Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Roger Norris on January 08, 2023, 09:45:04 AM

Title: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Roger Norris on January 08, 2023, 09:45:04 AM
I really don't have the words right now.....but Fred passed away peacefully. Teresa was with him right to the end.

Pray for our friend.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: GCook on January 08, 2023, 09:47:11 AM
May he rest in peace and eternal light shine upon him. 👃
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Phil Magistro on January 08, 2023, 10:03:49 AM
So sad to hear. My sympathies to Teresa and his family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Jegs.mich on January 08, 2023, 10:10:15 AM
Sad News, prayers for the Asbell family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Roy from Pa on January 08, 2023, 10:10:40 AM
Prayers for the family.

 :pray: :pray: :pray:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: stagetek on January 08, 2023, 10:12:55 AM
Very sad to hear this. My thoughts and prayers  go out to the Asbell family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on January 08, 2023, 10:18:37 AM
Prayers for Fred and Teresa God Bless.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: kopfjaeger on January 08, 2023, 10:21:25 AM
Very sad news. Rest In Peace Mr. Asbell.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: RayMO on January 08, 2023, 10:24:38 AM
Very sad news indeed
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Terry Green on January 08, 2023, 10:27:23 AM
God Speed. Prayers for the family.  He was a great asset to traditional bowhunting for sure.  So sad to hear.

If there is anything we can do let us know.  :campfire:

T
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: McDave on January 08, 2023, 10:32:50 AM
He will be missed.  One of the highlights of my shooting life was meeting him in person at one of his instinctive shooting seminars at Black Widow.  He was equally witty and insightful in the columns he used to write monthly for Traditional Bowhunter.  I swear that guy could have written a column about how to wax a bowstring and make it the most entertaining thing I read in the magazine that month.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: smokin joe on January 08, 2023, 10:36:40 AM
Rest in Peace.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: 1/4 away on January 08, 2023, 10:41:22 AM
So very sad. May he rest in peace.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: abbatoys on January 08, 2023, 10:43:05 AM
Prayers.....
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: streamguy on January 08, 2023, 10:44:20 AM
Rest in Peace.  Prayers for his family
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Roger Norris on January 08, 2023, 10:48:24 AM
He will be missed.  One of the highlights of my shooting life was meeting him in person at one of his instinctive shooting seminars at Black Widow.  He was equally witty and insightful in the columns he used to write monthly for Traditional Bowhunter.  I swear that guy could have written a column about how to wax a bowstring and make it the most entertaining thing I read in the magazine that month.

You are right....listening to or reading Fred's words were just so easy. Fred had many friends.....I feel fortunate for the time I shared with him. We talked about so many things beyond archery. He was such a friend and a mentor. I have so many stories bouncing around in my head right now.

The story that to me, truly eulogizes his memory is this:

Years ago, at one of the first Compton shoots, I was helping Fred and Teresa with set up, at their booth, etc. . In the evening, we all hung around the Asbell camp, partially to eat Teresa's cooking, and to talk with the dozens of bowhunters that drifted through camp.

Fred was standing, with a semi circle of bowhunters in front of him, and they were asking questions, picking Fred's brain. My daughter....then 5 or 6...wandered by with an upset look on her face because she had just made a mess with a S'more. She was sticky, and  it upset her.

Fred stopped what he was doing....left his "audience" got some  baby wipes, and cleaned up my daughters mess.

It is a simple thing, but it told me all I needed to know about Fred. He was famous to us....but not to himself. Humble. My daughter was more important than his crowd of admirers.

Over the years this was shown to me many times.I checked in with Fred on many subjects...very often his guidance was the advice I needed. I will miss my friend.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: T. W. Harris on January 08, 2023, 10:50:28 AM
What sad news, Fred & Teresa are good friends.  May he rest in piece, we all know he'll have no more pain. GOD bless him and Teresa.

Terry Harris
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Paul/KS on January 08, 2023, 10:52:22 AM
Very sad news. He will be missed.
RIP
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Bamboozle on January 08, 2023, 10:53:03 AM
Sad day but great memories left behind. Thanks Fred for your contributions, and God speed.  :coffee:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: kennym on January 08, 2023, 11:01:06 AM
Prayers for Fred and family / friends.  He was a great writer!
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: RIVERWOLF on January 08, 2023, 11:03:03 AM
  So sorry to hear this....Traditional bowhunting/archery just lost one of the great's of our time.
Fred , like Ron   was and forever will be one of the best promoters Traditional Bowhunting has ever seen. In a word...Relentless .
 A  level of Love for the wilderness & being a part of it as a bowhunter  that few have .   Fred will always be remembered   for his  countless contributions  .Thank you  G Fred Asbell ....

Let us reflect upon a Great ambassador  , Bowhunter , person......


My sincerest condolences  to Teresa ,  family members , friends , and countless brothers & sisters ......peace  .
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: danbow on January 08, 2023, 11:08:24 AM
Sad to hear, I really miss his articles in TBM
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Phillip Fields on January 08, 2023, 11:25:23 AM
Sad news for the Trad archery community. I met him a few times and he was always a pleasure to talk with. I learned a lot from his books and articles.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: k9bowman on January 08, 2023, 11:30:08 AM
Prayers sent. He was the best of us and will be missed terribly. Good Hunting, Fred. May your spirit always be in our memories.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: cacciatore on January 08, 2023, 11:34:11 AM
A very sad day when you loose such a great ambassador of our sport.
Prayers and Happy Hunting
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: BigStriper on January 08, 2023, 11:40:52 AM
Very sad news, prayers for Teresa and the Asbell family. Always enjoyed seeing Fred and Teresa at the Tennessee Classic.  Kurt
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Pine on January 08, 2023, 11:47:45 AM
He will be missed.
I always enjoyed talking with him at Kalamazoo.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Homey88 on January 08, 2023, 11:50:28 AM
Rest in peace.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: landman on January 08, 2023, 11:54:41 AM
We are sad to learn of Fred's death but I say 'go swiftly Fred and be assured that many of us will follow you in time, much like we have always done".   Heaven will be enriched with his soul in its midst.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: ron w on January 08, 2023, 11:55:40 AM
 :pray: :pray: so sad to hear , rest in peace :pray:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: TGbow on January 08, 2023, 12:00:41 PM
Very sad news.
RIP. Prayers for the family
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Chuck Jones on January 08, 2023, 12:29:39 PM
So long, Fred. We will miss you.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: G.C. on January 08, 2023, 12:40:02 PM
Thank you Fred for all your contributions to the traditional community, I always looked forward to reading your stories and articles … your stories made me feel like I was right there.
God Speed my friend
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: KAZ on January 08, 2023, 01:08:44 PM
Sad news indeed. Fred’s book Instinctive Shooting was the First & Only book I got when getting serious about Traditional Bowhunting in the mid 80s. I so enjoyed his writings and all my Interactions with Teresa & Fred for Asbell Wool and Kazoo… :campfire:

Great folks. Well done to both of them on Life well lived.  :clapper: Prayers for the Asbell Family & Teresa as they navigate the grieving process.  :pray: :campfire:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: hawkeye n pa on January 08, 2023, 01:09:25 PM
Prayers for Teresa and family.  RIP Mr. Asbell.   :pray:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: kennyb on January 08, 2023, 01:15:18 PM
Traditional archery has lost a pioneer! His books on shooting instinctively were very instrumental for me! Prayers to the Asbell family!  :pray:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: shick on January 08, 2023, 01:18:50 PM
Fred, may you rest in peace;  Thank you for always being there.
Shick
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: varmint101 on January 08, 2023, 01:32:31 PM
What a great man was Fred!  Such a life lived! A great loss to all. May God comfort his many friends and family!
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Ray Lyon on January 08, 2023, 01:56:04 PM
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Fred Asbell, Brian Cole, Ron LaClair, myself and Roger Norris at Shrewhaven Lodge Circa 2001. 
This was the hunt we met Roger Norris and he eventually became a camp member.  Roger had made a sizable bid to benefit St. Jude’s to win the hunt and Fred/Ron were the ‘celebrity’ guides.  As Roger mentioned earlier, Fred was not a celebrity in his mind.  This was one of two opportunities I got to sit and converse with Fred one on one for a few hours.  What a wonderfully articulate and down to earth gentleman.  Fred’s gift best influence on me was bringing Roger into our camp.  He’s like family now.  When Roger texted our Shrewhaven group this morning to let us know of his passing, I was sitting outside of our church with my wife and I told her the news.  I said to her I feel very sorry for Theresa because their relationship reminded me of ours; they were just right for each other.  Praying and wishing for peace and comfort for Theresa and all of Fred’s close friends. 
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: supernaut on January 08, 2023, 02:18:35 PM
Very sorry to hear this.

Prayers sent for his family and friends and may his memory be eternal.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: TSP on January 08, 2023, 02:42:08 PM
Fred Asbell was one of the icons of instinctive traditional shooting and he showed it with his consistent support for keeping shooting simple and being helpful to those who believed in that path.  Much sincere admiration, and condolences to his family and friends.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Maclean on January 08, 2023, 03:33:20 PM
This hits hard, really hard. Usually I can ramble on and on, but upon hearing this sad news I find myself at a loss for words.

G. Fred Asbell was the single most influential person on my traditional bowhunting journey. He is truly responsible for my insatiable passion for this sacred game.

Prayers of peace and healing for his family and close friends.

Prayers of remembrance for the traditional bowhunting community.

Prayers of courage and light for Fred as he begins his journey in the great beyond.

Thanks for everything Mr. Asbell!
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: KSshrewman on January 08, 2023, 03:43:20 PM
Very sad.  Prayers for his family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: JohnV on January 08, 2023, 03:54:45 PM
Fred was a good one.  A real ambassador for bowhunting, especially traditional bowhunting.  He gave more than he took.  He will be missed.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: PrimitivePete on January 08, 2023, 04:36:53 PM
Rest in Peace Mr. Asbell, an icon of our sport
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: MnFn on January 08, 2023, 05:34:35 PM
I so enjoyed his articles and books.
Rest in Peace , Fred and prayers for your family.
Gary
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: huckbuck on January 08, 2023, 05:37:46 PM
I have enjoyed reading about Fred’s adventures since I started bowhunting. A true sportsman that I was honored to meet at a PBS banquet in San Antonio. Rest in Peace Fred Asbell.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Elkchaser on January 08, 2023, 06:09:47 PM
We truly lost a legend in the world of traditional archery. Prayers of comfort to the family and friends.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Steve D on January 08, 2023, 06:22:31 PM
That bowhunting campfire burns a little dimmer now. If you were fortunate to meet him you know what a class act and gentleman
he was. Hope for comfort/healing for  Teresa during this tough time.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: toddster on January 08, 2023, 06:50:33 PM
Rest easy Fred, see you on the deer trail.  If the family needs anything just ask, they are great people.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: thump on January 08, 2023, 06:53:49 PM
So sorry to hear this,always enjoyed talking with Fred at his booth.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: STICKBENDER98 on January 08, 2023, 06:56:02 PM
No words.....God speed, rest in peace.  Thank you Roger for all the updates.  Continued prayers for G Fred's family, and all those he touched through the years.......


Jason
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: George Tsoukalas on January 08, 2023, 07:04:21 PM
Sure makes me sad.May his memory be eternal.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: JR Chambers on January 08, 2023, 07:08:49 PM
Prayers from WV for his family
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: goingoldskool on January 08, 2023, 07:36:04 PM
I've read all his books and loved his magazine articles.
He will be missed.
Prayers up for his family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Roger Norris on January 08, 2023, 07:41:14 PM
I've read all his books and loved his magazine articles.
He will be missed.
Prayers up for his family.

In my opinion.....reading Stalking and Stillhunting will give you the best read on what Fred was like.....Reading that for me is like every conversation we ever had.

I cannot express how heartbreaking it is to realize I will never get a chance to talk with him again.....I am so grateful for our last talk. It started as a quick "howdy" and lasted 90 minutes.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: rastaman on January 08, 2023, 07:43:10 PM
Rest In Peace and Godspeed!  Prayers to the family!
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Steelhead on January 08, 2023, 08:01:59 PM
Sorry to hear of his passing.One of the 1st books I bought about traditional bowhunting and shooting was written by Fred about 30 years ago.

A true icon of traditional bowhunting.Fred Lived a great life I am sure!

Condolenses to his Family and Friends

Rest in peace Fred.
>>>--------->
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Steve Jr on January 08, 2023, 08:03:31 PM
He was always a pleasure to talk with , I will miss seeing him at K-zoo and all the other events he attended.  Godspeed Fred , praying for peace and comfort for the family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Sam McMichael on January 08, 2023, 08:34:48 PM
We have lost another Trad archery mentor and a great friend to our sport. He was one of the greats. Prayers are offered for his family and friends. He will be missed. RIP, Fred.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: ny state land on January 08, 2023, 09:19:49 PM
Damn it, its not ok!
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: tzolk on January 08, 2023, 10:32:17 PM
My sincere condolences to Teresa, their family, and beloved friends. We never have enough time. Very sorry to hear this Roger.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Overspined on January 08, 2023, 10:32:43 PM
So many of the influential and cutting edge trailblazers are aging. Fred was one of the best. Loved his books and articles. Anyone starting Trad should be encouraged to read his books.  They have the ability to reap the benefits and secrets of his experience which he unselfishly shared with everyone. A great loss to his family and archery family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: BearGut on January 09, 2023, 12:31:32 AM
What sad news to hear. Thoughts are with his loved ones.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Keefer on January 09, 2023, 04:26:46 AM
   My heart and prayers for Mrs.Asbell and my sincere condolences .
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Ben Maher on January 09, 2023, 04:41:09 AM
If you owned a longBow or recurve , or even where interested in such as an archer here in Oz, pre internet , Fred was your go to. His books , his articles … well, he covered a lot for all archers , let alone us single string bow folk.

If life is counted in legacy and impact on others , well Fred stands tall indeed .

Few have written so well about our crazy adventure, this bow and arrow stuff …..

We stand on the shoulders of giants , and it’s fair to say Fred was a giant indeed , although , based on his writings on the tales by those who knew him, he’d blush at the thought .

Prayers to his family

Rest easy Mr Asbell
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Tradcat on January 09, 2023, 06:34:05 AM
Deepest sympathies and prayers sent for Fred’s family and friends. May the Lord see them through this difficult time and calm the storm they are in.  Tradcat
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: tippit on January 09, 2023, 09:04:09 AM
The passing of a Legend! My condolences to Thresa and the family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Russell Southerland on January 09, 2023, 09:21:57 AM
He will be surely missed. Prayers for the family.  :campfire:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Burnsie on January 09, 2023, 01:18:06 PM
I have always enjoyed reading his books and articles - stopped by his booth a few times when I attended K-zoo and talked briefly with him.  He didn't know me from Adam, but he gave his time freely to chat like we were friends. 
Condolensces to Theresa, family and friends.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: JD Page on January 09, 2023, 01:37:09 PM
Blue skies ahead Hoosier! Thanks for all the stories you told that gave me my start in Trad archery...RIP Mr. Asbell
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: 2fletch on January 09, 2023, 01:52:45 PM
I spoke with Linda Graham this morning. She had not heard about Fred. Being in a similar situation, Linda called Teresa to express her sorrow, and assistance. According to her, Teresa said that Fred had spent 2 days in intensive care, and that he was at peace with his situation. It's good that he had that opportunity. They were a great team. Every time I wear one of Teresa's wool jackets, I'll say a prayer for both of them. Gosh, we are going to miss him!
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Bowwild on January 09, 2023, 04:34:15 PM
Oh no.
I just saw this.
I only met Fred one time, at a conference in Missouri, I think after a PY Banquet?

Roger's line above about 'famous to others, but not to himself' is a perfect descriptor of this very early adopter of of promoting bowhunting.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Wudstix on January 09, 2023, 04:42:20 PM
My he rest in peace and may his memory be eternal.  Shook his hand and talked for a bit about his comment that D/R longbows were just "straight limbed recurves".  I was shooting a Jim Reynolds Thunderstick.  That was PBS San Antonio, had dinner with him and Wensel boys at our table.  Memories!
 :campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: woodchucker on January 09, 2023, 04:57:53 PM
Our Brother comes to you, as swift and straight, as an arrow shot into the Sun...
Welcome him, to his place at the Eternal Campfire. We will see him again.
 :pray: :pray: :pray: :campfire: :pray: :pray: :pray:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Hud on January 09, 2023, 05:06:36 PM
RIP Fred, thank you for all your contributions, advice and knowledge, and condolences to Teresa, their family and friends. A very humble man and legend will be missed.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Duker on January 09, 2023, 05:24:28 PM
So sad to hear; My thoughts and prayers for Teresa and family .
May you rest in peace my friend ...
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: beemann on January 09, 2023, 06:01:35 PM
Sad news.  Thoughts and prayers for his family.  His books were magic for me.  I'll always be grateful for all he shared with the bowhunting community....
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Joe2Crow on January 09, 2023, 07:09:43 PM
Sad news indeed. I didn’t know him well but I would stop by his booth at ETAR for a quick chat every year. He was always a gracious man. It will be strange not seeing him there anymore. RIP Fred
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: SS Snuffer on January 09, 2023, 08:40:03 PM
I believe in the Happy Hunting Grounds.
Good hunting Fred.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: joe ashton on January 09, 2023, 09:04:43 PM
He will be missed.
 I read every word he wrote.
Watched all his videos.
And had the pleasure to meet him on a few occasions.
 Prayers for his family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Herdbull on January 09, 2023, 10:59:01 PM
The legacy of G.Fred can be measured by the stories told about him by his friends.  God's Peace
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Al Dente on January 10, 2023, 06:07:40 PM
May God rest his soul.  Prayers for Teresa and family.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Barry Wensel on January 10, 2023, 11:14:45 PM
I'll try to keep this brief, but it may get a little lengthy. I first met Fred in either 1967 or '68 so I've known him a long time. He worked at IBM at the time. Fred, Bob Pitt and Pat Wolf were all bowhunting buddies from Indiana. And all three were world-class bowhunters at the time. There weren't ANY better in my opinion. It's been a very long time so don't hold me to these details.
    Fred wrote about an elk hunt he and Pitt went on in Montana if I remember right. It was a terrible hunt. The guide was very inexperienced, and the area generally sucked. Not only did they not get any elk, but they also never heard a single bugle or even saw a track. Both Bob and Fred said the guide and outfitter were drugstore cowboys and a joke. To make it worse in the end one of them stole either Fred or Bob's wristwatch. I'm thinking this may have been in the late '70s or early '80s. I honestly can't remember if Fred's article about this hunt was published in Bowhunter Magazine or maybe PBS magazine. Either way, it was great and showed that even the best of us gets scammed occasionally.
    Well, me being a Wensel and them being friends, I couldn't let the opportunity pass. It was my pleasure to completely re-write Fred's entire story in reverse, like it was written by the outfitter/guide. I completely turned it around making Fred and Pitt look like inexperienced greenhorns. And in the end the cowboy claimed instead of a tip they left him his wristwatch. I have to admit, it was one of my better written articles the way I twisted it around. A month after Fred's version was published my piece came out (with fictitious cowboy names). I have to admit, it was really funny when you read both pieces back-to-back.
    Not long afterwards I saw Fred at a sports show/banquet and asked him if he saw that rebuttal those drugstore cowboys wrote about him? He looked me in the eye and said, "When did you first realize you were an A-hole?"  :laughing: :biglaugh: We both had a good laugh. He said he was going to get me back, but he never did. It's always been one of my favorite memories of G. Fred. Yes.. we'll all miss him... and I thank him for his friendship. BW AKA UB
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Roger Norris on January 11, 2023, 07:10:46 AM
I'll try to keep this brief, but it may get a little lengthy. I first met Fred in either 1967 or '68 so I've known him a long time. He worked at IBM at the time. Fred, Bob Pitt and Pat Wolf were all bowhunting buddies from Indiana. And all three were world-class bowhunters at the time. There weren't ANY better in my opinion. It's been a very long time so don't hold me to these details.
    Fred wrote about an elk hunt he and Pitt went on in Montana if I remember right. It was a terrible hunt. The guide was very inexperienced, and the area generally sucked. Not only did they not get any elk, but they also never heard a single bugle or even saw a track. Both Bob and Fred said the guide and outfitter were drugstore cowboys and a joke. To make it worse in the end one of them stole either Fred or Bob's wristwatch. I'm thinking this may have been in the late '70s or early '80s. I honestly can't remember if Fred's article about this hunt was published in Bowhunter Magazine or maybe PBS magazine. Either way, it was great and showed that even the best of us gets scammed occasionally.
    Well, me being a Wensel and them being friends, I couldn't let the opportunity pass. It was my pleasure to completely re-write Fred's entire story in reverse, like it was written by the outfitter/guide. I completely turned it around making Fred and Pitt look like inexperienced greenhorns. And in the end the cowboy claimed instead of a tip they left him his wristwatch. I have to admit, it was one of my better written articles the way I twisted it around. A month after Fred's version was published my piece came out (with fictitious cowboy names). I have to admit, it was really funny when you read both pieces back-to-back.
    Not long afterwards I saw Fred at a sports show/banquet and asked him if he saw that rebuttal those drugstore cowboys wrote about him? He looked me in the eye and said, "When did you first realize you were an A-hole?"  :laughing: :biglaugh: We both had a good laugh. He said he was going to get me back, but he never did. It's always been one of my favorite memories of G. Fred. Yes.. we'll all miss him... and I thank him for his friendship. BW AKA UB

I know exactly the story you are talking about...I would love to read your "rebuttal". Thank you for some levity.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2023, 08:49:08 AM
Barry, that is a GREAT story. Thanks for sharing and starting my day off with a 'Wenzel induced smile'

 :bigsmyl:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Barry Wensel on January 11, 2023, 09:19:03 AM
Jerry: It's Wensel not Wenzel  :goldtooth:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: JR Chambers on January 11, 2023, 12:18:06 PM
Thanks Bense
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Rustic on January 11, 2023, 12:46:10 PM
So sorry to hear this. Prayers and thoughts for the Asbell family...
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Keefer on January 11, 2023, 02:09:05 PM
 “Jerry”  :biglaugh:   Barry I hope you Never change. :laughing:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2023, 02:14:17 PM
I just love you Harry Weasle !!!  :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: mj seratt on January 12, 2023, 05:39:41 AM
Nicely done,  J.R.  I wonder how many got that one.

Murray
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: JR Chambers on January 12, 2023, 01:45:18 PM
Not many. Lol
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: degabe on January 12, 2023, 08:36:36 PM
Rest in peace Fred. Prayers sent
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Terry Green on January 13, 2023, 09:51:28 AM
Teresa just sent us a new banner to put up in honor of Fred. Top left corner of the PowWow.  :campfire:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Maclean on January 13, 2023, 10:35:40 AM
Thanks for the heads up Terry, the new banner is a nice tribute.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: charles m on January 13, 2023, 08:43:56 PM
I'm sure Fred is laughing now at this thread.  I have some of his books and they aren't going anywhere.  God bless you Teresa.  :campfire:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Sam Spade on January 13, 2023, 08:54:29 PM
Yes, God Speed.  So thankful to have him in our mist of Trad Bouhunting. He certainly was a tremendous asset.

 :campfire:
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Maclean on January 14, 2023, 12:00:17 AM
I spoke with a very dear trad bowhunting friend today and asked him if knew about Fred. He said he didn't, and then was quiet for a long moment.  Finally he said simply "wow, that's the end of an era, there will never be another like him".

I couldn't agree more.
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Sam McMichael on January 14, 2023, 09:41:25 PM
Terry, how about starting something in Legends and Pioneers in honor of Mr. Asbell?
Title: Re: G Fred Asbell has passed.....
Post by: Bow man on January 16, 2023, 05:03:02 AM
Been over a week ans still in shock. We will miss him him and our talks and visits. This leaves such a huge hole in our Trad Community.  Continued Prayers for Teresa.