People often ask why they should join the Professional Bowhunters Society (PBS). I just received the latest quarterly magazine that is published for members only. In the magazine you will find the following articles: Ramblin Rednecks humor featuring Barry Wensel ramblin' about "eating out". "Southern Whitetails" by Biggie Hoffman. Questions and answers regarding hunting trophy whitetails with Roger Rothhaar. "My Most Memorable Bucks" by M. R. James. "Warthogs" by Gene Wensel. "Life Goes On" by Barry Wensel describing a black bear hunt using one of Paul Schafer's personal recurve bows. "Buying the Farm" by Glenn St. Charles. These stories are exclusive to the PBS magazine and members. You won't find the articles anywhere else. No authors are paid for their contributions...they do so because they believe in the PBS and want to support the organization. Don't ask me to copy and post them...it violates the PBS copyright rules. If you want to read these articles and others then you need to join the PBS. Hope to see you soon.
is it a trad only organization? If not then I personally don't see me joining
Nighthawk. The PBS does not discriminate against compound users...but, when you find a group that cares so deeply about bowhunting, you find the vast , vast majority are stickbow shooters. Seems that way at most local archery clubs; the guys that run things and are always volunteering are shooting the stickbows.
I just got my magazine yesterday and I was thinking the same thing. Where can you get SO much for so little!
Edited for HORRIBLE spelling and grammar! I have to learn to proof read before hitting the enter button...
:thumbsup: :clapper:
I like the PBS because they do include those who shoot the wheelie majigs.
As far as equipment, my opinion is that most if not all bowhunters who embrace traditional ethics and hunting values eventually migrate to the simple stick and string. Some do it more quickly than others. It took me longer than most.
Let me explain:
I began bowhunting in 1986 with a boat anchor that happened to have wheels. My best friend and his family introduced me to it.
After the first year I was hooked. That first year I noticed several things. First, I liked to shoot, I shot leaves, spots on stumps, blades of grass, at an odd color. I shot all those things that first year, and continued to do it before I knew it was called stump shooting. I was and still am accused of carrying more judos than broadheads, when I hunt.
Those good friends are still friends, but we've gone down two different paths, they no longer hunt with their bows, and their hunting values are not the same as mine. As I was working my way through the thicket of hunting ethics and values, I spent some serious time evaluating my actions and measuring them agains what I saw from others, this in part created who I am today. The larger part of that process was influenced by a good friend and mentor who ultimately untroduced me to the PBS.
After 16+ years, I finally picked up my first recurve and felt that I'de come home. It was to a place I'de always been, but never sat to enjoy it. Now I'm more comfortable hunting folaige, fin, feather, and fur with my longbow, than any other equipment.
IMO - the whole traditional/professional thing is more a state of mind. The PBS has struggeled with carrying the professional mantra. I thought (and I'm sure others have perscieved) it (the PBS) was a group of snooty people with lots of money which allowed them to hunt professionaly.
The truth of it is that they are a group with traditional hunting values who have committed to hold one another to the highest standards. As a person enters the PBS they join of their own accord, they accept its standards and live by them. After being an associate member a person can (after they meet the requirements) apply to join the regular ranks. This includes some serious introspection, self evaluation and honesty, as well as having someone "sponsor" you based upon their knowledge and experience of your ethics and values (those may not be the right words). A person of "regular" status is expected to give back to the bowhunting community.
I'm proud to be a member of PBS, and encourage those I know who have the same values to join. It's not for every one but if it is for you then...
Welcome.
Richard, that should go in one of the PBS advertisements in "other" magazines. Well said!
Yep, good post Rich (and JohnV and Steve O)!
Still waiting on my next magazine.
Goose
I joined earlier this year and am glad I did. The PBS is in my opinion a great promoter of fair chase, ethical bowhunting. I can't wait to go to the Nashville banquet in 2010 to hopefully meet some of the legends that I have so long admired who are a part of this organization. Just a quick look at the "who's who" that are members of this great organization should be enough to tell anyone that it is a great group to be a part of.
Great magazine as well!
JohnV....not to take this off topic, but Glenn has that story in his "Bows Of The Little Delta."
If you like that article, you'll love the whole book.
Well put Rich.
Just because you carry a stick bow' that alone does not make you PBS material, nor does a wheeled bow disqualify you. The PBS is about "proffesional" attitude, behavior and traditional values. As you get to know these people you can clearly see that those ideals are put into practice.
Not to start a fight or anything but the reason for not joining is the fact that those of us who do not shoot at least 50 pounds of draw weight are eliminated from joining. Please don't start on the 50 pounds is needed to make a clean kill and more is better. Shooting less than 50 pounds does not make a person less of a bowhunter. I am just answering the question of "Why should I join the PBS?" I belive I read the requirements for qualifying for membership correctly. If I am mistaken then I offer up my appology.
I've no doubt that the membership of the PBS includes some of the finest indiviuals in archery both past and present and am in no way trying to slight anyone. I am also aware that the PBS does great work in promoting not just the hunting aspect of archery but the traditional values and honorable behavior that we all should try to put forth in our daily lives.
NightHawk, When I met JohnV I was a compound shooter. He introduced me to the PBS. I found a great bunch of people with a passion for hunting that matched my own. The challenge of traditional bowhunting was a welcomed progression. I have seen many friends put down their compounds to have more fun with traditional gear. It's nice to know if that I ever need to return to a compound for health reasons my PBS brothers will not turn their back on me. I worked hard to become a full member of the PBS. It's a accomplishment that has ment much to me. Ethical bowhunters have a home in the PBS. It's not equipment the it is the bowhunter. Jeff Harper
NOT TRUE, ANYONE CAN JOIN as an ASSOCIATE member, in fact everyone that joins has to start out as an associate! Lots of people like to make a big deal about the qualifications for becoming a REGULAR member, but thats, because they don't know what is involved in getting qualified. Lots of members stay associates forever, no reason not to really, unless you want to pay higher dues and vote. The reason the founding members of PBS chose to include the 50# rule was to keep PBS from becoming just another target archery club AND, because PBS regular members are expected to go above and beyond what the minimums are and many states had the 45# law.
I can't speak for anyone else on the reasons PBS didn't vote to become trad only, but personally I had a problem with telling members who had been there longer than me(23 years)that they were no longer welcome because they shoot compounds, such as M.R. James and I have never seen any evidence that professionalism and ethics are linked to any particular type of bow, gun etc..
I doubt that I will ever become a "Qualified" Member. Because, I have no desire to kill the list of animals required for qualification. BUT, THAT'S OKAY WITH ME. I enjoy being part of this fine organization and knowing that what I contribute supports the future of bowhunting. That's the bottom line, at least for me.
The dreaded "kill list" is there only to provide the council with evidence that you are an EXPERIENCED bowhunter.
It is only a very small part of the Regular Member application and those kills, along with the stories on HOW you did it are sometimes the only way council has to get to know you.
When I was on council, we had to convince Glen St Charles to apply for Regular Membership. He was happy to stay an Associate forever!
Been hunting with bow an arrow since I was 12, and the only thing I've killed were rabbit and ground hogs; they on the list? :readit: :D
I became an associate member last year and enjoy reading the PBS magazine and look forward to attending the 2010 meeting. I was hoping to attend this years but sorry to say I couldn't do it financially and with work.
Thanks, Biggie.. That's good to know.
The last TWO magazines have been especially above and beyond their usual high quality. A very good publication from a very good organization.
A very fraternal organization that's not afraid to take a traditional-valued stand on controversial issues. That's exactly what I want!
Rick, thanks for clearing that up for me. :thumbsup: I figured that if I had the wrong info that someone would point it out.
PBS is a great organization. Worth understanding what Rick and Biggie say on these particular issues - lots of folks like to pick organizations apart - look for excuses not to support. The kill list - 50# - are both a slam dunk if you are dedicated. And not saying if someone chooses not to harvest a lot of game - or to do it with less than 50# isn't cool - but in a "profession" - people present themselves to their peers - and as such - all the criteria presently required for "regular/qualified" membership is perfectly reasonable. And not to say being - or remaining - an "Associate" isn't cool - it IS. I even like the ASS patch a little better. Hey Ya'll - best reason to join is this - after most of a wonderful lifetime of hunting has gone by - I now look around and can tell you that ALL of my very good friends and bowhunting brothers are a direct (sometimes indirect) result of my joining the PBS many years ago. We are family - and as such - sometimes they aggravate you - so what -------- we have been blessed!!!!!! and PBS is a HUGE part of that.<>< <------------------<<<<<<<<<<
Why the PBS??
I emailed Biggie a month or so ago asking about the next banquet. I also asked about an article that I thought was going to be in the next issue... Two days later I had a FedEX on my porch with the current PBS magazine in it. Biggie had his secretary overnight a copy to me on his own dime. Professional in attitude... I would say so. By the way a public thank you for that, Biggie.
John III
Personally I see no need for the PBS myself.. I enjoy trad hunting on my own terms. I need no kill list. And I do not need to belong to any organization to enjoy myself.. From what I have read this organizations sounds a bit elitist to me.. Just my $.02
I joined this year at the Pittsburgh banquet. I felt like family from the very begining. I shoot compounds and recurves and hunt with both. Attend a banquet and you will meet some of the finest folks walking on the planet, make some new friends, and become one of the family - only then can you make an informed decision about this fine organization.
That's OK zilla. don't join. There's room for all of us, both in and out of any organization.
On the other hand, many organizations... oh like PBS... are comprised of many folks that all like to do something, the same thing, often in much the same way.
My wife is a member or two or three (I can't keep count) quilting guilds in the area. They get together and share their friendship and company and often form much deeper friendships... all because they joined something that interested them.
Is she elite. Well, yes in her own way. I sure can't (nor do I want to) quilt.Are you elite? well, you come across that way in the statement above. You got it all together yourself, and that is perfectly OK.
PBS is much the same. These folks have a certain mind set... they enjoy doing certain things... and they enjoy sharing this time with others of like mind. They often use their numbers and experience and standing to do things for the rest of the community. And for the record, just look at the membership and you will see a lot of names that most every hunting archer knows. That is in its own way kinda elite don'tcha think ?. Course, then there is members like me, who nobody knows. Hmmm what happened to the elite part ?
As for kill lists, and pull weights etc... well, all clubs have rules, made to mold and protect the club itself when it was created. They wanted a certain kind of club and meant to keep that from changing, so needing these rules.
Rules often change over time, with new blood, aging blood, even different thoughts due to different times, but in all cases, they are the clubs rules. If they do not appeal to you, it is really very simple.... don't join.
ChuckC
I might have to join just to read Barry's article. I was on that trip with him and I saw a huge black as well. I'm dying to read what he wrote and if the bear is even bigger now! :biglaugh:
Seriously, it's low money to fund a great group. The magazine alone is worth it.
Monty Browning is another obviously experienced bowhunter who has chosen to stay an associate. The only thing a regular gets to do that an associate doesn't is vote and pay higher dues. I doubt anyone who has actually been to a PBS gathering would describe the members as elitist, but they do tend to be bowhunters who enjoy the fraternal aspects of PBS. I just got back from a great bowhunt with Brian Roness, who I met at the PBS Banquet. I have made some awesome friends and bowhunting partners through PBS and that is why I will always be a member.
I hear about these "elitists" every time PBS comes up but I've yet to meet any.
In contemplating joining most any organization, a lot of folks seem to come at it from the perspective of. "what can the organization do for me?" IMO, that's not the right perspective. It should be, "what can I do for the organization?" Sure PBS is a fraternal organization, but it also exists to protect, preserve and promote ethical bowhunting. It provides a collective voice and advocacy for bowhunters and bowhunting. Supporting organizations like this, financially and through active participation, is just one way that we can give back to a way of life (It's more than a sport.)that many of us cherish so much.
Zilla, you don't have to join, that is completely up to you. But, if you happen to be in the Nashville, TN area that last or second to last weekend of March in 2010, whenever our next banquet will be held, let me know ahead of time and I'll buy you a banquet ticket so you can come and join the fun. You still don't have to join, but I just want you to know that you are still welcome. Perhaps the 2012 banquet will be further west and less difficult for you to make it to. Good luck in all of your bowhunting endeavors.
I'm an Associate Member and have been for a number of years. When I inquired about joining they sent me a complimentary copy of their magazine. One look at the magazine contents, quality and message portrayed and I knew I had to join.
As far as a "kill list", my understanding of the purpose of the list is to show that your true passion is bowhunting and bowhunting is not just a casual or passive engagement.
I can say I bowhunt the local deer herd and am successful, but if I hunt the local deer herd plus have traveled other places for other species it shows a certain level of dedication.
For example I can say I'm a Cubs/Sox/whatever sports team fan because I watch the games on TV and maybe go to a home game once in awhile. However, it shows a certain level of dedication if you watch the games on TV, go to a ton of home games, and also go to several away games each season it.
It's the same with P&Y I believe.
Not to say that someone that doesn't have the financial means to travel and hunt several species doesn't have the same passion...just wouldn't be able to apply for regular membership. But would be equally accepted as an associate.
I have the passion, just haven't killed more than whitetails-yet.
I don't know if that helps or not. I just didn't want the impression to be that there's a list out there that is serving as a checklist..such as Whitetail-Check, Mule Deer-Check, Antelope-check...oooh, what's next for me to kill??
Kevin could better say cause it's been 20 years since I applied for Regular status but it seems to me that the requirement is 8 big game kills or 5 and some small game? A very minimum number of animals if you are dedicated to the passions of bowhunting.
By the way, I only apllied for Regular status because I wanted to run for a council position.
When you are around this bucnh of guys for awhile, you are overwhelmed with the desire to SERVE PBS and bowhunting.
The so-called "kill list" exists only so applicants for Regular membership can demonstrate experience and success as a bowhunter, part of the criteria for becoming a Regular member. I chuckle when people imply that PBS members are elitists. Most who make this comment have no first hand knowledge of the organization. You don't see PBS members at the banquet wandering around with patches sewn to their shirts or vests advertising what they have killed nor do you hear them bragging about their exploits. PBS members are elitists only to the extent that they take bowhunting and the PBS seriously.
Most of you will agree that the general population here on Trad Gang are "good people". Some folks come and go while others take the time to post, chat and help out other bowhunters. Most of us here at Trad Gang have made life long friends from this site. Friends that came about through the common bond of archery!
Like many of you I enjoy pulling up the forums, the classifieds ads and the archives. It's my little escape each day or night from the real world where I can go to talk hunting, equipment and philosophies. Folks just like me who eat, sleep and breath this stuff.
The PBS is very much the same. It's a group of like minded individuals who are all walking in the same direction. We help each other along the way, offer advise and hopefully work together to benefit our lifestyle of hunting. Let's not read into any further than that.
As far as elitists go, I'm sure there are several first time visitors to the Trad Gang forum who have pointed the "elitist" finger at some of us. We love what we do, are confident in our equipment and at times (without realizing it of course) look at the rest of the bowhunting community through blinders. Yes...we all have acted like elitists at one time or another in our posts. Get over it.
If any of you feel the Trad Gang is the best thing since sliced bread you should consider the PBS. Organizations like Trad Gang and the PBS allow like minded folks the ability to come together to help others and share what we know. It's not about rules and regulations, it's about continuing the seed. Yes, there are rules and regulations in the PBS, Trad Gang and every other organization, it helps keep out the bottom feeders.
How many of you folks have learned to fletch arrows, build bows, tune bows, etc, all from this forum? How many bowhunters have walked away from a PBS banquet with new friends and new insights? The purpose of the PBS and Trad Gang is to bring like minded folks together to enhance the overall experience. It's really that simple.
Join the PBS for same reason you visit Trad Gang...it's just a great group of folks to be associated with.
Double thumbs up!!!
Todd, hope to meet you at the UBI banquet and also a PBS banquet.
Just for clarification purposes, there is no "kill list". The one small portion of the Regular/Qualified application process that involves numbers of animals killed actually means and states total big game animals, not different animals. SO, if a person doesn't have the wherewithall to travel to bowhunt, or just doesn't want to for whatever reason, is fully qualified to apply even if he/she only deer hunts in their local woodlots. Let's be clear on that point at least.
There are many, MANY Associate members that are way more qualified than myself to be a Reg/Qualified member, but just have not chosen to take that step for whatever reason. We are still all PBS family and that's what counts!
Biggie, yes, it is 8 big game animals or 5 big game and "several" small game animals. In this day and age of burgeoning deer populations in the eastern 2/3 of this great country, I don't believe that's much of a stretch. In the west, folks might have a more difficult time achieving the numbers but that only serves to give them even more experience and memories. There's no deadline to meet, enjoy the journey!
well I'm a LIFE regular member, and if they were elitists then I wouldn't have been allowed in, so that shoots your theory all to pieces, Zilla!
Give it a shot- see what you think. We as bowhunters are sort of loners anyway, and self-reliant to a degree, but I have to tell you, there's no one there- Barry or Gene, Biggie, Cory, Monty, John Rook, Glenn St Charles, no one that I met had a chip on their shoulder..well, maybe John Vargo but he doesn't count (just kiddin John)so come on and see what its all about.
If it isn't your cup of tea thats fine, but you don't know until you kick the tires.
I was an associate member back in the early-mid eighties and let my membership lapse due to more urgent distractions. I've thought of re-upping several times in the past few years and I'm going to pull up the site and do it right now before I forget about it again; our season is open and I'm easily distracted. Tim and Biggie reminded me of why I had joined in the first place and the quarterly is a super publication. Thanks guys. Grant
P.S. Hey Biggie, if I send you the $$ and app. right away can I get the latest issue? I was in Quebec with Barry and Curveman and I'm curious too. GBY
Id have to say the name is a turn off for me and the requirements and different levels of membership doesnt make it any more appealing. Im not attracted to exclusive/elite groups and right or wrong thats how these kind of clubs feel to me.
Im not all saying anything bad about PBS - Im just saying why I have no inclination to join.
Kevin,
Thanks for the clarification. I hadn't read the requirements in awhile and I always thought it was different species of animals, not just total in general.
It's been a few years, a few tears and a few deers ago; I was talking trad gear with this big guy who likes to hug -- that's another story -- and we got to talking broadheads. I mentioned I wish(ed) I had bought a bunch of Roger Rothhaar's "Snuffers" before they were bought up by, Delta - I believe. He said, "I got sum - they're on they're way."
Pretending, I tried to politely refuse his generosity. No dice. They showed up (UPS) a couple days later...a bunch of 'em. They're prolly worth big bucks on the auction sites. I'll never know, 'cause they will be in my family forever.
Yeah, it was PBS member Biggie Hoffman, and I'd known him (over the internet) for about 15 minutes...
PBS isn't for everyone, but if you're a fair chase kind of bow hunter, be it stick or wheel bow, here's a fraternal organization that is worth supporting.
As our pop culture, (including pop hunting culture), continues to coarsen, the PBS is an Oasis, a fresh water spring, where hunting archers can drink their fill, and feel at home in the company of their peers.
Brian Cole
PBS
I've been an associate member since 1991, joining just before a group of us started New York Bowhunters. Our first meeting consisted of 17 bowhunters from across the state, most meeting for the first time in response to an article in Bowhunter Magazine with Greg Haskell, then owner of Skyline Camo. Greg mentioned that he and another bowhunter Ben Dodge were trying to form a state bowhunting organization. From that article New York Bowhunters(NYB) was born. Wrapping up that first meeting I commented that it was suprising that the majority of us were PBS members. Ben replied that it didn't surprise him a all! As others have stated, my closest friends and favorite hunting partners are NYB members and PBS members. I realize that bowhunters are a loner breed, I am myself, but I'm pround and humbled by the things that a bunch of loners together have accomplished through their state bowhunting organizations and PBS. I guess we're not content to go off into the woods by ourselves, leaving bowhuntings future to others. Every bowhunter must follow his own path, but you owe it to yourself to check out your state bowhunting organization and PBS. You might just find the life long companions you've been searching for!
Tom
I am a Member of the NWTF (Wheelin'ers)and havent Shot, Nor Even SEEN a Wild Turkey Yet. :rolleyes: Sounds Like I could Join the PBS Anyway, unless I read this Post Wrong.
If its anything like the NWTF , there are some Great Folks Involved! :archer:
Dartwick, if you could look past the name, for whatever reason turns you off, and ignore the feeling that PBS is an elite group, I think you would find that PBS makes sense from a bowhunting, fraternal angle.
To put it bluntly, you couldn't be more wrong on either count.
If you'll email me your name and address, I'll pay the $30 for one years membership. You'll get 4 magazines and I'm convinced that once you see what we're all about, you'll think "man, I wish I woulda joined PBS years ago!"
If not, you're out nothing.
It's a personal challenge from me, want to accept?
Mr. Hoffman, that's quite the offer and what I think a little bit of what PBS is about. :thumbsup:
I've never met ya (though I think you were one of the council who reviewed my reg member application) but would like to shake your hand one day.
I grew up in a family that wasn't really "into" hunting. They did the Wisconsin gun deer opener and some small game hunting but that was it. Somehow I got hooked on bowhunting, but never really had a great mentor or teacher. Well, a few years ago I finally met some mentors, through PBS. I decided to go to the banquet in SLC and I was hooked. Elitist? Some of the guys I now consider friends and mentors are willing to talk to me on the phone, respond to emails, and whatever else to help me. These are well known BOWHUNTERS and they gave "regular" me more than just the time of day. That is why I am a member and will continue to be.
There are some great offers from PBSers on this thread. Someone should take these guys up on them.
Nathan
Us elitists even let Nate eat dinner with us, lol!
Since that night in SLC every big city I get to has me searching for Brazilian steakhouses!
Well,
I wasn't going to name any names:~) But, thanks Steve and others!
I can't wait for Nashville,
Nathan
I have considered joining PBS several times over the years, but somehow never got around to it. After reading this thread, I've decided "its time" and joined online a couple nights ago.
Well, why NOT join PBS? For years, the name itself kept me away. But I got over it and no regrets. dave
If you are asking "why should I join" or if you are asking "should I join, DO IT! Join, read the magazine, get to a gathering whether it's the Banquet, the odd year gathering or just a regional gathering.
I'm way out here in the sticks, way out west. Any more west and I'd be in the ocean. Joining PBS was moving, it connected me to the Fraternal order of the PBS, (insert secret handshake).
But for those that are really evaluating joining. It's worth your time and money to be a member of PBS.
Brazilian BBQ! Was that ever Delicious. I ate there 2 days in a row.
I have been an associate member for going on two years.The offer from Mr Hoffman to Dartwick is typical of PBS members. All are willing to go the extra mile to help. If Dartwick were to accept this offer, I beleive his opinion of the PBS will turn very positive. A better group of people won't be found. Come join us. You won't be dissapointed
i joined for the shear reason of how they treated my kids at ETAR a couple years ago, with the kids events , making string holders, giving the kids arrows, and a general interest of how to get the kids involved in archery. elitists well maybe so, but i can tell you that probaly comes from a sense of belonging to a special assoc with special members. if careing for the future of bowhunting and the youth that it involves is elitists, than i will accept that title. Come join us and be part of our group.
Well now..after reading this entire thread and seeing Mr. Hoffmans offer to Dartwick, It has reminded me that I have wanted to join the PBS for some time now. After reading an article about the PBS and then meeting some of the fine folks at ETAR that are members I should have joined then. Shame on me for that faux pas. I intend to fix that immediately. Thanks for the reminder JohnV.