What a great time was had by all that attended. What a great bunch of guys....with a LOT of talent.
Bows, arrows, knives and other hand crafted items of pure beauty. Thanks to all who donated....it gave us attendees a lot to drool over. :notworthy:
The only sad part is that it will be two years till we meet again in Nashville.
If any of you have ever thought of joining, you should think about it again. Hate to be redundant, but what a great bunch of guys.
Have any pics to share Terry for us who missed out?
I didn't take many...too busy chatting with folks...but I got this one......
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wenzel1.jpg)
I have to agree, Joey's seminar was very informative and it was hard to believe it was his first seminar. :clapper: :clapper:
It was good to meet you Terry and your lovely wife. Good to spend a few minutes chattin.
Also good to see other TG friends and meet some more of you. Kevin and company did a top notch job putting this together.
Barry Wensel, Racquel Welch and Gene Wensel.... "The A Team"
Barry...almost didn't recognize you. You clean up pretty good for a Ramblin' Redneck. LOL
Sorry I missed you and ol' what's his name. :biglaugh:
Yes Terry what a great event. Talk about total immersion in trad. Many, many hand made pieces to win or bid on, not to mention all of the wonderful people to share all of this with. I am just in awe of the talent these people put forth in the items they donate.
This is a must do event!!!
I really have to hand it to Kevin, the council and everyone else that helped to pull this off. Everything went off flawlessly.(I don't expect everyone to pronounce my name correctly)
Thanks for the great time. My wife and I can't wait for the next one in Nashville.
Dang it is tuff missing the banquets. I know I missed out on this one.
My wife and I just pulled into the driveway. While my email is downloading, I thought I would jump on here. What a great event and what a special organization! I think its safe to say this was as good a gathering as PBS has ever had, maybe even the best and I've been to them all. Another bowhunting family reunion is now history. The hotel layout and service was good, as was the food, although I'm into volume when it comes to meals! I wish we had a little more room for the vendors and to spread out all the items though. The silent auction sheets got confusing a bit, at least for me. The craftsmanship of donated items continues to blow me away. It was more like a fine art display of bows, arrows, paintings, knives, rare books and dozens of pieces of very unique gear and decorative household items. The seminars were all well attended and very top shelf. I especially felt bad not being able to attend Joey Buchanan's turkey talk. I heard a dozen or more people comment it was the best they ever heard. I simply found it hard to be in two places at once! Since the hotel had "Sleep Number" beds, I got the names of a dozen or more beautiful ladies whose sleep numbers seem to match mine....or close enough :>) By the way Terry, I don't know how you snagged Carmen but a ten doesn't match up well with a four. And you need to know she was trembling when I had my arm around her in that photo! Luckily one of the stomach buttons on my shirt didn't pop. It would have put a little kid's eye out. I think the best thing about PBS is the people. What a great bunch of human beings who all think alike and hunt for the right reasons. Where else but PBS will you find grown ups crying when they have to leave a "convention" to go home. That alone simply blows me away. See you all in Nashville!
What Steve said
This was my first but it sure won't be the last! One thing I heard over and over from those who had attended before was something along the lines of "I've been to very one of these since St. Louis", or whatever their first one was. It seemed they didn't forget their first, and many had been to every one of them since. I expect I'll be using that line 10 years from now!
What an absolutely wonderful bunch of people to be able to spend a weekend with! I am truly honored that I was able to be a part of it!
I sure enjoyed visiting with old friends and meeting new ones. can't wait till next time. I am proud to be a part of such a fine organization.
Just a little more to add. Got to meet some tradgangers which was an added plus to an already great weekend. Seminars, speakers as usual were great. As Gene mentioned, the items that pop us for these gatherings are awesome. There are some very talented people out there along with some priceless archery memorabilia. I've been a member of PBS for 32 years and one constant in all those years have been Gene and Barry. They have always been 'staunch' supporters and we 'owe' them. Wensels, I enjoyed your company and thank you.......Shick
there.......................Shick
Yep, it was a real hoot! Really enjoyed spending some time with tippit, whip, rabbitman and 4runr. I know there were a lot of other Trad Gang people there but just was unable to put a name with a face for most of them. Nice to meet Terry and see up close the beautiful rug he donated for the auction. At the Saturday banquet I turned around to talk to the guy behind me and it turned out to be Bannock.PT! Like everyone else has said, the seminars and speakers were great, and the donated items were out of this world!
At the auction Saturday evening I just couldn't let Doug's knife get away. This is what I was lucky enough to bring home.
Goose
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/ClearFork/Knife.jpg)
I too enjoyed the convention. As always, seeing old friends and making new ones is the best part of the PBS. I would have liked to meet everyone but that's not an easy task.
Let me echo Terry's sentiments - everyone who loves bow hunting, and especially bow hunting with a trad bow, should consider joining the PBS. You won't find a more committed bunch of bow hunters anywhere else in the world.
HAD A GOOD TIME WITH GOOD PEOPLE. IT WAS GOOD TO MEET TERRY AND SHAKE HANDS WITH 4RUNR AND TIPPIT AGAIN. JOEY B.s TURKEY SEMINAR WAS RIGHT AND A HOOT. HOLLY AKENSON DID A NICE JOB WTIH THE PHOTOG SEMINAR ALSO. I'LL BE GOING TO NASHVILLE!
I agree! What an awesome weekend. I live about 45 minuets west of Pittsburgh so when I saw that this event was so close to home I had to attened. I joined the PBS and bought my ticket to the banquet at the same time and I am so glad that I did. What a great bunch of folks to be around and to think that we all share such a deep love for bowhunting makes it even more special. If you have never been you should plan on the next one in 2010! I will be there for sure! It is an honor to be part of the PBS.
Thanks to all the folks who worked hard to put on such a fine event.
I also was bad with the camera and didn't many pictures. But I did manage to get a few.
Various seminars ran throughout the convention. I messed up big time and missed out on Joey's turkey seminar, but it was the talk of the show on Saturday! Here Guy Perkins makes sticky buns for the crowd during his seminar on cast iron cooking.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/P1010680.jpg)
The Mittens and the Wensels gave a behind the scenes look at the making of Primal Dreams.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/P1010682.jpg)
Dennis, Dick, Joe, Terry, and Don had lunch on Saturday in the downtown Strip District.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/P1010683.jpg)
The vendor room was always a popular gathering spot.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/P1010684.jpg)
As has been mentioned, the quality and uniqueness of items donated for the auctions and raffles was absolutely amazing! Careful Jeff - that one could cost you a bundle!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/P1010686.jpg)
If you aren't already a member of PBS, you really should think about joining.
Virtually every Trad Gang member I have ever met is a perfect candidate. We live for bowhunting and traditional archery. We hang out on here so much because it is a way to connect with people who feel the same way and are just as passionate about it. And that really seems to be what PBS is all about as well.
Professional Bowhunters does not mean just people who work in the business. Rather, it is normal people like you and me who love the sport, are passionate and ethical about it, and love to socialize and interact with other people who feel the same way.
That sounds exactly like every Trad Ganger I ever met! If you would like an application send me or any other member an email or PM.
Nice post Joe, couldn't have said it better!
Steve
I had a blast even though I was the brunt of a "joke", I knew it was all in fun and even helped raise a few bucks for PBS. It is great to see old friends and meet old ones. I can't wait till the next one. Senior Councilman Bob Seltzer and I were talking on the way home about plans for Nashville. If you are not a member of PBS you are missing out on some good times.
Jack
Jack...what joke???
You are a world famous bowhunter..............now :D
Gene, she's blind as a bat. When folks give me the usuall strange look when I'm standing next to her, I just tell them I'm her body guard before they say anything and that gets the tension out of the air. :D
This was my first also and I ditto everything stated above. I did see Joey do his seminar and I strongly recommend any bowhunting org. to put him on your list of seminar speakers :thumbsup:
I missed the tradgang lunch :banghead: but I did get to meet a few.
I must have something wrong with my computer, correct me if I'm wrong, go back and look at the picture Terry posted with Gene and Barry beside his wife.
Does Barry have a Halo over his head? I know I'm seeing things. :jumper:
Thank You PBS!
What a great weekend it was. Thanks to all the PBS officers and members who spent many months working to make this event a hugh success. It was great seeing old friends and making new ones. Tradgang was well represented as you can see from all the previous posts...and Whip is right on....Tradgang and PBS go together very well. Whip...I'll buy you that beer I owe at Nashville in two years. :thumbsup:
Those would be Barry's glasses. lol
Terry I told my wife about all the things Blake was doing to me, I was looking for a little sympathy, but all I got was laughter. I still can't wipe the grin of my face.
Jack
Jack, you are a true gentleman, whether you like it or not, you are one of the great ones, your years in the field with stick and string have earned you the respect of us all.
When I grow up 8^), I hope I will have done as well as you have.
Thank you all who attended :clapper: , the lack of sleep and need for a vacation after the vacation to catch up on rest is all worth it after all the smiling faces and compliments.
PBS Councilman
Greg Darling
Once again it takes FOREVER for the two years to go by and the weekend goes by in a blur. Its a shame I only get to see most of these guys for those couple days and am lucky if I even get to talk to them at all during the weekend! I never got to talk to Gene and Barry at all, until the airport, when they were "taking out undesireables" and pointing at me? I did see Terry briefly! As was said, Joebuck did an outstanding job, there is always one that wants to make everyone else look bad! Monty and the twins did awesome as the speakers(as usual). The officers and the crew in Pitts, did an awesome job, I have an idea about how much effort is involved and it is monumental. There are always things that can be done better and several of us, discussed that, we have talked about putting a banquet manual together, so all the details don't get forgotten or misplaced each time and I am going to push for that to get done, this time! I would have liked to seen a bigger vendors area myself and more vendors. One comment that stood out was that from the shuttle driver taking us back to the airport, he said, "I have never seen a group here that hugged each other so much"! I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Nashville and no doubt there will be a strong need for volunteers there, so think about helping out and if you have suggestions to improve, add or change things, be sure to pass them along. I personally want to thank, Russell, Krista, Don D, Don B and Ethan for working on the 2010 banquet site committee, Nashville will be awesome!
PBS was so much fun this year. As a vender, we have a great opportunity to meet nearly everyone. Others may want to consider that benefit for the next banquet and sign up for a table or booth. The committee did a great job.
Terry Green and his wife are a fine example of southern charm and hospitality. Very refreshing.
Thank you to everyone. Mike
Dang you guys are just making me feel worse for not making it ;) Glad it was another great event and thanks Steve for helping support PBS, hope that knife gives you years of faithful service.
Doug
So,
Who were the lucky raffle winners????
Just want to take a moment to tho recognize the ground crew from PA, Rod Bear, Mike Ruperto and their crew made this event the sucess that it was, without the assistance of these guys and gals, I would not want to venture a guess at how it would have gone.
The hotel staff was beyond helpful and the most polite I have ever worked with, no request was ever treated like anything but a priority and responded to with a smile.
But most of all you who attended made it the true sucess it was.
Thank you all
Greg
Just to give everyone an idea on what is involved in making these functions go smoothly, Rod Bear told me that he had been to that hotel EVERY week for the last six months! The preparations for 2010 have already been going on for more than a year AND there has been some discussion about the next two banquets after that!
This was probably the most depressing weekend I've spent in many a year !!!! I MISSED GATHERING FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE LAKE OF THE OSARKS!!! I glad you all had such a great time. My wife and I were pretty droopy around here all weekend. She did talk to some of the gals at the ladies auction though and that helped her get through it.
Bob
The first time I attended a PBS Banquet was here in Baltimore and I only went the one Saturday night, but this time I was there for the whole 4 days. Man what an awesome time I had and too be able to rub shoulders with a bunch of fine folks. I really had a great time. And it also made me to realize the amount of work to pull something like this off. Commendations go to all the hard workers that made this gathering possible. I am already looking forward to Nashville, and my wife wants to go with me to nashville after I told her of the great time I had. Makes me proud to be a PBS member. Thanks to all.
Tony Sanders/aka"SNUFFER"
Bob, we missed you! It was the best of the 7 I have attended. Give Marilyn a hug and a kiss for me.
Thanks for all your help and donations from Montana
NASHVILLE 2010!!!
More details to come.
Tony, I am disapointed I didn't get to meet you in person, I saw you but never got the time to catch up to you, let's make sure that does not happen in Nashville.
It should also be mentioned the Thursday night BBQ was a great addition to the weekend's festivities. Many of you may have missed it. I hope to see the BBQ at future gatherings. The relaxed atmosphere was perfect for catching up and meeting new people. Also a special thank you, at-a-boy, and pat on the back to Rodger Rutz for the fine music. He was a one man show that lacked nothing. Thank You Rodger
My 3rd Gathering, wife's 2nd, and my son Connor's (19 months) 1st of what hopefully will be many (he was the little blond boy in camo pants running all over the hotel). What a great time, old friends, new friends, and it was really nice to be able to drive to one of these for a change! I think I blew a major blood vessel in my brain laughing so hard at Uncle Gene's telling of how he met the Dwarf!!! :biglaugh:
Once every two years the good lord puts some of the best people on earth in the same spot. This time it was Pittsburg.
I have been fortunate to have attended all the banquet/conventions since the first one and each is great in some unique way, but this one seemed to return us to our roots and core of what the PBS is all about.
The council, quest speakers (Gene,Barry,Monty excellent job), seminars, hotel staff and mostly the membership was fantastic.
The expansion of the thursday events and BBQ was terrific and one that I hope continues.
It was nice to not think about anything but what was going on for those four days..... Hopefully I will be around to make 12 more.
A special thanks to all those who donate their time, crafts,hunts and talents to make this one great event.
Until we meet again, keep the wind in your face and the PBS in your heart.
For those that may be on the fence about joining give it a try for a year or two and I think you'll be around for a long time.
I have already turned in my resignation for track coaching so hopefully I can finally be in attendance at the next PBS Banquet. It breaks my heart that I've developed some close internet and snail mail relationships with PBS members, but have not been able to attend due to my job.
I've talked to Gene Wensel and he gave a very glowing report on the weekend. I must thank Gene and Barry for offering to bring along, and those in attendance for cleaning out, the supply of my new books I sent. I will have a 1/4-page ad in the next PBS newsletter to help support the organization and offer a chance for others to order, but wanted to thank those of you now for your support of my endeavor.
Always proud to be a PBS member.
Bryce Lambley
Thanks Greg. I also had hoped to meet you as well and shake you hand and chat a bit. I had 2 PBS Members that I had never met walked up to me and introduce them selves. They were Mark Veghwig(not sure if spelling of Mark's last name is correct) and Kevin Bahr, man that made me feel good. Again I had a grand time, and it was also good to see a good number of fellow TBM members from Marylnad that attended. To Nashville it will be.
Tony
Bryce, Gene and barry wer'nt even set up all the way when I got my copy of your book and have really been enjoying it, you did a great job. Thanks.
I think in Nashville that the Tradgang members should find someway of putting their Tradgang handle near their nametag I hate to think of all the people I missed out on talking too.
Well, Tony you should have knocked me off the podium during the auction! Ha!
Next time my friend.
Greg
I had a great weekend and perhaps recruited a new PBS member by having him attend the saturday night dinner as my guest. Another PBS friend joined me there for his first banquet and kept saying "wow"....I especially liked the bowhunting photos on display and the PowerPoint presentation of member photos on Saturday night during the meal. Looking around the crowded room both nights, I was honored to be part of this group of serious bowhunters. Congratulations PBS council on a job well done. Can't wait for Nashville!
Can't add much to what's been said but I kinda teared up too when I had to leave my "brothers"
Bought some memorabilia for the den and got allot of hugs and handshakes.
A Big Thanks to council...being involved in a few of these myself, I know how much time and effort is involved in pulling something like this off.
As always, the only regret was I didn't get to spend time with EVERYONE there!
PBS Banquet notes to Self:
1.) Attend all furture banquets.... Well done Guys!!! Can't wait for Nashville in 2010...
2.) For next banquet try to prepare for new mental images of:
Paul Brunner having to drag out a squirrel.
Monty Browning looking for uncle Gene's off switch.
Uncle Barry's got a new tail....
JoeBuck doing the turkey trot. (If I see that comming at me in the woods I won't be able to call....)
3.) Prepare to be teased with new footage from the next Wensel-Mitten video... 2009 Hopefully
4.) Bring shooting glove, armguard and arrows for demo bows...
5.) Definitely bring wife again. She now has new freinds.... And I got smiled at alot after the ladies lunchen....
6.) More Cash for the auction items....... What a great way to donate to the club by getting great things that make me happy.... (I came away with Gene's framed Woody donation... Sweet... Now I have my own woody..... Er.. Print...)
:bigsmyl:
AND a special shout out and Thanks to Duane Meanes (Forester). He went above the call of duty with his help on the bow auction items. That man worked his tail off. Thanx again Buddy.
To everyone... Make plans for the Nashville banquet. It will do your mental health and heart good.
Jeff Harper
Those are 2 Distinguished Lookin Gentle-men in that photo don't ya think?
Don't dare speak of that Young Lovely, that might be Fightin Words. I knows her BODY guard :goldtooth:
Thanks for this post Gentlemen...Perhaps one day.
To whom did Walter's Bow go to ??
"Monty Browning looking for uncle Gene's off switch."
OK, I heard that also. It's Monday and I am still rolling on the floor laughing about that. Had to file that remark away for future use. Not sure I can deliver it as well as Monty did, but will try.
Goose
Thanks guys for the kind words. It was really special for me to stand up in front of my peers and talk about my passion bowhunting turkeys. Especially when the audience was supported with most of my very close bowhunting friends that have supported me from the start.
The first thing I did when I got home was do the Wensel turkey call trick to my boys. ( my wife loved the Wensels)
These banquets can't be described but they just have to be attended.
Joebuck, the turkey trot was priceless and the swingin beard, well I know it's gonna cost me a bird one day cause when I see one coming at me like that, I'm gonna remember that silly skit and BUST OUT LAUGHING! Probably spill my coffee too :-)
I stopped down at the Banquet to look at the vendor booths and was blown away. I got to meet all of my bowhunting heroes. They were just walking around like you and me..wait...they ARE just like you and me!I've been reading their articles since I was in high school.
I remember reading a PBS member profile where someone stated that when they got involved with the PBS that they finally felt like they "belonged." I completely understand what they were talking about now.
The members of the PBS have this unexplainable yearning for spending time in the wild; a time of true freedom. A feeling that has been with me since I can remember...a feeling that others finally understand!
So thanks to everyone for your autographs and conversation. Thank you, Mike Mitten, for the photo. It is framed and sitting in my taxidermy display room. That made my day!
God bless,
Eric
I sure hope to go to my first in 2 years.....
How did the pheasant hunt go?
Biggie, That wasn't a silly skit. You KNOW how serious Joey is about those dang birds. Next thing you know, he'll be up there on Saturday Nite!!. We knew him when. Good job Joey.
Also special thanks to Greg and all who worked their tails off for the rest of us to enjoy the weekend. Thanks!
ps, Biggie raised that bid card so many times, his elbow is gonna be sore!
Not much that I can add, except to say that you guys aren't exaggerating even a little bit. My thanks and congratulations go out to the PBS Council, the PA Longbow crew, the many spouses of both, and the multitude of other behind the scenes workers that pulled this weekend together. You all did a terrific job. I'm excited about going to Nashville and already thinking about what arrows to make.
Another Proud PBS Member
I cannot recall ever being in a room with as many great people as at the banquet. Being new to PBS I thought I might feel like an outsider , especially since I was attending alone. However, that was not the case. It is a hotel full of people who share the same values, and love of the outdoors and all things wild. Gene and barry did an outstanding job. Their Primal Dreams segment along with the Mitten brothers was tops for me, and then their speech, lets just say my stomach still hurts from laughing. Monty Browning did an exceptional job as well. You just had to hear the stories ,truly hysterical. Thanks to everyone in the PBS who worked so hard to bring us a great event. My only regret now is that it will be a long two years before I see the friends that I made at my first pbs banquet in Pittsburgh. What a great trip!
This was my first PBS gathering, and it was very, very special. What a great group of people, what a great organization. I'll be a member for life.
Todd
Really sorry I had to miss it, but thanks to the council and all who attended and supported our fine organization. Good job guys and gals!
On behalf of the PBS Council, thank you for all of the kind words and suggestions for the next banquet. No doubt we will be calling on some of you again in the not too distant future. I must admit, I'm a bit tired, but glad everyone had such a good time. I would definitely be remiss if I didn't thank Rod Bear and Mike Ruperto. These two fine PBS gentlemen are the glue that held the entire event, top to bottom, together. I counted on these guys day in and day out for literally months and was never disappointed. Thank you Mike and Rod!
There was a huge cast of help in the background that took much of the load off the Council and I won't name them all here as I don't want to forget anyone.
I regret that I didn't get to talk to each of the attendees but it seems like I met a bunch of new friends. Didn't even get to poke my head into one of the seminars, only made it to the dealer room briefly and seems like we wore a rut in the carpet from the banquet rooms to the board room over the course of the few days in Pittsburgh.
With that being said, and still recovering, I can't wait until Nashville in 2010. I hope you all and more can join us once again for a great long weekend of fellowship and fraternalism that IS the PBS!
And Mark, you won't be so thankful when you find out who was the high bidder on the elk hunt you so generously donated... :bigsmyl:
Eric , You are most welcome. Believe me, you touch us as much as we hope to inspire you. Respect the animals first and everything will fall into place.
John Rook is the best. He endorsed a new flashlight and said the video presentation and Bart Schleyer tribute LOOKED great. Ha! :>) He has a great memory and even remembers that I am a descendent from the Miami tribe.
Terry Receveur put together a very cool photo slide show of PBS experiences. It's the small things that I seem to remember most. Mike
As everyone above has said, it was a great time. A couple of things that I found telling. First, I never once, during the entire weekend, hear anyone saying those frightening words, "let me tell you about this huge buck I killed. . .", and that was nice because that is not what the weekend is about. I also heard that the hotel manager said that they had never hosted a nicer, happier, group and had never seen so much hugging and back slapping in one group before. It was good to see old friends and nice to make some new ones. Nobody wanted the weekend to end, in fact, on the shuttle back to the airport on Sunday, Monty Browning and Sterling Holbrook were telling Alaska stories and nobody in our van noticed that the driver had stopped at the terminal. We sat for a moment when the drive broke in and asked if we wanted him to just drive around the airport for a while - it always ends too soon doesn't it. Great seminars (as someone said above, Joey Buchanan will soon be on everyone's speaker's list) and a fantastic job by everyone who helped with the banquet.
Curt, at least 3 groups of bowhunters brought their bows and arrows to try shooting at some pheasants. We got a little wet but it was fun - my group had an unfair advantage over the other groups due to the incredible noses on these NY bowmen (Receveur boys). Whenever they began acting "birdy" and staring intently into the brush, the rest of us got ready to shoot......
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y26/SCJeff/misc/000_0112.jpg)
Anyone know who won the bow raffles?...Mike
This was my first time at PBS. I will try to make every one from now on. I'd like to say thanks to Kevin Bahr for eating lunch w/ me and making me feel part of the group right off the bat Thurday. And Rick McGowan for letting me hang out w/ him quite a bit. I had a blast. Monty it was great to see you again and to finaly meet Annie. Biggie, thanks for talking to me about moose hunting w/ Eldon. I'm pumped now! but still trying to figure out how you can miss one of those at 15 yards. sorry I had to. Hey good luck on the hunt you bid on and won! Joe Buck I also enjoyed your turkey presentation! Sorry I didn't get to talk to you, but I did get to hang out w/ some of your close friends and well Your a lucky guy! I could go on and on but I wont.
I was a great weekend and I can't wait for the next to see some of my new friends!!!!!!
Check the PBS website for the bow raffle winners should be posted soon.
Bradley, shhhhhhhhhh most everyone has forgotten about that.
great seeing you. good luck on the mooses!
I'll second all of the positive comments that have been posted already. I was looking forward to this weekend for a while and it exceeded my expectations. I was able to catch up with many friends that I do not see often enough. The smiles and laughter were endless. I wish it could last a few more days but that just might kill those folks that worked so hard to make it such a wonderful time.
Thank you Kevin and Greg and all of Council! Thank you Rod, Mike, Dennis, and the entire PA crew! Thank you Moreen, Brenda and Jack!
I was happy to meet 4runr and a few other Trad Gangers that I didn't realize at the time. It is always great to catch up with hogdancer, Tony Sanders, and Nook. Catching up with Gene and Barry, the Mitten brothers, G. Fred, Biggie, Angelo, Dick Robertson, and of course World Renowned Bowhunter Jack Denbow is always a bonus.
What a great group of people!
It was nice to see so many new members and soon to be members (Get that application submitted Kenny!). The Young Bowhunters Program is looking good and there is a Youth Hunt in Utah for fall 2009 that should be awesome. The future of PBS and bowhunting definitely has some bright spots.
For all that are wondering, as Greg said, I just checked and the Bow Raffle winners and some contest winners are posted on the PBS web site. Congrats to all!
Sorry Biggie, Someone told me to pick on ya about that... :rolleyes:
Hello Duane. It was certainly good to see and chat with you as well. And as others have already said, thanks for your hard work. Duane Are you going to the West Virgina shoot this year? If my schedule allows I will try to make that shoot as well as Denton. Anyhow my friend take care and we will talk again.
Tony
One minor correction to Duane's post: the Utah spike bull/cow elk PBS Doug Kerr Memorial Youth Leadership camp/hunt is for August of 2009, not THIS fall.
A huge debt of gratitude in advance to members Rich Roskelley and Guy Perkins for all of the work they have done to get this great opportunity rolling and the huge workload they are sure to encounter in the not too distant future regarding the hunt preparations.
And along that line, if you are a PBS member and know of a kid, yours or someone else's, that might be a future leader in PBS and bowhunting, make sure you get an application from Councilman Jim Akenson or the PBS Home Office.
Sorry about that Kevin, I was paying attention in the meeting really. I corrected my post.
Tony - I sure hope to make it to ATAR in WV this year. I would like to stay more than a half day and actually shoot some arrows this time. In the meantime I hope to see you posting more pics again this summer. Go SNUFFER!
Robyn and I had an awesome time. What a great group of people. Joebuck's seminar was awesome. The Wensel's and Monty were great as always. Really sad that it will be 2 years until we all get together again. Already looking forward to Nashville.
Steve
Steve, is it my imagination or do you talk even faster now than you used to? Fast talking only comes in handy while courting a lady. Your fast talking days should be history now that you've snagged Robyn. By the way, what is her sleep number?
QuoteOriginally posted by Gene Wensel:
By the way, what is her sleep number?
HA!....I noticed how Carmen slyly evaded that question. :biglaugh:
After reading about this past weekend, I think I will join the PBS(although I know nothing about it). I definately will check it out and hopefully be at the next banquet. Nashville is a lot closer to me than Pittsburgh. Sounds like a great place to meet alot of great people.
Hey Mark, Here is a link to the PBS and an explaination of who we are: http://www.bowsite2.com/pbs/READ.CFM?ID=about
I hope you join. You will be supporting bowhuntings future and recieving a great magazine. Welcome. Jeff Harper
Well I went to the link and joined(I think). I paid my $30 but is there an info form to fill out? How do they get your information?
Hi Mark. Unfortunately, we are experiencing some "website issues" as in: for some reason we can't get that information. Please call our home office or email them. Or you can PM me with your mailing address and I'll send you a membership form. You can use a check or credit card on the form. I guess we're still "old school" in that respect, at least for the moment.
Thanks for inquiring and we look forward to having you as a member!
Mark,
When you completed the payment form with your name and address they got your info. You will start receiving the magazine and all info related to PBS.
Let me the first to welcome you! I've been a member for something like 25 years and will be for as long as I can. The big event is the gatherings we have every two years. Please try to attend in Nashville! These gatherings are a real hoot. And yes, there are people there that are considered "big names" in bowhunting, but you will soon see they are just like everyone and will welcome you with open arms.
Again, welcome to the best bowhunting organization in the world, and see you in Nashville!
Goose
Oops, guess Kevin had better info than I did. Didn't realize their puter crashed. Kevin will get things straighten out.
Goose
Just renewed my PBS membership again a few weeks ago. I've been a member for many years but I have yet been able to make it to a banquet but I vow to make it to Nashville in 2010! :readit: By the way, was John Vargo there wearing my "I survived annorexia" t-shirt? I've got to get that back from him! :bigsmyl:
Ok Jim, me and you, tag team, Nashville......
Kevin, PM sent.
QuoteOriginally posted by Biggie Hoffman:
Ok Jim, me and you, tag team, Nashville......
Sounds good, Biggie n 2 Biggie! :D We should challenge the Wensels to a wrestling match "Biggies vs 2XL's". Those 2 are tiny, I wore 2XL clothing in the 3rd grade! ;)
Thanks everyone for a great weekend. You can tell the Wensel brothers aren't wound all the way up. They are busting at the seams all over. They are some funny dudes! They are also the best supporters of PBS and bowhunting that there could be. PBS council sent out a request for some photos for a background slide show at the banquet and the Wensels were the first to respond. Then the gates opened up. I ended up with over 600 photos of our "celebrity" ranks. The Mittens provided some amazing photos of their experiences and some memorable shots of Bart and Paul. This just reaffirms what I already knew - PBS has some of the best people and bowhunters in the world! Thanks everyone for serving as a great example for my teenage sons!
pseman, (Mark), your information made it through to the PBS office just fine. You don't need to do anything else. Brenda is on it already.
Thanks and WELCOME! to PBS. Hope you can make it to the banquet in Nashville in 2010 and maybe an Odd Year Gathering somewhere in between...
No Terry, thank YOU! PBS appreciates each and every member, but especially when they step up and take care of business like you did with the slide show. I hope you, Jeff and Tyler all have a long, bright future within the ranks of PBS. We need you all, brother!
Sounds like you fellas had a BIG time! I'll definitely be looking into PBS...thanks
Reading these notes really makes me sad that we missed PBS this year. Actually, this was two in a row, something I never thought would happen. The long list of folks on this thread I really would have enjoyed seeing again is staggering. When you live like a hermit, it's too easy to forget how many friends Lori and I have in the bowhunting community. This year, we were in Argentina working on some wing-shooting assignments. I thought the choice between a hunt and a banquet would be a no-brainer, but I was wrong. See you all in Nashville. Don
Gene, Robyn said her sleep number is 25. Are you a match? I know I don't have to worry because you are gone in the fall even more than me and you would never come to VT during the rut!!!
We missed you in Pittsburgh Don. I hope you do make it to Nashville.
Be careful Steve, you never know what a Wensel will do during the rut....
It was well-timed for me-we had a weird winter here in NW PA and I'm too old to wear ice skates in the woods, so cabin fever was turning into a serious issue...It was great to just hang out with a bunch of hunters and swap stories for a couple of days.
Don, as Duane said, we definitely missed you in Pittsburgh. Nashville it is...I'll buy the first LaBatt Blue.
Sounds like I really need to attend the next one.
Ron, only if you want to hang out with 500 other like minded bowhunters and have a blast for 3 solid days/nights! Hope to see you in Nashville brother!
I have actually been trying to avoid this thread. I am really bummed I missed, but it just wasn't going to happen this time. So Nashville is next? Glad you guys had a great time, and sorry I missed it.
Nathan
We missed ya Nate! I'm going to have to get more rest in advance next time I guess, I've been home for five days and I am still tired! I guess that four hours of sleep a night just wasn't enough!
Does anyone know the source of the quote that Monty finished with on Sat night. I thought it was really a great quote and wanted to find it but I can't recall who he cited.
Thanks,
Steve
Sorry, Steve, but I don't recall it. We got a request from another member for that also but we had to refer him to get ahold of Monty as none of us could remember. I'm sure that's not the only thing we forgot over the weekend.
Kevin -- Does that mean I get to buy the second, the third, the... Don
Hey, that works for me, Don. HA! No wonder I never get any sleep at these PBS events...
Don,
I'm sure that there are more than a few of us who would be glad to buy you a beer. I might even be able to find some decent oysters down there for us.
Sorry to miss this one too. Haven't been to one since Baltimore.
Nashville's a go! Looking forward to it already.
Who's in charge of that one?
Jerry
I don't know who those two OLD, FAT guys are, but I heard they were making fun of, and picking on, a very special, talented, short bowhunter. A man, I might add, who taught them virtually everything they know...
Remember: when you pick on a short guy it is just another form of child abuse!
I am keeping track of your nasty diatribes, boys!
Too F. Short
Hehehe...
Paul, does that mean you might want to do a "rebuttal seminar" or sorts in Nashville? Might be quite interesting, LOL!
Weasel, hope you can make it to Nashville. We certainly had a great time in Pittsburgh but we still missed many of those that couldn't be with us. As far as who is "in charge" of that one, I can only assume you mean the VP. All I can tell you is, I know who it ISN'T going to be...
Sorry for the repetitive posts, that's what happens at 2 in the A.M.
In PBS, part of the VP's responsibilities are all banquet preparations, etc. That does not mean the VP does everything, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, everyone on Council had an equal part in this banquet pretty much but the real workers are the folks on the scene, the United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania, Rod Bear and Mike Ruperto and a whole host of support people. It truly is a "team effort" and no one person or small group can or should take the credit. But of course since it is PBS, you probably already know that.
Hey Kevin, I received a suggestion that the banquet in 2012 go to Hawaii, I promised to pass it along! If you need me to be part of the "support crew" there, oh well, I'd guess I would have to say OK!
Rick, what state is that in???????
Wayne, what state is Hawaii in? Isn't that a Jeff Foxworthy question?
If I can't drive there, it doesn't count as a state
Wayne, yeah, but they roast whole pigs in the ground!
Mr. McGowan has a very good point there.....
Yeah...next thing you know the Friday night entertainment will be the twins and Biggie in grass hula skirts performing native dance.
I'd pay to see that. Again.
I'm not sure there are enough Mai Tai's in the STATE for that!
Marty, do tell man, DO TELL! Maybe an article with pics for the PBS magazine, course we'll have to put it in a plain brown wrapper then...
Sorry Kevin, I promised I wouldn't talk about it. In fact, I had to go see Dr. Phil to even be in camp with all of them at the same time ever again.It was that disturbing!I will say this much , Biggie led.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v295/whoffman1955/temp/Dancer.jpg)
Hula dancing? Won't be my 1st rodeo...
1st your underpants, and now this! :eek: :eek:
A guys sure got to hang on tight around here - never know what direction a thread is going to turn next! :scared:
Oh, where is that Mai Tai blender, when I need it?
Did anybody else think that auctioneer was pretty funny? My buddies and I were laughing at his comments during the auction and on the way home that night.
His best line was when the Utah guy was describing how they use beets or something like that to keep the deer regular, and he said "I would have thought you'd use prunes to keep them regular"......
He seemed to be a pretty good judge of character as well. Notice how he quickly distanced himself from the Wensels!
Yeah, he was a pretty cool guy, he was on the same flight I was on, on the way home, so I talked to him at the airport some, surprisingly he lives in NC, you'd have thought there was a local auctioneer up PA way somewheres.
He had our table ctacking up. Super witty.
I saw him headed towards the Ladies Luncheon Auction. I stopped him and said "Don't be scared, you can handle it...Whatever happens just keep calm." He looked at me without missing a beat and replied "Whatever noises you here from behind that door....Don't open it we'll be havin' fun...." Then he smiled and continued on.
very nice to be among others passionate about the same thing. I would like to thank someone, and forgive me for forgetting your first name. It was Mrs. Hoffman, Biggies wife. She was at the check-in table. I never saw her without a smile and I think she was at the table way more than not,but everytime we went by she spoke to us and was especially concerned that the kids were having fun. When leaving she made sure to invite us to the next banquet in her neck of the woods. Thanks so much and a real pleasure to have met you.
Ron, Crystal, Rachelle and Tristan Albert
Thanks Ron, her name is Jill and I'll be sure she sees your post :-)
Now...about Nashville???????
Sorry to come in so late on this post, I just got back from Aiken, SC....having gone straight there from the Banquet. This was my first banquet and I had a ball! It was like meeting the Who's Who of bowhunting but everyone I met was just a regular person. I won't be left out on any other banquets. Just wanted to thank everyone for such a grand time...tippit
Here's Terry with Matt Schuster having won some arrows for his daughters.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/PBS%20Pittsburg%2008/PBSBanquet08013.jpg)
I couldn't resist taking a picture of Doug's knife (my caper is under it for size comparison...maybe a knock-off copy in the works!!) Just plain beautiful and won by a supper guy...Steve Gossage!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/PBS%20Pittsburg%2008/PBSBanquet08010.jpg)
The Mitten & Wensel brothers who pass up animals I can only dream about! But who will sit and have a beer with you just like any other bowhunting friend.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/PBS%20Pittsburg%2008/PBSBanquet08009.jpg)
Biggie,
They say behind every successful man is a great wife... now I know why you are so famous!;^)Planning on Nashville Lord willing. A long ways off, but show some pics when you go on the mulie hunt. Good meeting you too. Ron and family
I enjoyed being there also. Got to sit with Tippet at the Friday night auction and met several others from the Trad Gang.
The funniest story I heard was the one Gene told about the first time he met Paul Brunner! Paul said " I'm not happy!" Gene then said "well, which one are you?" :smileystooges:
As Biggie, John V., Gene and Barry, etc. and anyone else that has served on the PBS Council in the past know, it's still two years out and we are already in the midst of working on the next banquet...participated in a conference call yesterday about it with Councilman Greg Darling at the hotel in Nashville and we will be getting the last minor kinks worked out and contract signed tomorrow hopefully.
We will be soliciting MEMBER input for seminars, guest speakers, etc. so please, let us know. We are here to serve YOU, the members of PBS. All pertinent contact info is in the PBS magazine. Let us hear from you!
Kevin, I'm happy to hear that you are on the team for the Nashville Banquet as you did a super job with Pittsburgh. From where I was watching, the Pitts Banquet went VERY well. :clapper:
I'll e-mail a few ideas.
Thanks Rick. I appreciate the kind words, and the ideas!
Yeah.....those arrows were a big hit....the girls said they looked like strawberry and vanilla ice cream cones with sprinkles.
:biglaugh: