Rick Spicer is an outdoor educator, bow hunter, and amateur bowyer living in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He is a partner in Pack Rat Outdoor Center, an outdoor adventure gear retailer. Also he is director of Pack Rat’s annual adventure race known as Brewha Bushwhack, where participants complete a variety of survival challenges. And he is the creator and founder of Mallorn Gear, which makes rugged and functional quivers. Rick has been mountaineering for many decades and is obsessed with canyoneering in Southern Utah.
Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Rick Spicer.
Episode Links:
https://www.instagram.com/packratbushcraft/
Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions
Summary:
In this conversation, Rick Spicer shares his extensive experience in traditional archery, bow making, and outdoor education. He discusses his role at the Packrat Outdoor Center, a community-oriented business in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and his passion for hunting and teaching others about traditional archery. Rick also delves into the craft of arrow making, the design of innovative quivers, and the Bruja Bushwhack, an outdoor skills adventure race he organizes. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of community, environmental sustainability, and spending quality time outdoors with family.
Show Notes:
Rick Spicer has over 26 years of experience in the outdoor retail industry.
The Packrat Outdoor Center is a community-oriented business in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Rick is passionate about traditional archery and has been shooting since he was 12.
He emphasizes the importance of community and education in outdoor activities.
Rick enjoys hunting whitetails and elk, primarily using a bow.
He has a unique approach to bow making, focusing on traditional methods.
Rick creates custom arrows and quivers, emphasizing craftsmanship and functionality.
The Bruja Bushwhack is an outdoor skills adventure race that promotes woodsmanship and teamwork.
Rick is committed to environmental sustainability in his business practices.
Family time outdoors is a priority for Rick, who enjoys sharing his passions with his children.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Rick Spicer and His Background
02:54 The Packrat Outdoor Center: A Community Hub
05:53 Traditional Archery: Passion and Expertise
08:56 The Craft of Bow Making: Techniques and Materials
11:48 Understanding Primitive vs. Traditional Archery
14:46 The Art of Arrow Making: A Personal Journey
17:53 Quiver Design: Functionality and Innovation
20:42 Challenges of Running a Small Business
23:54 Balancing Family Life and Outdoor Passion
43:38 Family Adventures and Outdoor Activities
46:47 Project Quiver: A Father-Daughter Collaboration
48:46 The Art of Bowcraft and Lifestyle
55:41 The Bruja Bushwhack: An Outdoor Skills Adventure
01:00:15 Community Engagement and Environmental Awareness
01:04:05 Reflections on Health, Fitness, and Family Dynamics