The USFS licenses outfitters to provide game retrieval services. The trouble is, this is a conflict of interest because a) outfitters don't want residents or unguided hunters deep in their units, b) most operate their hunting camps on a shoestring; diverting staff and stock fer low dollar services doesn't help them run their camps.

So, I would like each and every hunter hunting on Forest Service land to identify the outfitter in their unit, and request information about game retrieval. If the outfitter refuses or denies offering the service, please report this to the local USFS office. In my area, outfitters do not provide game retrieval on an as needed basis, and self-guided hunters are SOL. I have requested a license to offer such a service, only to be told by the USFS that there are sufficient existing licensed outfitters to provide this service to the public. The fact that they did not provide the service was immaterial to the Forest Service. I see it as a matter of equity.

BJ