As many of you are aware, I have been running my Trophy Whitetail Bootcamps for years in order to hopefully pass down some of the diminishing woodsmanship skills needed for hunting trophy whitetails. 2017 will be my thirteenth year believe it or not. I've mentioned the last couple years this may be my last year for doing them because of the physical efforts involved for an old guy (I'm 72). Well, last spring almost was my last! I scheduled and totally sold out two bootcamps. Because of the demand I decided to do an additional third one. The night after bootcamp #2, I ended up having a heart attack 4/3/16 and subsequent triple bypass surgery on April 6, 2016. I finished four months of cardiac rehab and supposedly I'm good as new. No sweat... well, maybe just a little sweat! Ha. Anyway, thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. I really appreciated that.
Because I obviously had to cancel my #3 session last spring and had to reschedule it for 2017, I decided I might as well have a couple more. I've just confirmed the dates as:
#1- March 16-17-18, 2017
#2- March 30-31 & April 1, 2017
#3 April 6-7-8, 2017
Since the practical aspect of the sessions are held outside in the timber, I prefer to hold them after snow melt but before spring green-up when sign is easiest to read. Easter in 2017 isn't until mid-April this coming year, so the above dates will hopefully not interfere with family schedules. They also should coincide with spring break for any students wanting to attend.
As previously stated, you can read all the books, listen to the seminar/lectures and watch the DVDs, that's all well and good, but when someone takes you by the hand and walks you through the practical application of actually doing it, therein lies the true learning and real understanding. There are just too many gray areas that are hard to explain other than being shown.
I do enjoy sharing my knowledge and personal opinions gained through many decades of trial and error. It's my hopes you can take my proven methods home, apply them to your own area and hand them down to future generations. I walk you into my own personal hunting areas, sharing my opinions, stand placement; why; when; how; entrance/exit. timing, etc. Basically I spill my guts on a lifetime of hunting techniques and theories., condensing decades of trial and error into a three day weekend showing you what to look for. The fact is my techniques work.
Older age has taught me to slow down and cover each situation with a fine-tooth comb. I run each camp on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Thursdays are lectures which set the stage for the next two full days in the timber. This schedule also allows attendees to travel home Sunday to get back to work or school.
I've found small groups of two to four (hunting partners/club members/ dad, granddad and the kids/ husbands and wives, family members, etc.) work exceptionally well in that they can share opinions and relate my findings with their own areas back home. This also give attendees the option to share travel expenses both ways.
My prices have not increased in thirteen years. A single adult is $895. Youth rates 14-18 year olds are 50% off with one paid adult. So a father and single youth would be $1345. total/all inclusive. Prices include the entire three-day session, eight full home cooked meals and three nights lodging in an excellent, modern facility/lodge that sleeps fifteen.
When you consider a typical guided whitetail hunt sells for $1000. per day with meals/lodging, etc. at $895. you get three full days of mini-vacation that will likely change the way you hunt whitetails for the rest of your life. That's a real bargain. Not only is it a lot of fun to share opinions and ideas with a dozen plus whitetail fanatics, at the very least it's a mini-vacation and unique opportunity to compare your hunting techniques with tried and true new methods. This also makes a great/unique Christmas present to yourself or another.
If you and/or your partners would like to consider joining one of the groups, email me at: barrywensel@hotmail.com for availability. Most info is also available at www.brothersofthebow.com (http://www.brothersofthebow.com) on the menu under "Barry's Bootcamps" or you can contact me for a color brochure. Here's hoping you can join us.
Best wishes for a safe and successful fall. Thanks, Barry Wensel
Hey UB, I'll check with "The Boss".
Folks I attended this bootcamp a few years back - one of the best investments I have made. Not only will you be impressed with 'the sign" you see - you will pick up a lot of great info and tactics that you can apply anywhere you hunt. Barry and his wife are top notch. Highly recommend.
Guys,
I have been to Barry's Camp the last two years in a row and would be going back a third time this year if I was not a full time graduate student! It really is that good. The amount of personal experience and knowledge that Barry shares is invaluable. The camp is first rate and the field experience is second to none! To top it off, Barry's wife Susan is the real star of the experience and by far the better looking half of the arrangement! You will gain a few pounds with the awesome meals she prepares...and then you'll walk it all off!
I really cannot say enough about the experience, I see things in the woods now that I completely blew by two years ago and it makes a difference. Drop the coin and take a bowhunter's spring break...you'll thank yourself next October!
I will be looking into this for sure!!
Get a spot now...they book up pretty quick once he releases the notification on this site! Have fun fellas!
Will be sending deposit check and registration this next week, better jump on this guys.
For those whitetail fanatics on the fence about going, DO IT! You'll thank yourself on the ride home. I sure did. I attended the infamous bootcamp#2 last spring that almost did in Mr. Wensel. So glad you made it Uncle Barry! This area of Iowa that you cover is Mr. Wensel's personal hunting ground. And it is LOADED with deer sign! I've never seen anything like it before. You will walk a lot. And the food, WOW! Mrs. Wensel and her friend do an outstanding job feeding and taking care of everyone! I don't know if Uncle Barry plans on this again; but the highlight for me was going over to his house and listening to hunting stories in his living room! My wife says I have a man crush on Mr. Wensel, and I guess I do. I mean he's a bow hunting hero to many of us here. Heck I'd say he's a legend. So just do it, you will learn a lot from a whitetail wizard. It was an amazing and eye opening experience.
Thank you all so much for the nice comments. I honestly do enjoy sharing my knowledge. Especially so with guys who are appreciative and eager to learn something new, or maybe just to verify they're already on the right track. It's educational and fun stuff. For anyone thinking about it and putting it off, Camp #1 is completely sold out; camp #2 has four openings left; camp #3 is over half filled. If anyone needs a brochure or has any questions they can contact me at: barrywensel@hotmail.com. Have a great season and thanks again. bw
If you are at all serious about hunting whitetails and haven't attended Barry's Bootcamp you really owe it to yourself to jump all over this one. I had been at this stuff for over 35 years when I attended yet learned so much more in those 3 days it was amazing.
Do it now while you have a chance! I promise you will not regret it!
I'll second the positive comments above. I attended Barry's camp several years ago and besides being a lot of fun, it was a great learning experience. The master takes you into the woods, to his and Gene's stands and explains why the spot was chosen. No other place to pick up this level of insight. Thanks for sharing, Barry!
Sounds awsome. Wish it was here in Canada so I didn't have to fly international. :(
Too expensive for me :( so wish I could go
This always conflicts with my shed hunting.. :banghead:
Hey Barry, I will double check but I should be in. I will be in touch tomorrow!
I'm in. Got my confirmation from Barry. Life has always gotten in the way of doing this , but now finally I'm doing it.
I'm attending camp #2, very excited!
It's not possible to overrate Barry's camp. Worth every dime.
Thank you all again for the nice comments. Sorry??? to say I'm totally sold out on all three camps now. There are always schedule adjustments and cancellations that take place, so if anyone would like to be put on a waiting list please contact me at barrywensel@hotmail.com and I'll let you know of any updates/changes. Best of luck for a great season to all. Thanks again. BW
Who'scored all coming to week #1?
I'm in week 2
I'm in week 1 from Ohio.
I'm in for week one. Flying in from NJ on Wednesday.Can't wait.
I live just West of DES MOINES and will be headin great that way if anyone wants a ride/doesn't want to rent a car
I took my wife and cousin on 2007. Multiple huge bucks to include the WI Typical bow state record and #1 2014 bow US killed buck can trace roots to Barry and his camp. A cherished memory.
Thank you for the nice comments. I finished up the #1 session last night... barely! Another great bunch of guys. I've been fighting a bronchial infection for over a month and have had a hard time getting enough air. The first day in the timber I got pretty dizzy in the morning. By the end of the day I felt like someone beat me up. Even though I drank two 16 oz. of water both before noon and after I still think I got dehydrated. One of the guys had a pedometer that registered we walked 6.7 miles Friday (and not all level) so it's no wonder I was sore. Saturday we probably even walked farther but we "toughened up". I was the oldest guy but I was really proud of how the group did. Great attitudes; great questions; tenacity, etc. I could tell when it ended the wheels in their heads were spinning in anticipation of applying some new techniques when they got home. For any and all of you who have attended in the past, thank you again for your great attitudes and willingness to share feedback. Best of luck to all. bw
I'm in the 3rd group. Looking forward to it
Hunt deer.See deer. Shoot Deer.
I just got back from Barry's bootcamp around 6 o'clock this evening. All I can say is what an eye opener and what a fantastic time. First class all the way. Believe me you won't go hungry either. Susan and Diane know how to feed a crew.
Barry says he is slowing down but believe me he still has an eagle eye. He spotted a shed antler from at least 100yds away in the woods. Some say Barry or"Special"Ed planted it there the night before though. Lol. Thanks again Barry
Eric
I can't speak for Special Ed but speaking for myself,I swear on the Bible.. may God strike me dead if I planted that shed antler out there. And by the way... I'm guessing it was closer to 150 yards than 100. I keep telling you guys... I'm an amazing individual! :goldtooth: BW
Can't wait!! I'm really looking forward to it. See you all there!