Toby Creek Outfitters, Poor Ethics
 

February 26, 2003

Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia
ATTN: Dale Drown
PO BOX 97645 Richmond
British Columbia V6Y4A4
Dear Dale Drown,
On May 18, 2002 my Father-in-law unexpectedly suffered a massive brain hemorrhage. On May 20, 2002 he died. On May 21, 2002 on the wishes of my Mother-in-law I phoned Toby Creek Outfitters Ltd. to advise them of his passing and obvious inability to make his planned mid-October hunt. I was assured by Dave Schneider of Toby Creek Outfitters Ltd. that a full refund of the (pre-paid in full) trip would be in the mail.
Months went by without any return communication. After unreturned phone messages, or numerous email attempts I again attempted to contact him and by a chance phone call and did speak with Dave Schneider. I was promised a “check would be in the mail” now at a reduced refund. This same scenario continued on for months. Attempts to be contacted went unanswered. Promises (and apparent lies) were maid that he was “holding the check in his hand” and he would be shipping it out in next mail. Nothing ever came. It is now nearing May 2003.
I am curious where this type of behavior is included in the G.O.A.B.C. Ethics and Standards?
“Members of the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia subscribe to a high
standard of professional conduct and ethics.” -G.O.A.B.C. Code of ethics and standards statement.

Sincerely,
Derek Bullen

RE: Toby Creek Outfitters, Poor Ethics
 

Hello

I sucks to hear what happened to your family! I live in BC and if it makes you feel a little better I brought your story up at our Rod and Gun club meeting and passed the word along about Toby Creek Outfitters. I realize it doesn' t really help you get your money back but maybe it will help prevent it from happening to someone else!

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

RE: Toby Creek Outfitters, Poor Ethics
 

I ain' t gonna defend a feller thet tolt you a check was on the way, but no way should you be entitled to a full refund. They have a right to half, ' cause no shows cost money too. Mos' outfitters I know require 1/2 deposit, with full payment due before arriving. Refunds are in full if you don' t draw, otherwise, you got a cot in a tent, and its too late to put somebody else in to replace you. I' d expect half of the cost of the trip back, and no more. Sorry ' bout the loss.

RE: Toby Creek Outfitters, Poor Ethics
 

Irregardless of the circumstances if someone tells you there is a refund coming then by God they should have the morals to do just that . A mans word should count for something I know it does to me. That is blood money and I hope i didn' t offend you by putting it in those terms Derek but that is what it is I couldn' t sleep at night if I did that to someone. Sorry to hear about your loss. BJ the outfitter told them that there would be a partial refund, and the fool doesn' t follow through on it anyway.

RE: Toby Creek Outfitters, Poor Ethics
 

I have always wanted to hunt BC i will file that name away in the Oldelkhunter " Do Not USE" file.

RE: Toby Creek Outfitters, Poor Ethics
 

Beaver jack is correct that the industry norm is that the deposit is usually 50% of the hunt cost and that is usually not refunded.However the remaining 50% should be promptly refunded.

RE: Toby Creek Outfitters, Poor Ethics
 

Thanks for the heads up! I don' t care what the " rules" are . If they said they would return the money then they darn well should. I don' t care what " normaly" is done. If you say it then DO IT!

RE: Toby Creek Outfitters, Poor Ethics
 

Hey
Sorry to hear about your loss. To bad your father inlaw couldn' t of gone on the hunt, as Toby Creek is one of the prettiest places in the world. And lots of game, I have spent time in their, I don' t know the outfitter personally but i will talk to his peer' s and let him know what type of bad press he is getting and this my put pressure on him to refund your money............... good luck

RE: Toby Creek Outfitters, Poor Ethics
 

That sucks.