Wensel bear hunt

[Barry Wensel]

As most of you know I had a "mild" heart attack on May 17th. So far so good. My prognosis is good but I'm still in the initial stages of treatment which include FIFTEEN different daily medications; three inhalers; one daily injection, as well as seven additional vitamins. This is tearing me up as I have a bear hunt scheduled to leave this weekend. My "team" of doctors, friends and my family are saying I'm stupid, irresponsible, irrational, selfish and unrealistic... but I really want to go. Frankly, I honestly think I could pull this off physically as I feel pretty well right now. My only symptoms are a chronic, dry cough supposedly caused from one of the meds. They've changed that combo but said the cough might take "a week or two" to get out of my system. Point being, a chronic cough won't go over well on a bear stand. Deep down inside I know I should postpone my hunt until next year. For those not familiar with Tom Phillips Bear Quest camp there are years of positive feedback on this hunt in the TG archives. This would have been six years in a row there for me. I usually pass up between ten and thirty different bears (under ten yards )per week on this hunt. I realize this is extremely short notice but if anyone would like to take my slot on Hunt #1 which is June 9 thru 16th (this weekend) we'll forfeit my $350. deposit from the hunt. With Father's Day approaching on June 17th I thought maybe someone might want to get Dad a gift he'll remember for the rest of his life. Tom can answer any questions and can be contacted at ImDiablo62@aol.com. Not only is this a great hunt, in a great camp with a bunch of outstanding, experienced traditional bowhunters but it's at a discounted rate for an experience you'll cherish the rest of your life. Thanks again to all those who have contacted me in the last few weeks with thoughts and prayers. To all my friends and family who thought I was a stupid, irresponsible, selfish, irrational idiot... I hope you're now happy. Thank you. BW aka UB

[Tony Sanders]

Thanks Barry for the update. Continue to follow the Doctors order and take well care of your self. It won't be long before you will be in the November woods.

 Tony

[iohkus]

Wise choice, AND magnanimous jesture.  

[Whip]

I can feel your pain Barry.  That sure has to hurt worse than the stupid heart attack.  But no doubt you are doing the right thing.  Medical services are pretty slim in the bush.  You might even be out of Tippit's league if you did need treatment up there.  
Lord willing, there are plenty of years ahead of you, and if I know you, you will do your absolute best to make up for the loss of this bear season.

[ron w]

Your doing the right thing ,.....as hard as it is. Someone will jump at the chance to take your spot on this great hunt!

[Sean B]

You made the right choice, get better

[cacciatore]

Tough decision but for sure in this way you insure yourself many future hunts.  

[hayslope]

Picture this.......Doc Jeff leaning over you with one of those famous blades in his right hand.  "Hold still Barry....this won't hurt a bit....this blade is VERY sharp".

Probably a wise decision.  Tom will make sure there's plenty of bears left for next year!  Save your strength for November in Iowa.....and think good thoughts....like Gene dragging one of those Iowa pigs out of the woods for you.

If you come to Denton next month, I'll save one of those moose hotsticks for you.....they'll cure anything!

 

[Hopewell Tom]

To everyone that thought you were a stupid, irresponsible, selfish, irrational idiot, what was their point?
As you've decided it's probably for the better, but good on you for bagging it up because the coughing would ruin the hunt and not for any other reason...

[Butts2]

Could have just said you are a hunting addict and they would have had to say "Duh". Doing the right thing, it will come back to you.  

[Junglecat]

Better safe than sorry Barry.Take care of yourself and make the trip next year.You made the right decision in not going.

[Duker]

Probably a wise decision    but one you'll always wonder about  

[meathead]

You'll be back next year.  I wouldn't worry  much about Jeff cutting on me but Bowdoc would probably be his nurse.  Now that should scare you.

[Kudu Kid]

Besides, if something did happen to you in the woods, when we got you to a doctor, the doctor would tell us, "He could have made it, if you wouldn't have gut him out."

All kidding aside, we will miss you Barry. Work on getting well.

Keith Kemkes

[centaur]

Better to wait and give a bear a heart attack next season than to have another yourself. Get well and then get back after them!

[Danny Rowan]

Chronic cough? Sounds like lisinopril. Did that to my wife also, one of the side effects for about 60% of the people put on it. You are doing the right thing Barry, heal up first.

[Wapiti Chaser]

Giving up one year so you can be sure to enjoy many more is the right thing. Ya got me with the " Wensel bear " title. God speed in your recovery uncle Barry

[Kip]

          Take care Barry  

[birddog75]

Apparently Gene is the tougher twin.  Wish you a speedy recovery Barry.

[Tom Phillips]

If anyone is interested in spot let me know ASAP.
 You can call me at 973-224-5674


                   Tom