RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Dan thank you ..I do not make it a habbit of breaking laws ..I would have NEVER thought that borrowing a rifle from anyone would break a law much less an outfitter ...specally after a customs agent suggested it to me ..no exccuses ...in a lot of towns here in the states its still agenst the law to spit on the sidewalks but we still do ... if I broke the law then I plead guilty as charged ...send down the Canadian Mounties and haul me away ..maybe they will put me in the same cell as the outfitter I used there.

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

And from the sounds of it, you may see more deer from the cell than in the bush.;)

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

It should be that way, but we have the 'technical police' that live by the letter of the law as opposed to the spirit of the law. No matter what you say they will always try to make you look bad or feel bad and sometimes call you names[&:]---imagine that! Some people have way too much time on their hands and have never gotten over being picked on in school for being so annoying! They are well up in age and still can't figure out why they don't win any popularity contests!;):DSorry to hear about your misfortune, and most understand about the gun thing--who'd a thunk it was illegal? Those thatthrow stones just need to sit back and ask themselves why they feel so inclined all the time.

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

DD,

Thanks for the kind words!

No I don't have a TV show. Is that your criteria for a knowledgeable hunter? Because I've watched quite a few of those shows. And Its rare to see anything remotely resembling what I would call a "good hunter"! I see a lot of rich guys paying a lot of money to hunt in "private" areas or behind fences so that they can Kill a "MONSTER BUCK" to promote their show.

No need to run anything by me. I'm just a dumb ole country boy who has hunted all his life. I believe in hard work, honor, & ethics. (not saying that you don't). I'm sorry if I've come on too strong. I've been in camps with fellars who complained like you done in starting this thread. I've also seen that they where just as much to blame if not more than anyone. There are too many holes in your story. I see too many things that make me say "hummm?" Now, this is from you're own words. Maybe the guide was a prick, Maybe he didn't work hard enough. But, I see instances that some of your bad luck was of your own doing.

And my comment about common sense was directly related to the use of a borrowed weapon in canada. There is a definate lincense that must be applied for to be legal. Now, Maybe you done all the paperwork, or Maybe your guide figured no one would be the wiser. Either way I don't care, But you can't dismiss it as someone bullying you either.

Listen I'm neither Politically correct, nor refrained. I often run off at the mouth when I would be better served putting a cork in it. But, I call an Ace and Ace. I don't mence words. Maybe you're a stand up guy. Maybe, I miss judged you alltogether. I certainly hope so. Because my impressions where certainly not flattering. I apologize for any pain I may have caused you. For those of you who think poorly of me due to my responses on this thread, I am truely ashamed.

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

LOL Dan ...you dont have to rub it in buddy ...I get the drift LOL

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

DD, I am wondering what happened to your rifle after your plane switch? Did the airline ship it back to your home for you?

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

My goodness folks....Doctor Death rants a little about a bad experience and now he is gettingdissected like a frog in the EIGHTH grade. Perhaps we should remember that his experience is helping all of you.

A LICENSE???? to borrow a weapon? Come on!! Leave him alone about it.

But that aint TEXAS is it. Damned government legislating crap!!

DD, come down here and I will loan you whatever you need....no charge and no damned license either.

best of luck

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Well now bye god there is MY kind of a man ..thank you Diamond ..thats what I call hospitality ...and the same goes on this end diamon ..come on down to western Ky my friend ...

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Salty I never got the rifle on the plane ..my wife had not left the hotel in Nashville yet so I phoned her and she came by and took the rifle back home.

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

man thank god... i was worried about that LOL..... You ever want to hunt big woods white tail and black bear let me know. I have a place for you to stay for free and you couldn't cover the mountains in 10 years let alone 5 days. Very large deer but not quite like your monster buck with the oak tree stuck to his head. The mountains are beautiful to hunt even if you see nothing it is quite the experience.

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

This has got to be a record type post for views and replies lol!!

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Hey double D,
I bet you didn't realize how awful you were.:DI didn't realize what aterrible personI was until some have brought it to my attention on my Hunter Harassment post.

I am amazed at the perfection in which some of these folks lead us to believe they live their lives! It is really quite funny! I heard enough from you to know that you didn't get a fair shake,thats enough for me.

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Diamond man thats a PIG of a buck ...what charactor ... two thumbs up from the good Doctor on that one my friend !!

tsoc my ole pappy always told me when you point a finger at someone you always have three pointing back at you .... most the guys on here that left negitive stuff are newbies ..they do not even know me ...most of the old crew who do know me might take issue on some of my postbut do not become rude ...I did not make this thread to get into a finger pointing contest ...it was started in hopes to vent a little and to warn others who might be thinking of heading up north..those that have saved for years for a hunt of a life time... when it can happen to a guy who has been up there 5 times and thinks he knows the ropes it can happen to anyone and I truly would hate to see one of my hunting brothers on here have his hunt ruined like ours was. At any rate you have to admit it has been interesting even if it came at some expense to the good Doc .... looks like I best not be running for class president on here LOL

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Salty I would LOVE to hunt with you sometimes ..just call me here in Paducah when you have an opening ... you can call me toll free at 1-800-790-5636 thats Four Rivers Harley-Davidson where I am the general sales manager ... just ask for "Bubba"

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Saw this ad and figured this was the BEST place too post it!:D

http://www.capnjims.com/index.html

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

LOL Swamp your a hell of a funny guy ...you should be on stage ..the first one out of town !

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

hey dd i sent you a pm the other night did you get it

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Sent one back at'cha One ...

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

This reminds me of last year. DD posts and a ton of guys get all over him and try to rip him a new azz hole. By the end of winter they were all real good cyber friends and playing on the same page. If anyone is crapping on ya doc this season it is just that they don't know you ...yet. They will come around and you will be gracious like always because that is what classy guys do.

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

I only read the initial post, no sense wasting time reading arguements.
Just a few thoughts.
1. How do you not double and triple check your keys for transporting the most valuable piece of luggage you have...your gun.
2. Once you borrowed a gun, how do you not shoot it before you go hunting with it?
3. Why shoot your decoy?
4. the weather dealt you a bad hand, how is that the outfitters fault? Did you want them to snow blow a path to your stands? Deep snow can kill the deer movement.

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Well thank you CI ..thats mighty nice of you to say ole buddy ...according to my two Xs I do have a LOT OF CLASS ..its just ALL LOW CLASS LOL ...but thank you my friend I do appreciate your support!

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

As you said you only read part of this thread ..I took full responsability for the key issue ..no ones fault but mine ...as for the rest of your points I have already addressed them in this post.

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

I agree shato

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Whos Shato?

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Man DD, You sure know how to keep a thread running! LOL[8D]

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Kind of reminds me of what my old mom used to tell me.....
Frankie....the only thing you are good at is being a bad example.:D

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Awwwwwww now SH I didn't dig this thread back up ole buddy ....
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[/align]dd
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RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

DD
Hang in there man, and keep those Hornets fired up. I Freakin Love It....

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Damn Doc, you sure did open up Pandoras box this time!:D:DAnyway, I feel bad about your hunt because I know how it feels to look forward to a hunt in Alberta for a whole year. It's differant than opening day in our respective states, it's moreintense. Just for the record, these replies are something else.[:@]
Anyway, I wanted to share this as a comparison. The guide I used this year is the same guide I used last year, the only real differance was where I stayed this year, which was a Travel Lodge! Last yearI stayed on a big ranch which wascool,but my guide couldn't secure the same set up this year and I didn't know that until the last minute. Not much I could do.
As it turns out I'm the only hunter for the week of the 12th, which was cool with me,and I stay at this Travel Lodge in the same room as my guide for the whole week. It wasdifferant. I must say the "food" wasless than one would be happy with! Continental (sp) breakfast, pack your own lunch, ham& cheese every dayand fast food each night, except for two.
Now, this would have made most huntersreal upset but I know my guide knows these deer and the properties that they are on. This is what these guys get payed for.He has some really sweet set ups on some of these ranches. I came to the Bow Zone in Alberta to hunt the worlds largest Whitetail bucks not to experiance finedining or stay in a lavish lodge! I'm not saying these things aren't nicethough. Iwent up there to put myself in a position to get a "chance" at a big buck.
As far as what my guide actually did for me was, justdrop me off in the morningata spot that he previously showed me orwould drawme detailed directions how to access the spot and where to locate my climbing stand (mobility)!
He would then either hunt, or whatever else he felt like doing that day since I was the only hunter he had to take care of and since I hunt dark to dark. He would pick me up at about the same time each night.
I saw about 13 deer that week but 4 were buck and all were within 20yrds. One was while it was still too dark to shoot [:@], one MONSTER 10ptthat came to my rattling but couldn't get the right angle because of brush and a nice wide P&Y 8pt that also came to my rattling but got nervous when he couldn't find the source of the activity. And last but certainly not least, is the nice 300lb 8pt withchocolate antlers that I shot in the heart. My guide said he's seen bigger racks but onlya fewwith a bigger neck and body than mine.:)
In closing, I just want to say that I had, by far, the best hunting trip of my lifewith far less than desireable conditions but made the most of
the situation. I delt with half mile walks in a foot of snow with my stand and delt with the cold all day and didn't see alot of deer but guess what, I can't wait till next Nov. to do it all again, exceptI'll be with another guide who's also one of the best in the Zone.
Yes, these hunts are around 4200.00 plus airfare and you do have to have a guide or hostif your not a resident of Canada. The beautiful thing is tags are a sure thing!;)Doc, again, sorry to hear of your poor hunt.[&o]

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Whew. My eyes hurt after reading that. It's like a bad novel that you just hope gets better and so you can't put it down.

One post was not addressed at all due to the inflammatory way it was written. It was however full of points which popped into my head as I was reading. (not very tactfully put for sure but some interesting questions.)

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Hehehe this is funny.

That's about all the input I'm worthy of giving, because I hunt by myself or with my uncles, my hunting camps are the back of a pickup or an old camper, my meals consist of hot dogs and cup of noodles, and going home without a trophy is something I do all the time. And I never have a bad time. I have not the slightest clue about all this guided hunt business.:D:D:D

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

sorry too hear about your misfortune. that stinks! u put alot of time and effort into the hunt and it sounds like u did not get your moneys worth.

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Early CONGRATS on your big 8 point would love to see pics of him ...and sounds like you really enjoyed yourself on your trip this year and I admire you for going on the bow hunt I know that aint easy ...however you hit on the key topic of this thread ...it appears your guide and outfitter did everything he could you help put you on some deer ... thats all you can ask for from a guide or outfitter ...then its just up to you and it sounds like to "got her done" ...YOU DA MAN!

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

I know you didn't, but the people here are justin awe of the good doctor!

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

I wrote a novel and my computer crashes...here's my take:"
1. You made a huge mistake when you didn't plan properly for a whole year (key).
2. Guide was a goof by the sounds of it by giving you a p.o.s.
3. You should have sighted in prior to heading out for your peace of mind and to make a ethical shot. Could have been a new world record you were going to shoot at. Do you really care what you are using? I do!!
4. Food & lodging fair at best...no harm done.
5. Most hunting up here requires you sitting all day in a blind (no heater usually) boring yes, but the pay off can be huge. Deal with it or go for a walk.
6. If the deer aren't moving and you push them, you might push them right off the land you are hunting. Not justifying the guides motives but if he ain't willing to work for you, I'd be giving him ..it!! It's up to you to speak up as well. Did you say anything to him? Just curious as nothing has been mentioned about you asking, reccomending him get off his lasy but and do something.
7. Weather up here is usually too hot or cold and too much snow or not enough. You just picked a bad week. Trust me, the last week was -30 and not fun at all. Actually you did ok, just not the best scenario but tough to do when you book a year in advance. Bad luck!!
8. Saw few deer, really can't complain. Sometimes I see 0 deer after sitting for a few days. Welcom to Alberta hunting, frustrating and great all at the same time.
9. DD you have a problem...it's addiction to big Alberta Whitetails. Some may call you stupid for spending $$ and others may sympathize. I know it well, I'm just lucky enough to live here. But it still gets me every year. I get mad but somehow I want to put myself through it all over again next season. Tough when you bring a bud and it doesn't work as planned.

Lastly, you are in a bad spot. You have killed a nice deer. Subconsciously, you want (and can get) another. Unfortunately it's not easy and may take a lifetime to achieve. Even with an outfitter! It's like going to Vegas and hitting a jackpot the first time...not hard but chances of doing it again are slim. Take your memories of past hunts, enjoy. Take the last ones and learn from them. Look for a new guide, research & get lots of references!!! Don't give up DD...but don't plan on shooting another 160+. Just dream of it, they do come true.

No disrespect to anyone on this post.

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

JD points well taken and I respect your view however I am not sure you read all the post that I made so out of respect I will try to address most of your points.

1. We did plan properly this was our 5th time to hunt Canada. I did make a mistake with loosing my rifle case key however Im sure Im not the ONLY one that has happend to.
2. The guide is not what I would call a "goof" however he is a lazy guide and outfitter ...in the past he has not HAD to resort to a plan B and it was obvious to us after the 3rd day he had no paln B
3. As I explained in the post I would have LOVED to have been able to sight my borrowed rife in but when we arrived it was late in the afternoon on Sunday and by the time we arrived where we would be staying it was way to late to try and make it to his property to shoot ..as you well know it gets dark there about 5.15.. thus why I ended up shooting a decoy in the middle of the day to make sure it was zero'ed ..was the best I could do under the circumstances..it was either that or hike back out a mile during the middle of the day and shoot it ..and hike back in ...
4. Food and lodging wasABOVE average
5. We suggested several times that he get out and scout some for us while we were in the stand hunting ..his excuse was that the snow was to deep and his truck was subject to get stuck which would result in someone having to walk about 3 miles to get a farmer to come pull us out ...he scouted from a warm truck...plus its hard to push deer off your land when it appears there are no deer there ..we were in area 508 close to Lake George ..
6.Ive set the box many a many hours so you do not have to convince me of that ...however I knew something was not right after the 3 rd day of seeing almost nothing and no fresh tracks to speak of when hiking in and out to my stand.
7. Weather was not that bad ..there was snow obviously but the temps where only in the 10's ...
8. You and I both know that when the rut is in full swing we are going to see some deer if there are any deer there ..and I do not think snow will keep a buck from moving when he has poon tang on his mind !
9. As for an addiction ..yes I admit that ..I love hunting Canada ..the people I have met are very friendly ...beautiful country ...and a GREAT all around experience most the time.
10. As for the hunting a 160 or bigger ... I was not going to shoot anything that I would not have mounted ...a big 150 class 8 pt maybe ...I have a 185 so why shoot anything smaller unless he is exceptional ..why not let him grow?

dd

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

Fair enough...points well taken. My terminology of a lazy oufitter not willing to do anything is a "goof", I just know too many guy's like that. One thing you mentioned was he had 4 stands set up for you guy's, did you see nothing at any of the sites or you just stayed in the one spot? I'll tell ya though, sometimes the weather and deep snow does keep the whitetails in the bush since it's easy to get around and they can usually forage for food thre, so I disagree with you on that front. Some times (even during the rut) you may not see deer in an area. Either way, not much you can do about it now. I don't think a lawsuit will do ya much good, just leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Are you through with hunting our province? Like I said I'm sure if you do some good research you can find someone willing to work hard for you and show you a good time up here. Good luck to ya!!

RE: I'm Back from Alberta
 

JD I will bow to your knowledge of hunting in your area however I will say this ... when coming home on the plane and while in Edmonton I spoke with a number of hunters who saw a lot of rutting ..in the same weather as we were in ... not all but most saw movement ...as for a lawsuit my friend and myself feel that our outfitter did not full fill his obligation as a guide or an outfitter thus breaching our contract. We feel we gave him an oppurtunity to do the right thing ..he called us yesterday with a insulting offer so we plan to file a complaint with APOST even though we fill its doubtfull we will get any satisfaction from them. I am in a unique situation in that my buddy is a contract attorney in Durham NC, he feels that Don was remiss in his obligation to us as clients ..so I suppose we will just see where it goes from here. I have no bitter taste for Alberta..its a beautiful area of the world ...very nice people in general..and would love to hunt there again and would never judge other outfitters based on this hunt ... but I honestly think if I ever come back it will be to Saskatchawan ..

dd