 years ago, and never looked back. My love for the outdoors in general guided my educational path as I earned a Bachelors in Natural Resources Management from GVSU in 2006 and have continued on that path with my career. My education and experience has allowed me to represent MTB effectively on the DNR’s Advisory Committees, where myself and other shareholders fight to preserve and expand the archery only seasons that icons of traditional bowhunting fought so hard for decades ago.
Courtney Scharnakaua
Treasurer
As the current treasurer for MTB, I handle finances for the organization. I keep record of all financial transactions, deposits, and balance bank accounts. Traditional archery has quickly become a passion of mine. I love the simplicity of a bow and arrow, along with the challenge and fun it brings.
Jandin Miller
Legislative Liaison
Born into a hunting families that utilized both guns and compound bows my husband, Bryan, and I evolved into hunting with traditional archery equipment over the last decade. I enjoy shooting with my husband as well as our two daughters and hunting whitetails, turkeys, rabbits, and trash (pictured left). The Covid pandemic opened my eyes to how much power is in the hands of our legislators when they know so little about the unintended consequences they can unleash. My background has given me a greater understanding of the differences in hunting style requirements, based on the weapon, and has hardened my stance on why it is so vital to preserve Michigan's archery season that Fred Bear fought so hard for.
Cary Cox
Event Coordinator
My name is Cary Cox, I am the event coordinator and novelty shoot planner for the MTB. I began shooting bows in the late seventies early '80s by using an old bear recurve. Traditional archery used to be just something I did, now it is a lifestyle and it's who I am. I am just as equally excited to hunt a squirrel with my traditional bow as I would be pursuing a deer or bear, etc. I can't explain the mystical flight of an arrow, but I do know I am absolutely addicted.
Paul Biediger
Merchandise Coordinator
As merchandise coordinator I oversee all aspects of MTB merchandise. I got into archery as a kid growing up in Texas. I would go all over the ranch shooting at stumps. I moved to Michigan in the Air Force and renewed my love for the sport. Now days, you can find me in the woods with my son Jake hunting stumps and small game.