Well, I' ll be the first one to admit that there are certainly clients out there that could complain about something even if they booked with the imaginary " perfect guide" . I know that when operating a guiding business you can' t promise a game animal around every tree, food that appeals to every palate, or accomodations that make every hunter feel right at home. Everyone knows that, for the most part, hunters are a pretty understanding bunch, and if an outfitter is getting a LOT of bad press, then there is probably something fishy going on with his operation. Personally, if I' m checking into an operation, and I see a bad report, I' ll call the person who made the report and make a judgement call for myself. You can usually tell where the problem lies just by talking to both parties.
I will also say that I don' t consider myself one of those fellas that will whine about the least little thing when on a paid hunt, and will make the best of any situation because the time there is " relax" time off of work, and in the wilds. In fact, I' ve posted reports on huntinfo.com about two of my paid hunts over the years, and have had 11 outfitters call or e-mail me either commending or thanking me for the honesty with which I penned those reports. I didn' t bag any game animals on either one of those trips, but gave both outfitters excellent ratings because they did supply what they promised; good meals, experienced guides, reliable transportation to hunting areas, and comfortable bedding. They did not promise a shot at any game, nor did they promise any sightings. But some of the other fellas in camp did complain about lack of game sightings. To each his own. I' m pretty easy to satisfy!

schmalts, I have to say that hearing your story really got my blood boiling. The guide you had should not just lose his guiding privelages, but should also be drawn and quartered and left out for the buzzards. Good luck to you and I hope you get a great hunt to make up for that lousy one.

BJ, I disagree with your assumption that a good guide can' t be a " people person" . A good guide is, indeed, a people person, and has no problem interacting with real, down-to-earth people. But a good guide also knows that it takes all kinds to make the world go ' round, and has to have the patience to deal with those occasional " plastic" people that pop up in the camps. In my book, if I pay for a hunt to relax and enjoy some time away from the rigors of work, and the outfitter starts playing " supervisor" , he and I are going to bang heads! ESPECIALLY since I' m paying HIS wages, and not the other way around! You' ve got the whole routine back-a$$wards, my friend! That' s just not the way it works.