This was my first visit to the Dallas convention and it was, IMHO excellent. The show itself was a menagerie of hunting and outdoor related paraphernalia. Outfitters, Guides/PH's, Rep's, Artists, Jewelers, Celebrities, Chef's (Lisa Freeman will have a new cookbook coming out this summer) Hunters by the thousands and outdoors men and women attended the event. Most anything one wanted could be found, booked, mounted, purchased, reserved, made, customized, painted, created or fried and roasted. For myself it was great to see old friends, some I haven't seen in decades (like Randal Pence from Ruger firearms) and make new one's. Some of the Outfitters I book for were there from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Mozambique and New Zealand. It was good to hear about current hunting situations, game projections, new areas starting next season and the cost of hunting. Some fees remain the same and very affordable and some would definitely be going up. I avoided the temptation to buy everything I wanted but I did pick up one of John Banovich's paintings: "Lionheart". But upon showing my wife the brochure, we both decided we liked "Inside the Red Zone" better. I made a call to his studio this morning and asked if I could make the trade. I'll know tomorrow.
I was amazed at how many AR members knew me from my pictures and comments I post here on the forums. I never would have thought anyone would have remembered someone from a pic or two posted on a web site forum. It was my pleasure to meet everyone of you and hope to see you again in the future. The AR social was an outstanding success and we had quite a crowd. Kudu's (pun intended) go out to JudgeG, Retreever, ForrestB and all of you who helped put us together over the weekend. The dinner at Pappadeaux's was a fun event although we didn't get to mingle much, but the social night at Comfort Inn made up for it. I want to thank all of you who offered David Walker and I a ride to anywhere we needed to go. We both appreciated your kindness. I've already made plans to attend next year, and hopefully I'll see many of you again. To all of you who needed information or had more questions, feel free to call me anytime. Good hunting in the upcoming season, LDK

I've been trying to find time to do this all day, but when I'm out of the office for a couple days, it's hell to pay when I get back.

I'll second everything David had to say. I'd like to, once again, thank everyone who hauled our sorry tails around all weekend. Next year I'll have a car and will furnish transportation to whoever needs it.

Thanks to all of the Texans for their hospitality. It was most definitely a warm reception. Thanks also for all involved in organizing supper Friday night and the reception on Saturday night. I hope everyone had as much fun as I and that I get to share it once again with all of you next year.

David Walker

David,

Sorry that I missed meeting you. You and I probably bumped into each other several times at the various AR events. See you next year.

Doug

David,
Ditto. This was our first trip to anything like this. My son and I enjoyed ourselves a lot. It was nice meeting some of the AR folks. Sorry for the ones I missed and we will have to do it again.
Jeff

First time I know of, where I have been with two other guy, all with the name of Keith, and none with the name in the same place.(first, middle, and last)

Enjoyed your company, sorry about the truck fiasco Friday night.

Keith

Keith,

I was just about to send out a hail call to you. I hope everything is going ok with your truck and that you made it home ok. I appreciate your hospitality and extend mine anytime you may find yourself in North Alabam.

David "Keith" Walker

A freind drove up Monday morning to lend a hand getting the truck fixed. Got on the road just after noon, and home before dark.

Looking forward to seeing you and LDK again.

Keith

Sounds good Keith. Glad you got it all worked out. Did it end up being the starter? Thanks again for the transportation this weekend. I'll get with ASAP on the ESP thing, should be no more than 3 or 4 weeks. Just sent the Infernal Revenue Service their bribery check yesterday, boy that hurts.

Have a good one.

David

Hey keith
glad you made it home ok, there is nothing more stressful than being broke down far from home. I sure did enjoy hanging out with you at the show. I also enjoyed meeting everybody that stopped by. see you at the houston show jj

David, a new starter fixed it. After a bit of recharging with jumper cables, only needed to crank it twice, to gett'r running.

bwanajcj, not sure which day, but maybe Thursday or Friday.

Keith

We had a great time and enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new ones!

I'm glad everything worked out on your truck Keith! We were going to come by your booth to say goodbye before we left, but I got tied up talking about booking another hunt and had to rush to get to the airport in time.

Next year I'm going to bring a note book. My head is just now starting to clear and I'm having trouble remembering screen names to real names The faces I remember; the names that go with all of them....well..... All are welcome to PM me your name/screen name.
LDK

No problem Lee, we did get a bit of a visit in.

LDK, it just takes time for the name/face/AR handel thing to get straight.

As to your head clearing..................

Keith

What a fun convention! This was my first time to attend the dinner, and it was just great; lots of friendly people, Retreever greeted us at the door, we had a wonderful time sharing a table and talking with Studdog and Gdog. Met some of the AR guys I didn't know and some I had met before - ForrestB, Jorge, JudgeG, NE450N02, and quite a few others. Spent a good time at Saturday's party drinking and visiting with Die Ou Jagter - great guy, and others. And best of all - booked another African hunt!