10/20/2025
Last week, when we dropped the first Bio for our TBHOF Class of 2025 Inductees, we mentioned that not all Inductees would have similar national recognition. This may be the case with this week’s Inductee introduction. While his name is certainly recognizable within some of the national bowhunting organizations, it’s probably safe to say that this name is not familiar throughout the entirety of today’s traditional bowhunting community. And yet… and yet, his influence and impact on our lifestyle is beyond reproach and we are honored to be able to introduce him to you today.
Bowhunting skills are but one of the valued traits we consider when reviewing the submitted nominations. Another is, we are looking for individuals WHO HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE…. people of influence… people of service.
This man is, without a doubt, one of those individuals.
Vern Struble
1925 - 2013
For more than half a century, Vern Struble embodied the very best of traditional bowhunting—ethical, skilled, generous, and dedicated to passing on the heritage of the bow. Over his 55 years afield, Vern harvested Columbian black-tailed deer, mule deer, whitetails, Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk, black bear, Barren Ground caribou, Alaska moose, and wild turkey with traditional tackle. He pursued game across Alaska, California, Idaho, Oregon, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wyoming, taking over 40 big game animals, though he often reminded others that success in bowhunting was measured not in trophies but in the experiences of the hunt.
Equally important as his personal hunting was Vern’s lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and leadership. A founding member of the Benton Bowmen Archery Club in Corvallis, Oregon, Vern guided the club in securing land and developing a premier facility. He established and ran the 4-D Archery Shop, and for 33 years coordinated Benton County’s 4-H archery program, directly teaching more than 1,100 students. He also served as a longtime Oregon Hunter Safety instructor, a leader in Oregon Bowhunters, and a respected Councilman and Vice President of the Professional Bowhunters Society (PBS).
Vern’s influence extended nationally. He chaired PBS gatherings, mentored future leaders—including several national and state presidents—and received the society’s highest honors: the Shupienis Award and the John Rook Inspirational Award. His efforts before the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission helped secure statewide archery seasons, ensuring opportunities for future generations.
Widely admired for his sportsmanship, craftsmanship, and integrity, Vern was as comfortable teaching a youngster to sharpen a broadhead as he was testifying in a legislative hearing. Behind him always stood his wife, Fran, who shared in his archery shop and organizational work. Together they left a legacy of mentorship, conservation, and tradition.
As one friend observed, “The spirit of the simple wooden bow coursed through Vern Struble’s veins.” His life remains a model of what it means to be a traditional bowhunter. Vern was able to hunt well into his mid-80’s, and he did so with great enthusiasm and purpose. Even in later years he was eager to help others improve their bowhunting skill and woodsmanship. He was truly a class act and someone who “walked the walk” and educated through example.
