Tell me about the PBS

[killinstuff]

I know the Professional Bowhunters Society has been around for a little while but what is it and what are they about? Are the members people in the bowhunting related industry or people that simply bowhunt? And is this a traditional equipment organization or both modern and tradional? Are you a member, why and if you are not, why?

[Mark Baker]

Hey CJ...I am a regular member, and proud to be so.  The PBS represents, to me, as fine a group of dedicated bowhunters as there is out there.   They've been around for decades, and although mainly a fraternal organization, their ranks are filled with folks that give selflessly to their respective state orgs, bowhunter ed, and in general to keep bowhunting around as long as is possible.   They are a wellspring of knowledge, and commitment, and yet as humble a bunch of "brothers" as you will find.    Although not especially active directly in local causes, their existence is a bedrock of example for all to see.

Not a trad-only organization...but we do adhere to some principles to assure that it remains what it is, a bowhunting organization.  Often the name "Professional" carries some baggage to the unknowing, but it really denotes that the members are dedicated bowhunters, plain and simple, and care about bowhunting with their actions and image.  

Although it is a two-tiered org, regular members recieve no special accolades, save for the priveledge of voting on matters...the only diff between them and associates.   The associate membership is a great way to find out what PBS is all about, and includes an exceptional newsletter/magazine with the dues.  Give it a try and find out for yourself.

[Ray Hammond]

well said, Mark. Life Member here.

[Preston Lay]

I agree, well said Mark. regular member here.

[dnovo]

Mark summed it up very well. The word Professional always seems to convey the wrong message to those who don't know anything about the organization. Regular member here

[Stringwacker]

Regular member since 1987....I really like the organization and the fraternal aspects of it. The magazine that comes with the membership has no equal.

[heydeerman]

I let my membership go a few years back. How can a guy re-join?

[joebuck]

A fraternal group of bowhunters who share traditional values pretaining to bowhunting for their primary means of hunting big game. The most generous PBS members I have found are the ones who are some way or another financially involved with bowhunting. They are constantly donating their wares and time for the organization.  

Stringwacker..you going to P'burg?

[Barney]

Can't say much more than has been said. I joined because the PBS seemed to cover everything I thought was right.

Reg. member

[Dave Lay]

Mark said it alot better than I could ever have.. I am also a very proud regular member

[paleFace]

if you really want to see what the PBS is all about you should attend the banquet  coming in March. absolutely good times....

PBS is not about what it can do for you, but rather what you can do for it. if you want to be involved and become a part of something then PBS can't be beat. it's a true brotherhood. as with any organization the size of the PBS you most likely will not agree with every thing, but hey that's what makes us human. PBS is about what's best for bowhunting.  

like this site (Trad Gang) you will find many who are willing to roll up the sleeves and help with what needs doing.  since i became a  member in 99' i have meet some of the finest people and made some very special friends.  

give it a try and see what you think.  get involved and you will be glad you joined.

[Whip]

I'm an associate member currently.  Thinking about trying to go to Pittsburg for my first gathering - it's something I've wanted to do and this might be the year.

Here is what they are all about: (Taken from the website)

It is the purpose of the Professional Bowhunters Society to be an organization whose membership consists only of persons who are considered Professional Bowhunters in ATTITUDE, and who vow:

That by choice, bowhunting is their primary archery interest, and their ultimate aim and interest is the taking of wild game by bow and arrow of suitable weights in a humane and sportsmanlike manner;
To share their experiences, knowledge and shooting skills;
To be a conscientious bowhunter, promoting bowhunting by working to elevate its standards and the standards of those who practice the art of bowhunting;
To provide training in safety, shooting and hunting techniques;
To practice the wise use of our natural resources, the conservation of our wild game and the preservation of our natural habitat.

[paleFace]

Whip hope to see you there... you will not regret it if you can join us....

[Walt Francis]

Jim,
Here is a link to the PBS web site, the information for the organization is there.
 http://www.bowsite2.com/pbs/

Walt Francis
Regular Member

[tippit]

I have a very nice house guest here and the subject of PBS came up tonight.  I had been an associate member in the 80's. Back then I really only bow hunted deer with family.  I didn't feel like my simple hunting qualified me for PBS.  That was basically a wrong decision as the PBS values seem to go hand & hand with Tradgang.

I am probably going to rejoin and would like to make the Pittsburgh Banquet this year too.  Mr Campbell has rekindled my interest, as have a number of other Tradgang/PBSers...Doc

[Guru]

Good to hear he made it in one piece.....

[Kevin Bahr]

Heydeerman, email me your address and I'll send you a membership app/brochure.  Or even easier, go the the PBS website that Walt posted on page one and you can join via Paypal.  Also there, you can check out the happenings at our upcoming banquet...you're right next door!  We'd love to have you back, and to have you attend the banquet as well.  
Same goes to you Whip, Tippit and everyone else.  I wish all PBS members could go the banquet.  Now THAT would really be somethin!!  
Mark, very, VERY well stated.

[Kevin Bahr]

CJ, sorry, didn't mean to leave you out!  Of course you are welcome as well.

[Goose]

Yep, well put by Mark.  I'm a life member also.  And like he said, PBS is mainly a fraternal organization.  
If any of you can possibly swing it, by all means go to the banquet in Pittsburgh in March.  This is going to be one huge and fantastic gathering.  Members come from all over the country to attend these banquets every two years.  You won't regret going but will be sorry if you miss it!
Goose

[killinstuff]

Thanks. Joining today and I'll try and make Pittsburg.