In an age of digital content and fleeting attention spans, Ron Angelo at Standing Wolf Archery has created something truly remarkable for the traditional archery community. Their newly announced Trad Hunters Magazine – Volume 1: Alaska represents a bold return to the authentic outdoor publishing tradition that once defined American hunting culture. Limited to just 750 first-edition numbered copies, this pre-sale offering is rapidly becoming the most anticipated publication in traditional bowhunting circles.
A NOSTALGIC JOURNEY TO ARCHERY’S GOLDEN ERA
The magazine deliberately embraces the aesthetic and philosophy of 1950s outdoor publications – a time many consider the golden age of bowhunting literature. Far from being a mere stylistic choice, this approach reflects a deeper commitment to the values that defined that era: self-reliance, authenticity, and a profound connection to the natural world. The compact 5.5″ x 8.5″ digest format mirrors the practical, field-ready publications that accompanied hunters on expeditions decades ago, designed to slip easily into a pack or pocket.
“Built like the classics. No Filler. No Noise. Just real bowhunting the way it used to be,” states the publication’s mission statement. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the magazine’s design and content strategy. In contrast to modern hunting publications often dominated by product placements and sponsored content, Trad Hunters Magazine promises a return to substantive storytelling and practical wisdom.
PREMIUM QUALITY MEETS TIMELESS CONTENT
Standing Wolf Archery hasn’t cut corners on production quality. Each magazine features premium perfect binding with heavy archival-quality paper built to withstand the rigors of actual field use. This commitment to craftsmanship extends beyond mere durability – it’s a statement about the publication’s intended longevity in a throwaway media landscape.
The 90+ page inaugural issue focuses entirely on Alaska, one of bowhunting’s most challenging and revered destinations. Readers can expect authentic hunting narratives, interviews with legendary traditional bowhunters, classic black-and-white advertisements that capture the spirit of the era, and timeless hunting wisdom applicable to modern pursuits. The magazine also features authentic 1950s-style illustrations throughout, capturing the distinctive visual language that defined that period’s outdoor literature.
EXCLUSIVE COLLECTOR’S ITEMS ENHANCE THE OFFERING
What truly sets this publication apart is the array of exclusive items accompanying each pre-sale purchase. Every copy includes a limited edition 11″×17″ vintage-style poster guaranteed never to be printed again, creating immediate collector value. Additionally, the first edition features exclusive inside cover artwork that won’t appear in subsequent printings.
Perhaps most significantly, each copy is individually hand-numbered as part of the original 750-copy print run, establishing provenance and collectibility from the outset. For traditional archery enthusiasts who appreciate craftsmanship and heritage, these touches transform the magazine from a mere publication into a cherished artifact.
THE BOWHUNTER’S DREAM GIVEAWAY ADDS EXCITEMENT
Standing Wolf Archery has further elevated the pre-sale event by including automatic entry into “The Bowhunter’s Dream Giveaway” with every purchase. This substantial prize package, valued at approximately $1,600, represents a carefully curated collection of traditional archery equipment from respected craftsmen across the community.
The centerpiece of the giveaway is a hand-crafted longbow from Songdog Stickbows, made from premium Osage or Hickory, with a mid-40s draw weight. Additional prizes include Monty Browning’s comprehensive guide to DIY Alaska Yukon moose hunting, Grant Richardson’s book reflecting on the journey of traditional bowhunting, an H&S Nomad knife designed for backcountry use, EL&B Wedgehead broadheads, custom TTT bow strings, and an assortment of Standing Wolf’s own vintage camo archery accessories.
With odds capped at 1-in-750 (depending on final pre-sale numbers), this represents a genuinely attractive opportunity for traditional archers. The drawing will take place on Sunday, May 18, 2025, and is open to residents of the United States and Canada (excluding Quebec).
BUILDING A COMMUNITY AROUND TRADITIONAL VALUES
What becomes clear through Standing Wolf Archery’s approach is that Trad Hunters Magazine aims to be far more than a periodical. The limited print run, collector’s items, and community-focused giveaway all point toward building a dedicated fellowship of like-minded traditional archers.
“Trad Hunters Magazine Volume 1: Alaska is more than a magazine – it’s a statement,” explains the promotional material. “You’re not just buying pages – you’re joining a community built on tradition, grit, and a love for bowhunting!”
This community-building aspect reflects the broader revival of interest in traditional archery methods. As compound bows and technological advancements increasingly dominate mainstream archery, a countermovement celebrating the simplicity, skill, and historical continuity of traditional methods has emerged. Trad Hunters Magazine positions itself at the center of this cultural conversation.
A NEW TRADITION BEGINS
Volume 1: Alaska explicitly positions itself as “just the beginning” of a new tradition in archery publishing. This implies not only future volumes but the establishment of a continuing relationship between the publication and its readership. Those who purchase the first edition are characterized as founding members, suggesting an evolving community with shared values and interests.
Given the resurgence of interest in physical media among certain demographics – similar to the vinyl record revival in music – Trad Hunters Magazine appears well-positioned to capture the imagination of both established traditional archers and newcomers drawn to the authenticity of non-compound archery methods.
STANDING WOLF ARCHERY’S EXPANDING VISION
This publication represents a significant expansion for Standing Wolf Archery, a company already respected for handcrafting traditional archery accessories. Their existing product line includes quivers, tabs, silencers, and other accessories for recurve bows and longbows. The launch of Trad Hunters Magazine suggests a broader vision that extends beyond manufacturing into media and community building.
By establishing this publication, Standing Wolf positions itself not merely as a producer of archery equipment but as a cultural authority and curator within the traditional archery space. This strategic move may well strengthen their brand while providing a genuine service to the community they serve.
THE FUTURE OF TRADITIONAL ARCHERY MEDIA
The limited pre-sale of Trad Hunters Magazine raises intriguing questions about the future of niche publishing in outdoor sports. While digital content dominates mainstream media consumption, this publication bets on the enduring appeal of physical artifacts, especially among practitioners of traditional skills.
If successful, this model could inspire similar ventures in other heritage-focused sporting niches. The combination of premium physical products, exclusive collectible elements, and community-building initiatives offers a potential template for sustainable publishing in an era when conventional magazine business models struggle.
Standing Wolf Archery’s Trad Hunters Magazine represents a bold experiment in reviving the spirit of mid-20th century outdoor publishing while building a contemporary community around traditional values. Whether you’re a dedicated longbow hunter, a collector of archery memorabilia, or simply someone who appreciates the craftsmanship and heritage of traditional methods, this limited pre-sale offering merits consideration before the 750 numbered copies disappear into private collections. I ordered my copy, get yours here.