Re: Bearpaw Season 2010

[bearpaw]

$hit happens, you must remember, not all guys are as familiar with how there gun shoots as you more experienced hunters. For Example: Two really nice guys here right now, haven't done much hunting but are trying there best, have missed 4 birds (mostly from inside a blind) and killed 1 between themselves so far in 1 1/2 days of hunting, hopefully the other guy kills the next bird he shoots at, I told him the third time is a charm... 

It's not our job to judge hunters, our job is to do our best to help them get their game. Usually after a couple misses we have guys shoot to be sure their guns are on target. One guy swapped guns after he found out his favorite gun was shooting high, he never knew that all these years he has had it. Now he can get it corrected at the gunsmith.

A few years ago I had a well known hunting celeb who missed two birds, I finally talked him into patterning his Benelli, it was shooting 1 1/2 feet high at 30 yards. 

That sort of thing is extremely common. 

[Machias]

If it's that common I think I'd have them pattern their guns for me before the hunt and then let them know, pull the trigger and that one cost you money whether you tag it or not.  Five misses probably means 5 wounded birds.  Clients or not that is unacceptable.   

[ribka]

Thanks for sharing.
Looks like a lot of satisfied clients
Yeh, a lot of experienced hunters do not know the importance of patterning his/her shotgun

[bearpaw]

Just got this message by email (makes a guy feel good).

Dale,
   Had a great time with you guys.  I really appreciate your getting Ryan his bird Sunday morning.  Hope all is going well for the rest of your guys.  Attached are a few pics of my bird.  You guys run a first class ship there, hope to return and see you guys soon.  
   By the way my taxidermist thought that was the best thing since sliced bread the way you guys helped us pack those birds.  They got back without a blemish.  

Thanks again!
Greg Muffler

[bearpaw]

If it's that common I think I'd have them pattern their guns for me before the hunt and then let them know, pull the trigger and that one cost you money whether you tag it or not.  Five misses probably means 5 wounded birds.  Clients or not that is unacceptable.   

Thanks for your concern Machias.

We have considered mandatory target shooting for all types of weapons for years. I have gone with other outfitters in other countries that required it and I agree it is a good thing to do. (especially after airline flights)

Because most flights originating in the eastern U.S. arrive in Spokane late in the day, and because many hunters drive after getting off work, they arrive at our place after dark. In addition, many hunters consider it an insult to be told they have to shoot.

So we have decided a few years ago to ask hunters if they have patterned their guns and ask them to shoot if they arrive early enough. But I have chose to not make it mandatory for the reasons mentioned.

[bearpaw]

one spur was broken off, the other was 1 3/8"

[Machias]

Nice bird, congrats to the hunter!!

[carpsniperg2]

good hooks on that bird even broke

[bearpaw]

Dad got a jake the first day they hunted and here's the jake Colton got this morning. Colton's dad has been bringing him along on hunting trips for several years, but this was the first time Colton was hunting too. As you can tell by the smiles, it was a good moment on the mountain.

[jackelope]

Way to go Dale.

[boneaddict]

Those are the best moments right there.  Very cool fringe benefit to your business.

[bearpaw]

Some of the funnest hunts are with kids and seniors...

When I get all the photos together I will post a photo of a guy that's I beleive 89 who got his bird on the 2nd day. Hope I can still go hunting when I am that old.

[carpsniperg2]

more great pics

[Machias]

That last photo is what it's ALL about!  Awesome!!!!

[Gringo31]

Agreed!

I'm KNOW there is piles of BS a guy has to deal with in your profession.  But, THAT is fantastic!  Too cool!