As a hunting guide, outfitter and consultant for more than 14 years, I smell a rat.

The outfitter should know when the season is open, unless the dates were changed. And you should be allowed to either pick your dates, or get your money back. The problem is that the money is probably not on deposit, but has been spent. Deposit money usually goes for leases, operating expenses and as pay to the outfitter as soon as it comes in.

If you don' t get to pick your dates this year or next, then demand your money back. The outfitter had no right to arbitrarily choose a date for you. Tell the outfitter you will contact the outfiters and guides asociation, and the State Licensing association to make a complaint if you don' t get what you want. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau, and the Chamber of Commerce in the area.

Since we don' t want Hunting Net held responsible I' dappreciate it if you would e-mail me with this outfitters name. Maybe I can help by e-mailing him. I also like to keep track of stuff like this, so we all know who is good and who isn' t.

T.R. Michels, moderator " T.R.' s Tips" forum
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