Day 2, 2:12 p.m. | The ATA Trade Show Welcomes Ted Nugent

At noon, the archery and bowhunting industry, show-goers and ATA staff got a surprise at the registration desk in Columbus, Ohio, when Ted Nugent stopped by. Nugent - avid hunter, guitar legend, author and show host of Outdoor Channel's Spirit of the Wild - took time to say hi to everyone that stopped him in the halls of the convention center before heading to the Show floor to sign autographs and hang out with his friends.

Who are his friends?

"If you bowhunt, you're my friend," said Nugent. "This is my industry, everybody that celebrates the mystical flight of the arrow is my blood brother."

Nugent talked about archery in a spiritual and philosophical way that would make anyone listen if only for his original and refreshing, not to mention earnest, description of the sport. It's the form of hunting that's brought thousands together this week for the ATA Trade Show and every business represented not only depends on the sport, but also is passionate about bowhunting on the personal level Nugent can identify with. Nugent described the "mystical flight of the arrow," as a historical phrase used by the likes of legends from Genghis Khan to the industry's own Fred Bear.

"With bowhunters, there is no ‘I don't think I have time,'" Nugent said. "No, WE HAVE TO. It's a powerful, guiding spiritual force of our life. When you're at full draw, I bet you there's no war, no terror, there's no Taliban. As Fred Bear used to say, ‘it cleanses the soul.' When you're at full draw, there is no negativity or anything. It's just, release the arrow."

Nugent intends to make a stop to see his sponsors too, including Martin Archery, Scent-Lok Camo, Gold Tip, Steelforce Broadheads, Mossy Oak, Wac'em Broadheads and his Spirit of the Wild sponsors.

— Amy Hatfield