Inventor David Pullin Works On Archery Improvements From His Highland County Home

McDowell, VA – Tucked in the foothills on the east side of Jack Mountain is the home of Highland County resident David Pullin and his wife Carolyn. Mr. Pullin is an internationally known inventor specializing in archery products. Last year he was recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who as Professional of the Year in Archery Products and Services.

He holds over 120 patents for his inventions. Originally from Staunton, Mr. Pullin talks about how he came to make his home in Highland County.

“I own the parent’s home place right here on Seldom Seen Road above McDowell” says Pullin. “I always wanted the property; I saved my money and didn’t buy a lot of the things I wanted because I considered I’d have something better. I’ve built a home here, I run my business here.”

A lifelong hunter and sportsman, Mr. Pullin often visited his grandparents property while growing up.

“My father, my uncles, they were all avid sportsmen” he says. “They took me and my brother hunting, fishing, camping and said the outdoors is the best life you can have. And if you can make something out of it, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Unexpected events have played a significant role in Mr. Pullin’s focus on archery. He won his first bow in a raffle.

“It was a sixty-five pound bow and it took me a little practice to be able to pull it back” says Pullin. “And then I got a compound [bow] when they came out. I like archery because it’s warmer and the wildlife hasn’t been disturbed. You can enjoy yourself instead of freezing to death and I don’t kill anything unless I’m going to use it.”

Several years ago Mr. Pullin fell from a ladder just as archery season was starting and suffered an injury that prevented him from being able to draw a bow. That motivated him to find a way to draw a compound bow and hold it at full draw with much less effort. As a result he created a conversion kit that can transform any compound bow into a crossbow. Mr. Pullin has a simple philosophy when it comes to business.

“You treat people like you want to be treated” he says. “You build a good product and you’re going to have customers. I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to do and assist the young people in the FFA [Future Farmers of America] and anyone in the community in any way I can.”

He also invented bows with improved designs. This work led to the development of archery products for handicapped people. His company has sold over 20,000 bows and even more conversion kits.

After retirement from his construction business, he built a home on his Highland County property and has focused on developing archery products. Mr. Pullin is constantly coming up with new ideas for products. He created a very popular gun lubricant and invented a chimney cleaner that does not require use of a ladder.

In addition to his business activities Mr. Pullin also supports the FFA chapter at Highland High School. He often speaks to youth groups and contributes time to assist organizations that assist handicapped sportsmen.