John Martin is a 32-year-old Animal Nutritionist from Petaluma, California. He has hunted since he was 12 years old throughout California, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming for a variety of game large and small. John began his archery hunting and competitive career in 2004. Since then he has competed throughout the state of California, and even at the World Archery Festival in both the Vegas target and 3D venues. John shoots his hunting bow, currently a Hoyt Ultra Sport at 65 pounds and 65% letoff in the Bowhunter Freestyle division for all his competitive pursuits.

John has also introduced his family to the sport of archery. Erin, John’s eldest regularly competes in the local 3d shoots, and won the Sonoma County Bowmen Cub division in 2006. Her sister, Kelsey won the Pee Wee division the same year. When she is old enough, both girls plan to introduce their sister, seven-month-old Sydney, to the sport.

What does the future hold for John? Ever hopeful he has applied in a number of Western states including Wyoming and Oregon for elk, Colorado for pronghorn, Nevada for mule deer, and of course the various draws in California. One thing is for sure though, John will get a tag, draw or over-the-counter, to hunt the wily blacktail deer in the Coastal California region, along with the black bear that inhabit the same country. In preparation he will continue to shoot at the various competitive venues throughout California, as well as physically train. In preparation for the physical nature of his spot and stalk hunts he has joined with the group, Team in Training, to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society, while training for a the 26.2 mile Mayors marathon in Anchorage, Alaska.

When not hunting, shooting or working, John regularly speaks to groups on a variety of topics. As well as addressing young people in an advisory role, he performs cowboy poetry at numerous events throughout California. He has recently published a book of his original poems, Rancher’s Rhymes.

Look for John at your next 3D Shoot, on the shooting line in Vegas, or in a wilderness a long way from the road. He is always eager to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or just talk about hunting, shooting and his equipment.