Every two years, PBS holds a gathering for members and non-members to enjoy, experience and celebrate our passion for hunting with bows and arrows. The next one is coming up March 25-28 in Nashville, TN. It has nothing to do with tape measures, high roller sponsors, slams or egos. We offer the total experience of feeling and sharing the fraternal aspect, a brotherhood if you will, made up of people just like yourself who absolutely love bowhunting and consider it a major part of their lives. It's that basic; simple but very true. PBS Gatherings are NOT limited to members only. See for yourself what PBS is all about. You don't have to make a living with a bow and arrow. The word "professional" in PBS has nothing to do with anything but attitude. You won't see many attendees wearing gold necklaces or pinky rings at a PBS gathering. You don't have to shoot a certain type or brand of bow, learn any secret handshake, be on any sort of team or pro-staff or pack a heavy wallet to attend. Matter of fact, the general public is not only welcome, but encouraged to walk around to get a better feel for our organization. Share camaraderie as well as experiences with hundreds of bowhunters much like yourself, who want to preserve our heritage. So, why should you consider traveling to Nashville to attend? See what PBS is all about. Learn who we are and hear what we believe in. Meet old friends and new faces at our "family reunion." Meet and get to know dozens of well known bowhunters face to face. Immerse yourself in the excitement, entertainment and educational seminars presented by some of America's most experienced bowhunters. Take part in both live and silent auctions and raffles offering hundreds of one-of-a-kind, top quality bowhunting items. View the efforts and art of bowhunting's finest craftsmen. Appreciate dozens of custom bows, arrows and artwork. Enjoy our beautiful photo contests. Talk with members about special hunting opportunities, experiences, new bows, various costs and advice. Get incredible deals on equipment, gear and art. Feel the celebration of our bowhunting pride. Hear what an array of our special guest speakers have to say. Feel and know the generosity of our membership. Laugh, learn, talk and dine with extraordinary Americans who ALL bowhunt for the right reasons. PBS Gatherings are the single biggest fund raisers of our orgnization. They only come around every two years. The next ones two or four years from now might be held thousands of miles from your home. Don't let them pass by. Help support and preserve the heritage of our passion. If you can't be there, consider donating something to the cause. But if you can possibly make it, be there for the experience. I can promise you won't regret it.
http://www.probowsociety.org/
This will be so good that I am traveling about 25 hours of flight time (round trip) to attend.
No question that the "gathering" is one of those special highlights for members. If you've never been to one, it's almost impossible to characterize what they feel like, and how welcoming the atmosphere is. I am always impressed by the huge smiles and hugs as old and new friends greet in the lobby...and then watch some of these same people wipe tears from their eyes only 3 days later...as the gathering ends and friends say goodbye. You must attend!
Kevin
As part of my job in my past life I had attended my share of conventions for work. Maybe it was those experiences that caused me not to attend a PBS convention and although I was a member, I never bothered attending the conventions.
That all changed two years ago when I attended my first PBS gathering in Pittsburgh. I spent the weekend kicking myself in the butt for not doing this sooner! What a great time I had, and now I'm looking forward to Nashville as much as any hunting trip!
See you all there - I can't wait!
Dad and I will be there. We can't wait.
Skyler Wilson
soooo looking forward to it, bringing the family too.
Gene is right I have been to the Charlotte and Seattle gatherings and they really are somthing special.You won't regret going I'm really trying to get to this one I've always wanted to see Nashville,this is a great excuse to go.
I've only attended the one in Seattle (which was fantastic!) and have always wanted to attend more. Since my real home is Tennessee, I am making plans to attend.
BTW, Nashville is a tremendous vacation destination with all that country music heritage, Andrew Jackson Hermitage tour, Wild Horse Saloon, great southern cooking, friendly folks, and much, much more.
I just joined but remain on the fence about attending. Not sure why just part of my nature, it's one of my weak points. One thing I do know since I've begun this journey three years ago that I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting new friends at each event and I'm sure this would be no different.
Bruce, I know you well enough to know that you would be like a kid at a candy store in Nashville. Get off that darn fence! :readit:
:D
Smoke,
Hop off the fence. I cannot imagine anyone who loves bowhunting not enjoying the PBS Gathering. I am so naive, for the longest time I DID think you had to make your living from bowhunting to join. Once I crossed that bridge, I took the plunge and went to the SLC gathering, really not knowing a soul.
My wife and I would find a table for the big dinners that was out of the way and people would sit down and join us. I was never more comfortable around strangers. Turns out some of these people we current and ex-councilmen and now that I know a little more, pretty famous bowhunters :D .
I missed the one in Pittsburg becasue I was on a hunting trip, but I am going to do my very best not to ever miss another. A finer group of people you will never meet.
Don't miss it Guys I did not get to go two years ago but was there before that . Was the best thing I did for myself can't wait for it . I am a nobody and the guys there made me feel just like I there best friends .Come guys you will have the time of your life. I even got to ride on the elevator with the Wensel Bros (note They should not be aloud to ride together) but we talked like we had known each for years.Do this for yourself and come
Jeez Joe, I think I remember saying something similar to you a few years back :D
I am been a member for more than 20 years,when Jim Chinn was President;unfortunatly I am never been able to attend any gathering since I live oversea,but it is always been a dream of mine.I am gonna missing this one too, I am so sorry about that.
I've only been to two of them. Grand Junction, CO. and Lake of the Ozarks. Both were terrific. I'm going to try to get to Nashville.
St. Louis was my first PBS banquet and I haven't missed one since. I remember saying "where has this organization been all of my life?" This is one of the few "bowhunting events" my wife enjoys attending as well. I used to live in Franklin, TN just South of Nashville and it's a great place to be in March!
Bryan
You can bet your bippy I will be there. I can't wait.
Jack
I am really hoping to be there. The last one I made was San Antonio. Always a great time to mingle and meet people, view amazing workmanship on arrows, bows, photos and more. As of now it is a toss for this year with $$ being kind of tight.
I'm comming for my first one! Believe it or not, my bride, Angela is comming with me! (those of you that know her know that she does the Horse Show/Eventing thing, and is actually taking time away to come) I think Krista Holbrook helped with that. Thank You KRISTA! Been trying to get Angela more involved.
Great Org., with even greater members. Those that I have met are REAL Bowhunters and just good folks.
Looking forward to my first, of hopefully many more.
See you there.
Johnny/JAG
I too have not been able to attend since San Antonio but I am surely planning to be there this year. PBS banquets are like family reunions to me.
There are enough of you Wisconsin guys wanting to go you could rent a van and drive down together. Share a room and it would be a pretty cheap weekend. :thumbsup: :campfire:
I've been know to fly over 24 hrs to attend a PBS Banquet :eek: , if that gives you an idea of what they mean to me. This years six hour drive is gonna be nuthin! Like the rest of the guys have said, "You'll be glad you did." :goldtooth:
Having never attended an event such as this, what are some of the events that goes on and where in Nashville would it take place? :help:
I am sure hoping to make it. The decision will be last minute and I assume all the hotel rooms will be taken so I will likely be staying with my son at Fort Campbell and making the drive.
What events fall into the "must attend" for a 1st time attendee with limited cash?
Jim Coffey
Can't wait! :D
This'll be my first PBS Gathering & hopefully not my last. Is there any way, do you suppose, that everyone could get together there?
I just joined tonight after reading this thread.
How do you join?
I went online, paid through Paypal, printed off the application, and it's in the mailbox. The app has a place for a credit card if you don't do paypal.
Googlr PBS or Professional Bowhunters Society or try
www.bowsite.com/pbs/ (http://www.bowsite.com/pbs/)
It will have all the info you need.
Johnny/JAG
I am looking forward to attending I bought my tickets and I've got a hotel room. I need a plane ticket still. It'll be fun to see some old friends and make some new friends. I want to check out some of the new bows. :)
Mongoose and others: http://www.probowsociety.org/
You will find more and better info here than my slow fingers can type.
Rick
Still trying to get it together to make this one!
Last Banquet I attended was Wheeling, WV in 1990.
Had a great time at that one, planned to attend Pittsburgh, but ended up out of the country at the time.
Trying hard to get there this year. If all falls into place I'll be there!
"I even got to ride on the elevator with the Wensel Bros" Both of them? At the same time? You're just lucky the cable didn't snap!
QuoteOriginally posted by robtattoo:
Can't wait! :D
This'll be my first PBS Gathering & hopefully not my last. Is there any way, do you suppose, that everyone could get together there?
You'll find us Rob - there are a lot of people but somehow it is still small enough that it's not a problem to find and talk with just about everyone over the course of the weekend. It's like one great big happy family reunion! We'll talk in Texas and figure out details.... :thumbsup:
I am not a fan of the two tiered membership and the politics of "who you know" sponsorship to become a "regular member".
Geez, how are we going to notice Rob walking around there :confused:
HAH! :D
Shaun--it is not like that, at least I have not experienced any class descrimination. No one has ever asked me if I was an associate or regular member and not one PBS regular member that I have EVER talked to has made their "status" known to me. And every one of them has been friendly and helpful to me, a nobody. I've had at least a half a dozen "Regular" members invite me on hunts with them--that doesn't happen much here in Michigan--everybody guards their "spot" with bloodlust. In fact, this kindness and generousity has made me apply for regular membership recently. The PBS is made of up good people that LOVE bowhunting at every level!
Gene,
Thanks for starting this post. You made a grat shot to the vitals with the reasons why everyone should attend.
Shaun,
I had my misgivings as well. Come find out what it is all about, see if the gathering doesn't change your mind.
Everyone else,
I have to agree! The gatherings are absolutely Awesome. My better half will be there again this year.
See you all there!
Shaun, that's your privilege.
Great organization we will be there in March. hope to see allot of you Tradgangers there
Clarification; I am a fan of the PBS in every other aspect. I have attended one conference in St Louis and it was one of the finest gatherings of conscientious bow hunters I've experienced. I was not treated as a second class member by those I met at the conference. The goal of protecting the legislation that allows our archery seasons is a great one. It is too bad that big companies like Horton Xbow can outspend the PBS in lobbying efforts, but to do nothing would be cowardly.
And, I could be completely wrong about the tiered voting membership. Maybe having a smaller voting body makes the group more effective.
I better stop now as I'm about to talk myself into rejoining. Maybe I'll see you there in March.
Shaun, the PBS isn't a politically-oriented organization...primarily. Sure, there is some political activism, as there is in most any sportsman's organization. The political stuff is way secondary to the main intent of PBS, which is to provide an organization for like-minded people to share their friendships and passion for bowhunting.
Based on your willingness to stand up and be different...you are probably the perfect PBS member.
Kevin
Looking forward to the Nashville Gathering, have the hotel res booked.
Cory, you are going? Hope some more NC guys are making the trip.
Dennis
Double post??
See you all there!
Sounds like a great gathering of like minded individuals.
Shaun - I'm not a member of PBS (well, I joined last night)but I can tell you that ANY organization has it's cliques of long time members...members who have become buddies...things like that. It doesn't make them bad guys, just guys you don't know yet. As for the 2 tiered membership, I applaud that. It's pretty easy to just join an organization...lots of "patch collectors" out there. But I take this system as something that forces you (maybe "forces" is a strong word)to decide how involved you want to be. It tells me that the PBS puts a personal or ethical value to thier membership. It tells me that they aren't out recruiting members for "numbers" sake.
JAG, Remind me to introduce your wife to several hardcore horse women who will be there. Marty McMahon's wife likes her horse a lot more than Marty, which is probably not really hard to do now that I think about it....
I went to the Pittsburgh gathering as a guest/driver for my Amish bowyer friend, Roman Hershberger. I was very aprehensive due to the word "Professional" in the name. Being from a very "backwards" culture in the Amish/Mennonite world, I have had a sense of not "belonging" around "Professionals".
As we set up Roman's booth, I noticed we were set up accross the isle from the "Brothers of the Bow" booth. I thought to myself, holy cow I don't know how to act around such celeberties. I sat and watched for quite sometime and noticed these guys look and act just like "regular" people. (Well sort of)
After getting through the first day and not having anyone treat me like gutter trash, I thought, heck, this ain't so bad.
The next morning I went down to breakfast by myself, and not knowing anyone in the restaurant area, started to sit at a table by myself. This bearded fella asked if I'd like to join him and I accepted the offer. Rick Stillman is one of the nicest most genuine people I've ever met. Had a good chat and enjoyed every minute of getting to knoow him.
Saturday was spent talking bows and hunting, with friends old and new. Turns out I had met some of the members at shoots and of course on Trad Gang. I was really nervouse about the banquet and auction. Sitting up to the table with well known folks all over the place. The after dinner speakers almost made me lose my dinner, but hopefully they won't be speaking this year. :bigsmyl:
I was so looking forward to making a mini vacation out of the event this year with my wife, but work has slowed conciderably and it's kind of up in the air at this point. I hope to make it this year and many more in the future.
I became a member this year because of the caliber of the membership and what they all stand for. If this back country boy can feel at home there anyone can.
Thanks PBS for all you do for our sport/lifestyle!
Oh, and don't be afraid to rub elbows with the Wensels, they haven't let their celebertyship go to their heads :D
Anybody on the fence should go. I went to SLC and it was a great time. I wish I could go this year. I had issues with what I thought I knew about PBS. I went to the banquet and that all changed. It is a great org and a great time.
Nathan
My wife and I are all set to be in Nashville Friday through Sunday.
Wouldn't miss it.
wish i could go. i'll have to wait until the next one. post some pics of it guys. what a great gathering...bunch of good folks talking about archery. got to love that.
sorry for typing like a scammer in nigeria....i broke my right wrist and am left with my left hand to type...
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
Smoke,
Hop off the fence. I cannot imagine anyone who loves bowhunting not enjoying the PBS Gathering. I am so naive, for the longest time I DID think you had to make your living from bowhunting to join. Once I crossed that bridge, I took the plunge and went to the SLC gathering, really not knowing a soul.
My wife and I would find a table for the big dinners that was out of the way and people would sit down and join us. I was never more comfortable around strangers. Turns out some of these people we current and ex-councilmen and now that I know a little more, pretty famous bowhunters :D .
I missed the one in Pittsburg becasue I was on a hunting trip, but I am going to do my very best not to ever miss another. A finer group of people you will never meet.
Yeah Steve-o...mmmmmissing the Pittsburgh banquet cost you at trip for Osceola's at Martys!!!
I am a bit mad at myself for never attending or joining the PBS years ago. There have been two banquets within 150 miles of my home in the past decade that I did not attend. What a mistake on my part.
I will be in Nashville. I want to see everyone and for sure meet Biggie; he is the reason I joined the PBS.
John III
Thanks Biggie "Twist the Knife and Pour Salt in the Wound" Hoffman :banghead:
Well maybe Steve "I wanna chance to killa" Osceola? Don't be pickin on Biggie- I'm watchin!!! :smileystooges:
If anyone who is close by me or traveling near enough to me to share a ride that wouldn't mind some help with gas money. Please contact me. All of my contact information should be in my profile.
Thanks!
God bless,Mudd
I think that I will see if I can find a way to attend.
The bride and I will be in there.
It's worth the price of admission to watch Biggie eat.
I for one am looking forward to this one just to have a weekend with nothing but fun on my mind for a change. Besides, where else could a fella have a chance to make Kevin Dill laugh with a mouthfull of adult beverage, and manage not to be hit with the overspray!!??!??
Hey all, Liquid Amber is one of the seminar speakers...."Hunting with the Thompson Brothers"
That will be a great history lesson.
JOhn III be SURE you find me! I'll be the guy in the blue t shirt.
And Mike Mitten talking about the wilderness
And Joey Buchanan talking about turkeys
And Norm Johnson talking about muleys
And...
Well, after listening to everyone and getting a PM from Kevin Dill, which was much appreciated, I made reservations for my wife and myself. I'm really looking forward to this opportunity to meet PBS bowhunters.
That is great news, Bruce. Nice meeting you at Compton's last summer.
Bruce...looking forward to meeting you and your wife. You'll have a great time. Most PBSers are great folks! Well...there are a few rats...
KDdid...what happens in Pittsburgh, stays in Pittsburgh! ;-)
Dillbilly
:bigsmyl:
If a guy can only attend a couple of days, can someone suggest the best days to attend? I have never been to one before but I'm really interested. Thanks :)
Friday and Saturday are the two best days for sure. Do everything you can to make it - you will be so glad that you did!
Great post. Yesterday you guys pumped me up to go hog hunting in Texas. Today you got me wanting to go to Nashville. Only 837 miles from Sioux City Iowa. I wonder if my wife would like Nashville better than hog hunting in Texas. Hmmm
I take it this is NOT a shooting event? Dinner and vendors and seminars, and just plain old fun? :campfire:
Right, no shooting. The only bows there are the ones you buy, either from the vendors or the raffles/auctions. Bring your wallet! :readit:
What is the PBS...where do I find out information about it and join
I plan on going this year. It will be the first one I've attended and can't wait. I hope to meet some folks there that I've only "met" online. Hopefully I can talk my wife into going as well, maybe she will realize that you guys aren't so weird afterall. Then again...... :D
http://www.probowsociety.org/
djanko
Thanks for asking. Check out the site. If you have any questions you can ask here or over there.
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve H.:
http://www.probowsociety.org/
Thanks...I will check it out and probably join.
Well I joined and booked my trip...trouble is I told my wife it was a "professional" conference. She thinks I am goin' to a medical conference. Oh well, I'll just tell her about it when we get there :)
I would consider this to be a medicinal event!
That would make it a medical conference in my book.
(she should understand)
I've never been able to attend...but my new wife and I are planning on it this year. She wants to get some good turkey hunting stuff! In the mean time...I gotta find her a good place to hunt turkeys. Got her a new bow that will be legal to hunt with. If she works up to the weight....the turkeys could be in trouble!
Be sure and attend Joey's bowhunting turkeys seminar, good information, and fun.
Dennis
Joey's turkey seminar will be the best you have ever attended. It got RAVE reviews last time.
Saw Joey's seminar in Pittsburgh and will agree, it is one of the best seminars I have ever been to. He really knows how his stuff and knows how to entertain! I will be in Nashville to see him again.
"Liquid Amber is one of the seminar speakers...."Hunting with the Thompson Brothers"
That will be a great history lesson."
I'll be in the front row for that one LA!
I was told some other TradGang guy is goina do a seminar on brown bear hunting in Alaska.
I sure hope that is you...all I'd be able to tell them is how to pick a bad guide and get ripped off :mad:
I know it costs $30 to become an associate member of PBS and the rooms are $100 plus tax per night.What other expenses are involved? I cannot find anything about a registration fee or if there are meals served at a sitdown dinner or anything like that? Anyone have any additional information info. on seminar schedule times,etc? Thanks in advance.
David, try this: http://www.probowsociety.org/2010.html
Wapiti792, we have you covered: DR. E. Don Thomas is the guest speaker for Saturday night. Voila: a "medical" conference! Always looking out for our members!
Good one KB! :thumbsup:
Alwright now I can deduct the cost of the conference to the company since Dr Thomas will be there speaking! This thing keeps getting better :)
I really wished that I could make the trip,just to far from home this year.
I'm working on it :pray:
When do the seminars take place? Arethey during the day, or held during the banquet meals themselves?
I'll definately be there for Friday & Saturday, probably Sunday too, but I'm unsure whether to bother with the expense of the meals or not.
What say you all? Is it worth staying for the feed?
Rob,
The seminars are going on during the day and there is a speaker each night at the dinner.
YES! It is very much worth staying for the feed, the talk, and the auction each night. This happens once every two years and the people setting it up do an excellent job at picking the venue and the food, they want to make it special for all the members and their significant others.
So I dont have to be a member to go? would like to check it out
Is the schedule still being finalized? I have looked all over that website and found seminar subjects and speakers but I cannot find the time nor rooms the seminars will be given in.Also I cannot find any mention of meals provided,meal costs,etc.Can someone please post such a schedule if one exists.Thanks in advance.
Cat, that will be a jumble until a few days before banquet. When you check in, you will get a packet that will have the entire weekend schedule and all the details.
Thanks Biggie.I kind of thought that may be the situation since no seminar times,etc. had been posted on the site yet.
The schedule of events and seminars, is in the 4th quarter 2009 issue of the magazine on page 45. It is a complete schedule with times.
There is also a listing of each meal and the memu on page 44.
Dennis
Dennis....betcha a dollar that it gets changed :-)
several questions. Sorry if they were already asked and answered but the thread is 7 pages long. Do you have to attend all the days? or can you just attend the weekend?? what is the cost of tickets to attend? what is the cost of the dinners? seminars? ect...
I used to be a member but let my membership expire for a mutitude of reasons none of them having to do with the organization. Thanks in advance for the answers to my questions
Joe,
I sent in my order form from the magazine to get all my tickets, or I would scan it in and post it here for everyone to see.
You can buy everything ala carte or there are several packages for the banquet tickets also.
I am presently not a member.However I was considering joining and maybe attending some of the days of the event.It would be great if someone could scan the event schedule with times,meal costs,etc. and put it on this site or else on the PBS site.
I'm curious also. What type of equipment do the vendors bring...mostly trad, the other kind or a mixture?
I'm always up for a good meal and browsing trad gear.
Biggie-NO way!
Worth attending to get Gene and Barry to autograph their books
Nighthawk and JungleCat, we would love to have you back as members! You can rejoin via our website as well. We will work on getting some banquet information on it as well.
Robert, our vendors are mostly traditional. That's not by design, it's just the way it is. The vendor area will be very full this year and Norm has had to put several on a waiting list so there should be something for everyone. While not a "shooting" event, there will be a shooting area for anyone wanting to "test drive" a new bow from one of our many vendors. And Biggie is correct: the smart money is on the schedule not being quite "final", but it should be relatively close. The best bet is to spend the whole weekend so as not to miss anything!
I think I will be there. Thanks
Come up and say hello when you are there, Robert and everyone. We are gonna have a great time of fellowship and fraternity. Banquet chairman Bob Seltzer has tons of fun stuff planned for everyone in attendance to take part in.
Another reason to attend is to see all of the awesome donations. Many one of a kind items, trips, etc. PBS members and donors are some of the most generous, talented folks in bowhunting and it never ceases to amaze me to see the quality and quantity of items.
KB,
I should see the guy I gave my magazine to this weekend. I'll attach the ticket form to this thread if that is OK.
That would be fine, Steve. See you next weekend!
ttt
Here is the information for tickets to the Gathering:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Post%20pics/PBSBanquetTicketForm.jpg)
And here is the list (so far) of speakers:
Hunting Mule Deer
Norm Johnson and Jim Akenson
Women as Bowhunters Panel Discussion
Krista Holbrook, Amy Joslyn and
Holly Akenson
Turkey Hunting, A-Z
Joey Buchanan
The Solo Spirit
Mike Mitten
Bowhunting with the Thompson Brothers
Cliff Huntington
Line Dancing
Vikki Robertson
Hunting Bison
Nathan Andersohn
How to Use Map, Compass and GPS
Dave Doran
This is getting to be a pretty long thread, so I will start a new one with all the info on the first page.
One that was inadvertently left off the list is :
Bowhunting for Brown Bears by Steve Hohensee!
Just got word on the dates of my oldest daughters play.....Carmen and I will not be able to make it this year.
We were really looking forward to it....but we sure aren't going to miss Rachel's performance.
I'll miss all the hoop-la....and seeing you guys....maybe I could get a list of the auction items...and have Biggie bid for me.
Take care....and ya'll take plenty of pictures and bring back a bunch of stories ya hear?
:campfire:
Don't you have enough pull to reschedule that performance?
No.......but Carmen might...... :readit: :D :D :D
SteveO, thanks for posting the registration form. Rob D. loaded it up onto our website and it can be downloaded in .pdf or Word format.
Reminder: please order your banquet tickets as early as possible. We need to let the hotel know how much food to cook by early March so the deadline to have your form to the PBS office is March 1st. If I know this crowd, they are gonna need a BUNCH of groceries!
I just hope I can get in the Thursday evening buffet line before Biggie and the Twins. It ain't going to be pretty!
John, we have a new strategy this year....beware.
Big man, it was good to see you in Kalamazoo. Hope it's warmer in Nashville!
Thanks Kevin, seems like we never have enough time to talk. I know you will be busy at PBS too 8-)
I'll try harder............
Terry we understand family comes first. After seven years of the tradgang I was hoping to finally get to meet you in Nashville.
There will be more gatherings and we may wind up in the same camp one day.
So am I going to have to work on my "get to the cupcakes before Biggie strategy" before I hit the hotel?
III