The Pope and Young Club 31st Biennial Convention in Omaha saw thousands of bowhunters gathered to celebrate incredible trophies, noteworthy speakers and raise much needed funds for the Club’s Education, Conservation and Outreach efforts.

Donald Trump Jr. spoke to a sellout crowd on Friday evening, and according to those in attendance, his message of conservation and protecting our hunting heritage was well received. Saturday evening was the convention highlight for many attendees, with the following five new world record animals honored: 

• Wes Ely — non-typical Coues deer
• Chris Cammack — Alaska brown bear
• Dennis Bennet — non-typical mule deer
• Clayton Miller — Rocky Mountain bighorn
• Frank Cheeney — typical mule deer

These animals were on display for all to see, as well as the top 10 of each of the 29 North American big game species taken during the past two years.

This Rocky Mountain bighorn ram is one of five new P&Y world records showcased at the recent P&Y convention. It was arrowed last year by Clayton Miller in Pennington County, South Dakota, and has an official score of 209 1/8 inches. The former P&Y world record bighorn was an Alberta sheep arrowed by Todd Kirk in 1998. Its score was 199 5/8.

“We just finished up our 31st biennium awards banquet, and it was one for the ages,” stated Pope and Young Club President Jim Willems. “Governor Pete Rickets addressed our members with a great message about the wildlife successes in Nebraska. Our keynote speaker for the convention was none other than Donald Trump Jr., who is a proud and successful bowhunter. He is one of us. He spoke to a packed house with plenty of applause. We showcased over 100 of the biggest and most impressive specimens of all big game species of North America. The success of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is undeniable. Thank you to everyone who was a part of this amazing event.”

Donald Trump Jr. was the keynote speaker at the Pope and Young Club 31st Biennial Convention in Omaha, Nebraska.

Thousands of dollars were raised for the Club’s Education, Conservation and Outreach Fund. The venue was full of outfitters, gear vendors and avid bowhunters. In addition to catching up with old friends and making new ones, attendees had the chance to plan archery adventures for the 2020/21 big game seasons. One special moment mentioned by several attendees was when bowhunting industry icon M.R. James was honored with the inaugural Glen St. Charles Outstanding Member award (below).

M. R. James wrote the following on Facebook regarding the photo above: “Most of my FB friends and followers know of my decades-long involvement with the Pope and Young Club. Since joining P&Y in January 1971, I've done my best to promote and support P&Y as a member, officer and measurer. During last Friday's Omaha Convention, I was named recipient of the Club's first-ever ‘Outstanding Member Award.’ I'm deeply touched, and I offer heartfelt thanks to the P&Y officers and members responsible for bestowing the unique honor on this old bowhunter.”

The 32nd Biennial Convention will be held in Reno, Nevada, in 2021. For more information on the Pope and Young Club, visit www.pope-young.org.