Who is Bob? And why’s he on a Clarkston billboard?

So, here’s the deal.

That billboard many of you saw on Fleshman Way last week in Clarkston? It was a prank, poking fun at a guy named Bob because he’s had some rotten luck while bow hunting.

Four Lewiston-Clarkston Valley men who work together like to “razz each other,” says Caleb Orr, of Vista Outdoor. Because Bob has to drive over Southway Bridge every day, they got the great idea to put up a big billboard saying, “Need archery lessons? Call literally anyone but Bob.”

A lot of people in town were curious about the sign, and Bob’s phone started blowing up when folks recognized his photo. Orr decided to spare his friend from further calls by keeping his last name out of this story.

“Bob is a big-time, great overall hunter,” Orr said. “But he recently got into bow hunting, and he’s been very unsuccessful.”

A guy who regularly hunts with Bob always starts off his stories with, “Here’s the deal,” before regaling the group with the latest mishap involving arrows, elk and Bob’s bow. That’s why they added those words to the billboard.

According to Orr, when Bob had a shot at his first elk, his arrow landed about 3½ feet from where he was standing, and the animal was unfazed. On the second outing, Bob completely missed the mark, and again, the elk went on its merry way.

“He’s had some terrible hunting escapades involving archery, but we’re all rooting for him,” Orr said with a laugh. “We are really looking forward to sharing some elk steaks with him soon.”

Bob has been a good sport about the humorous sign. He’s probably wondering how he can respond, but Orr said the billboard will be hard to top.

“The bar has been set pretty high now,” Orr said.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com. You can follow her on X @newsfromkerri.