Just got back from Barry Wensel’s Bootcamp and wanted to do a quick review. First of all – I am still in shock as to the number of scrapes, rubs (and I mean really big rubs – think trees bigger then telephone poles) and just the beauty of the farms Barry hunts. If you have never been to Iowa this alone is worth the price of admission.
Facility: The facility is awesome. It is a private hunting group’s cabin and it is full of artwork, outstanding trophies, hunting memorabilia, etc. There is a nice observation tower so bring your binoculars. I found a few bag targets so did some shooting in the evening. The facility was spot less and very comfortable. I would rate it far above most 4 star hotels. It will make you envious that’s for sure.
Food: What can I say Susan was a delight and went far above what anyone could ever expect from a host. She prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner and ensured the refrigerator and counters were very well stocked (the cake and ice cream were delicious ) She made each of us feel very at home and knew each of our names by the end of the first day. Now I know why Barry is always smiling – she is an absolute joy and pleasure to be around.
The actual Bootcamp: First of all it is Barry Wensel – Hello. His knowledge of whitetails is obviously above approach and exceeds most anyone I have ever met. What I did not realize is the man’s knowledge of geography, biology and a slew of other topics. He is also incredibly humble and very entertaining. I felt “at home” from the minute I walked into the cabin to the morning I drove off. Barry takes his time to go over the landscape as you scout and explains in detail exactly why each site was selected and the results of hunts. He explains wind currents/directions, entry and exit strategies, tree selection and fine tuning. He also is very open and honest into stands that didn’t work and how he used that information to relocate and set up for success. We covered a lot of ground and heard a tremendous amount of information. The landscape and farms are absolutely beautiful and the stuff dreams are made of. Iowa is phenomenal, as most are aware, but standing next to 6 scrapes in a 25 yard area and rubs as big as telephone poles just does something to a person’s psyche.
Now I hunt relatively flat ground and public ground – so I will need to take the concepts and apply them to my situation. And to me that was exactly what this boot camp gave me. Not the specific things I have to do where I hunt but a strategy to apply no matter where I go. I learned a lot and have a far better understanding of how I will approach my hunting grounds come Oct and Nov.
You owe it to yourself to attend one of Barry’s Boot camps (and he has some opening coming up soon). Barry was one of the main reasons I got into traditional hunting and I have long followed his writings and lectures. I thought I knew just about everything he could offer – WRONG. Having Barry Wensel take you to his hunting grounds and explain why, when and how he and Gene set stands is priceless. The three days passed far too quickly. I made some new friends and some new hunting buddies – no doubt some of us will be doing some hunts in the near future. I wouldn’t put this off for several reasons – first your cheating yourself this year on what you could do hunting your current grounds, and Barry may not always do these boot camps. Sign up, I guarantee you that you will not be disappointed – at all!
Topic: Barry Wensel's Boot Camp - WOW (Read 372 times)
