Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 01:08:48 PM
I WOULD LIKE TO UPDATE EVERYONE KENT AND I HAVE GONE OVER EVERY CONCERN AND REACHED A FAIR SOLUTION TO THIS WHOLE ORDEAL SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN BUT KENT APOLOGIZED AND MADE IT RIGHT AND IN TODAY'S WORLD THAT'S A STAND UP GUY
THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR TIME AND OPINIONS
:IBCOOL:So my family and I just got back from a "pack trip" which we booked at sportsman show last jan..... at the show we went over everything we expected we were told 6 to 8 hours on horseback into the goat rocks (west side) this outfitter sent pics all summer of Bulls and bears speaking over and over with my father numerous times. We agreed at show we would get packed in Thursday before cause we knew that long of horseback ride being unfamiliar with riding was gonna hurt lol, and to be packed out sat after season end to maximize our ability to harvest a elk.
Few days before we leave we get told trail is not safe gonna change spots and meeting point was different to use different trail into area.... we thought no biggie
So Thurs morning I loaded family up with gear I left 3am to pick everyone up and we hit the road pulled into whitepass at 730 (we were set to meet at 8am) well this "outfitter" sends a text 735 saying sorry can't pack you into today I have elk to pack out elsewhere..... that was strike one ... what could we do? We all missed a day of wages so.. we decided we would go scout bumping unit for a friend "outfitter" said he would pay for a night at the lodge we all just kept saying if it was our elk we would appreciate same treatment so we got on with our day.we help load our gear we start up and I say how long is ride on this side up? Answer I got was about an hour!!!! I was like wtf instantly looked at my gps like how is that possible but I'm no packer so give him benefit of doubt ( this is not the packer we hired he had some employees come up) after many stops for these guys to retire and rescue stuff we are there in 1hour 13min..... ya wtf.... I'm pissed my dad is like I don't get this and contacts outfitter we unload our gear into camp.. we were .20 miles into the actual goat rocks 👎👎👎👎👎👎 not what we paid for $3000 we try to be optimistic I say to packer which way are the elk he tells.me to stay on the Rimrock side and follow this flat it's guaranteed I'm like I have a West tag can't hunt that side of road he says nobody will check????? Like come on wtf
Opening morning we are up early and out to hear at some running up the white pass lodge and ski lifts for maintenence and work he put us right behind the lifts!!!!!!
My dad calls him he won't answer but he'll text (real.business man) says all elk hunters must hike at least 10 miles a day which about pissed me off being we aware of what it takes... isn't the point of a drop camp to be close to the hunt not have to got 5 plus miles just to find a decent hubting area?
He promised he bring up things whenever we requested (never happened communication was extremely lacking
My dad started texted him on Tuesday night when can we get packed out we are done..... after texting tons of times with no response...YES ON FRIDAY WE PACKED OURSELVES OUT!!!!!!!!! HE DIDN'T RESPOND UNTIL WE TOLD HIM WITH EVERY EXCUSE IN THE BOOK
I'm a understanding guy I'm a patient guy, But I Absolutely refuse to let this fly !!I have some ideas and I wanted to hear some our your guys thoughts before I proceeded I and my father gave tried calling him with no return calls
So guys what do you think should happen ????..
Post by: Curly on October 11, 2016, 01:15:40 PM
Post by: Reidus on October 11, 2016, 01:16:16 PM
Post by: bobcat on October 11, 2016, 01:16:29 PM
Also we need to know the name of the outfitter, please.
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 01:22:40 PM
100% of your money should be refunded. You didn't pay to be packed in only one hour on horses. You could've camped at the trailhead and walked in that far every day.
Also we need to know the name of the
We have everything from this whole year going over everything
I was raised when you make a deal and shake someone's hand that's your word and he completely destroyed that word I think we should be refunded 100% we talked to many many hunters daily that walked up from the road in 45 minutes.
Post by: cbond3318 on October 11, 2016, 01:23:16 PM
Again, sorry man, this makes me not want to EVER deal with an outfitter , period.
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 01:24:13 PM
Have you already paid him in full?1000 deposit at show
Paid in full 2 weeks prior gonna have my my dad call bank and find out if he can cancel check but I think maybe too late
Post by: sirmissalot on October 11, 2016, 01:24:59 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 01:25:14 PM
Are you going to post the name of the outfitter on here? Sorry for your crappy hunt. :(
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 01:27:56 PM
Considering he posts on here a lot, it should be interesting to see his response.
Well be nice for him to respond in someway and make it right I didn't want to put his name in the dirt but he literally has given me no choice it's a bad way to do business with people who would have come back every year and a family that knows many many hunters
Post by: dwils233 on October 11, 2016, 01:28:05 PM
On the other hand, it may be better to withhold his name/business to leverage that against getting a refund/ properly compensated. I don't think it is inappropriate at all to tell him you will burn him on every social media site available if that's the only kind of business he understands.
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 11, 2016, 01:33:26 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 01:35:04 PM
On the one hand I think you should out this outfitter immediately to prevent anyone else going through the same terrible situation.
On the other hand, it may be better to withhold his name/business to leverage that against getting a refund/ properly compensated. I don't think it is inappropriate at all to tell him you will burn him on every social media site available if that's the only kind of business he understands.
It is a crappy situation when we met him we thought this is the beginning of many years of a new outfitter he hasn't responded I have no choice now this is only way to get a response and if he can make it right I'll delete it all and never speak of him again pretty simple I just want him to make it right
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 01:36:56 PM
What's your signed written contract say about change in plans/ location and reibursment.
Well went over everything at the show shook hands and we made a deposit , my father and him spoke all year long. So there is no written contract per say. But is your word not your bond and a hand shake not a contract?
Post by: Jek11688 on October 11, 2016, 01:38:08 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 11, 2016, 01:41:20 PM
What's your signed written contract say about change in plans/ location and reibursment.
Well went over everything at the show shook hands and we made a deposit , my father and him spoke all year long. So there is no written contract per say. But is your word not your bond and a hand shake not a contract?
If I'm dropping 3k on a Washington elk hunt I'm getting something in writing. And I don't know him or you for that matter. But I would of waited to name him until given opportunity to make it right. This is his busy time and I would bet the majority of the day he's not in cell range. I can sometimes get text message's in back country but calls don't come through. Hope it works out for ya.
Post by: quadrafire on October 11, 2016, 01:42:08 PM
Post by: gasman on October 11, 2016, 01:43:43 PM
Sorry you had such a bad experience with an outfitter.
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 01:45:05 PM
You know the old saying. There are two sides to every story. I'm anxious to hear the outfitters side. Gonna be hard to explain that away
Hence why we saved every text message and voice-mail
Post by: Timberstalker on October 11, 2016, 01:45:23 PM
Curious to see how this all plays out.
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 01:47:21 PM
You know next time I'll day have don't this many times without never had a problem and ya know I wasn't gonna name his name but it's been long enough it is busy time and I can except that but he is able to check a voice-mail or a text at evening there great reception where he's been we never lost service once unfortunately
What's your signed written contract say about change in plans/ location and reibursment.
Well went over everything at the show shook hands and we made a deposit , my father and him spoke all year long. So there is no written contract per say. But is your word not your bond and a hand shake not a contract?
If I'm dropping 3k on a Washington elk hunt I'm getting something in writing. And I don't know him or you for that matter. But I would of waited to name him until given opportunity to make it right. This is his busy time and I would bet the majority of the day he's not in cell range. I can sometimes get text message's in back country but calls don't come through. Hope it works out for ya.
Post by: bearpaw on October 11, 2016, 01:50:03 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on October 11, 2016, 01:53:27 PM
Sorry to hear this. Hopefully he is able to get back to you. I am also concerned about this being a busy time of year and he is just busy. When did your hunt end? If it was a muzzy hunt and you came out the day after the season he hasn't had much time to respond. If it was archery that would give him more time. I know outfitters are stretched thin especially this time of year.
Really sorry that you had this happen and hopefully he will make it right.
Post by: Curly on October 11, 2016, 01:58:22 PM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,202369.0.html
Post by: kiler on October 11, 2016, 01:59:48 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on October 11, 2016, 02:01:52 PM
Post by: OutHouse on October 11, 2016, 02:09:13 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on October 11, 2016, 02:10:21 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 02:12:44 PM
I say give him a chance to explain, this is his busiest time, I know from experience that sometimes an outfitter has no extra time during season and he probably needs a chance to find out from his employees what happened and then have time to deal with it. I know too many hunters who have made good reports about White Pass to think that this was planned and intentional, give him a chance before you crucify him. :twocents:I get busy but if it was my business you cold at least send a message saying hey give me a few days
I don't want to crucify him at all I just want to understand and come to some agreement of making things right instead.of just flying off the handle
Post by: Naches Sportsman on October 11, 2016, 02:42:09 PM
Post by: kellama2001 on October 11, 2016, 02:45:38 PM
Post by: hoof rot on October 11, 2016, 03:13:31 PM
Post by: hoof rot on October 11, 2016, 03:14:33 PM
I say give him a chance to explain, this is his busiest time, I know from experience that sometimes an outfitter has no extra time during season and he probably needs a chance to find out from his employees what happened and then have time to deal with it. I know too many hunters who have made good reports about White Pass to think that this was planned and intentional, give him a chance before you crucify him. :twocents: i agree
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 03:39:08 PM
My partner and i booked with him this year for archery, my lung collapsed and i had 2 surgeries 45 days prior to our departure date, I explained everything to wpo he was way cool about it, and wrote us receipts for paid in full for the same hunt in 2017, i still have faith in him he has been totally cool to this point, only thing is were he was taking us up one side the long ways instead of the short ways to the other side, who knows though. Just get me in elk country and I'll do the rest. Ps. I got a 5x5 this year so still a good year.
Im.not saying he isn't a great guy , maybe he over booked I don't know I just want this fixed we all look forward to our elk hunts every year this wasn't it I just want it resolved I maybe slightly impatient I know it's busy time but I always find time to communicate even with kids, events , work , and my customers
Post by: Taco280AI on October 11, 2016, 03:48:14 PM
I was at the show and I can assure you that 6-8 hour trip was not
Said . That trip can be from 2-4 hours depending on where your tent is out of all the hunters your the only one complaining Specially on social media . All the other hunters had a great time. If your crying about your camp not being in the middle of an elk herd and is scared to walk a few miles a day to hunt than wilderness hunts aren't for you . Sorry there's no roads up there for you to sit in your truck and drive around looking for animals . Try goin 3 days with no
Sleep setting up camps and packing people in .
I have nothing invested in this, but thought this statement (in bold) was funny. You going three days on no sleep setting up camps and packing people in is YOUR problem, NOT HIS. Are you complaining about doing your job? Is this possibly why the OP was dropped off where he wasn't expecting? Being overbooked and not wanting to, or not having the time to place them where they expected to be placed?
And one thing I have an issue with, why are you attacking the customer on a personal level? Stick to the facts. Debate the issues. Don't go after the person. Bad business practice no matter what the circumstance and it will likely turn away potential future customers. :twocents:
Post by: sagerat on October 11, 2016, 03:58:24 PM
Post by: money794 on October 11, 2016, 04:01:22 PM
Post by: JDHasty on October 11, 2016, 04:05:26 PM
I was at the show and I can assure you that 6-8 hour trip was not
Said . That trip can be from 2-4 hours depending on where your tent is out of all the hunters your the only one complaining Specially on social media . All the other hunters had a great time. If your crying about your camp not being in the middle of an elk herd and is scared to walk a few miles a day to hunt than wilderness hunts aren't for you . Sorry there's no roads up there for you to sit in your truck and drive around looking for animals . Try goin 3 days with no
Sleep setting up camps and packing people in .
I have nothing invested in this, but thought this statement (in bold) was funny. You going three days on no sleep setting up camps and packing people in is YOUR problem, NOT HIS. Are you complaining about doing your job? Is this possibly why the OP was dropped off where he wasn't expecting? Being overbooked and not wanting to, or not having the time to place them where they expected to be placed?
And one thing I have an issue with, why are you attacking the customer on a personal level? Stick to the facts. Debate the issues. Don't go after the person. Bad business practice no matter what the circumstance and it will likely turn away potential future customers. :twocents:
Thank God you quoted this quote and thereby saved it before it disappeared. I was going to do it if you didn't.
Two observations:
1) The OP didn't even want to name the outfitter, and did not until multiple people asked.
2) Whenever someone does not communicate there is reason to be concerned.
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 04:18:50 PM
I was at the show and I can assure you that 6-8 hour trip was not
Said . That trip can be from 2-4 hours depending on where your tent is out of all the hunters your the only one complaining Specially on social media . All the other hunters had a great time. If your crying about your camp not being in the middle of an elk herd and is scared to walk a few miles a day to hunt than wilderness hunts aren't for you . Sorry there's no roads up there for you to sit in your truck and drive around looking for animals . Try goin 3 days with no
Sleep setting up camps and packing people in .
I have nothing invested in this, but thought this statement (in bold) was funny. You going three days on no sleep setting up camps and packing people in is YOUR problem, NOT HIS. Are you complaining about doing your job? Is this possibly why the OP was dropped off where he wasn't expecting? Being overbooked and not wanting to, or not having the time to place them where they expected to be placed?
And one thing I have an issue with, why are you attacking the customer on a personal level? Stick to the facts. Debate the issues. Don't go after the person. Bad business practice no matter what the circumstance and it will likely turn away potential future customers. :twocents:
Well money794 was said and repeated and if 6to 8hours wasn't possible as there may have been other camps there why wouldn't you divide the distance and not just put it in the first step of the wilderness....????? 2nd off I'm far familiar with very long work days and no sleep. Which could be the problem of why this all got jumbled up, next I put many many many miles down the fact of the matter is what was promised and said were not done , hunting is hunting there are no guarantees everyone knows that and that's what makes hunting so amazing . I think there is no reason to call me names but I got tough skin so say all you want , your word is your bond and at the end of the day that's all you have. Have a great day
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 04:24:49 PM
I was at the show and I can assure you that 6-8 hour trip was not
Said . That trip can be from 2-4 hours depending on where your tent is out of all the hunters your the only one complaining Specially on social media . All the other hunters had a great time. If your crying about your camp not being in the middle of an elk herd and is scared to walk a few miles a day to hunt than wilderness hunts aren't for you . Sorry there's no roads up there for you to sit in your truck and drive around looking for animals . Try goin 3 days with no
Sleep setting up camps and packing people in .
I have nothing invested in this, but thought this statement (in bold) was funny. You going three days on no sleep setting up camps and packing people in is YOUR problem, NOT HIS. Are you complaining about doing your job? Is this possibly why the OP was dropped off where he wasn't expecting? Being overbooked and not wanting to, or not having the time to place them where they expected to be placed?
And one thing I have an issue with, why are you attacking the customer on a personal level? Stick to the facts. Debate the issues. Don't go after the person. Bad business practice no matter what the circumstance and it will likely turn away potential future customers. :twocents:
Thank God you quoted this quote and thereby saved it before it disappeared. I was going to do it if you didn't.
Two observations:
1) The OP didn't even want to name the outfitter, and did not until multiple people asked.
2) Whenever someone does not communicate there is reason to be concerned.
I don't want to ruin the guy I just want some understanding and to reach an agreeable outcome to all this I have tried communicating as my dad has called and so have I my dad is so busy I figured I'd take the rains I can be impatient but I think it's fair to expect a fair response time and or resolution to the problem I don't think that's wrong appreciate everyone's input I don't want to crucify him again I urge that , I know he just got his forest service permit for drop camps and don't want that ruined for him I just want it worked out like any other customer would at any business
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 11, 2016, 04:27:03 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 04:28:23 PM
I said that because he isn't gonna be on his phone 24/7 out of all the other hunters only one complainer .
There is a big difference between complaining and satisfying a deal man , a deal.ia a deal it's very cut and dry
Post by: Bob33 on October 11, 2016, 04:36:20 PM
I was at the show and I can assure you that 6-8 hour trip was notIf you are a representative of WPO, you just dId more harm to their reputation than the OP.
Said . That trip can be from 2-4 hours depending on where your tent is out of all the hunters your the only one complaining Specially on social media . All the other hunters had a great time. If your crying about your camp not being in the middle of an elk herd and is scared to walk a few miles a day to hunt than wilderness hunts aren't for you . Sorry there's no roads up there for you to sit in your truck and drive around looking for animals . Try goin 3 days with no
Sleep setting up camps and packing people in .
Post by: Ice Cap on October 11, 2016, 04:40:46 PM
I was at the show and I can assure you that 6-8 hour trip was not
Said . That trip can be from 2-4 hours depending on where your tent is out of all the hunters your the only one complaining Specially on social media . All the other hunters had a great time. If your crying about your camp not being in the middle of an elk herd and is scared to walk a few miles a day to hunt than wilderness hunts aren't for you . Sorry there's no roads up there for you to sit in your truck and drive around looking for animals . Try goin 3 days with no
Sleep setting up camps and packing people in .
If you are a representative of WPO, you just dId more harm to their reputation than the OP.
:yeah:
Post by: money794 on October 11, 2016, 04:47:12 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on October 11, 2016, 04:50:55 PM
Good on you for sticking up for your boss.
I'm sure there is more to the story.
To the op not cool calling out outfitter by name when a pm would have been better.
Post by: huntnfmly on October 11, 2016, 04:53:11 PM
Nope I just know him and there's always 2 sides to a story so have a good day everyone . I have better things to do than sit on my phone complaining on social mediaeven better sticking up for a friend
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 05:00:11 PM
Money794
Good on you for sticking up for your boss.
I'm sure there is more to the story.
To the op not cool calling out outfitter by name when a pm would have been better.
Your probably right a pm may have been better but guess I feel I want a quick result not a long dragged out one thanks for the advise
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 11, 2016, 05:05:12 PM
Post by: PolarBear on October 11, 2016, 05:05:39 PM
Post by: Naches Sportsman on October 11, 2016, 05:09:01 PM
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 11, 2016, 05:12:50 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on October 11, 2016, 05:14:26 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on October 11, 2016, 05:15:16 PM
I completely understand what you are saying.Money794
Good on you for sticking up for your boss.
I'm sure there is more to the story.
To the op not cool calling out outfitter by name when a pm would have been better.
Your probably right a pm may have been better but guess I feel I want a quick result not a long dragged out one thanks for the advise
When I feel I've been wronged I loose sleep thinking the same thing about they should get back to me right away but unfortunately sometimes that's impossible and all we can do is take a deep breath.
I do hope you're able to get things straightened out soon though
Post by: elkslare on October 11, 2016, 05:16:52 PM
We had booked a drop camp as well. two days before we leave for our trip our outfitter calls and says he could not get his mules shoed so we had to pack our personal gear into camp. He also said that he would probably not be available for packing meat and for the pack out with our gear. He also texs and said that I told you guys this would be the hardest thing you will ever do. That we needed to man up and just do it. We ended up packing all our gear in and out. After the hunt when talking to him { took 2 weeks for contact, after he told he would call me later that day. 3 days after hunt, but never did}
I asked how he felt about his performance on the drop camp. he told me he felt fine about it. I told him different and wanted a refund for his lack of doing anything for us. He did set up a tent for us and that was pretty much it. Everything else that he said would be in camp was not there, and we had to pack for days, our gear in and out. 3 weeks worth as well. We lost a few days of our big bull hunt. anyways he just laughed at us and said we would not get a penny back. When I asked if he did this to all his drop camps? He would not answer. WOW Really
Not trying to steal your thread. I do feel for you and these guys need to be exposed, for fellow hunters. especially if they are doing this deliberately, Like my outfitter did. I do think it is important to give them a chance to redeem themselves and there service. If these outfitters are doing guided and drop camps, they need to have back up plans for if they overbook or can not fulfill there end of there bargain. I feel if you are a guide you know people who could help you out in a pinch. If you dont???????
If I can be any help just pm me. Glad to help Good Luck
Also I want to say on some of these guides websites or face book sites ect., you cant leave any negative remarks. or if you do they can erase them on there site. So you don't know if there are people that have said unfavorable things only to get erased. Leaving the outfitters site with only good bubbly things, and could make a outfitter look better then they are. Not everyone is on this hunting forum either. I am not saying this is the case here. but I have seen it.
Lets face it. who wants to pay some one to do a job. that you end up doing yourself and still have to pay for it. :dunno:
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on October 11, 2016, 05:18:26 PM
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 11, 2016, 05:24:05 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 05:25:22 PM
First off millerwheeler, sorry to here about your bad experience with an outfitter. When reading about your experience with this outfitter I had to wonder if I was reading about the same outfitter I had hired this year for a wilderness elk hunt Drop Camp. But after reading it is a different outfitter.Well said man and I'm sorry to hear your misfortune I dont wish that upon nobody. Time off is precious and when you plan it out for a great adventure with friends and family it's the best . The worst part of the entire thing is my brother told me when we booked this may be his last year hunting elk I told him all the things outfitter said dad showed him pics outfitter sent to him to show him this will be a different type of elk hunt well then this happened and you can bet how he feels now just a real punch in the gut
We had booked a drop camp as well. two days before we leave for our trip our outfitter calls and says he could not get his mules shoed so we had to pack our personal gear into camp. He also said that he would probably not be available for packing meat and for the pack out with our gear. He also texs and said that I told you guys this would be the hardest thing you will ever do. That we needed to man up and just do it. We ended up packing all our gear in and out. After the hunt when talking to him { took 2 weeks for contact, after he told he would call me later that day. 3 days after hunt, but never did}
I asked how he felt about his performance on the drop camp. he told me he felt fine about it. I told him different and wanted a refund for his lack of doing anything for us. He did set up a tent for us and that was pretty much it. Everything else that he said would be in camp was not there, and we had to pack for days, our gear in and out. 3 weeks worth as well. We lost a few days of our big bull hunt. anyways he just laughed at us and said we would not get a penny back. When I asked if he did this to all his drop camps? He would not answer. WOW Really
Not trying to steal your thread. I do feel for you and these guys need to be exposed, for fellow hunters. especially if they are doing this deliberately, Like my outfitter did. I do think it is important to give them a chance to redeem themselves and there service. If these outfitters are doing guided and drop camps, they need to have back up plans for if they overbook or can not fulfill there end of there bargain. I feel if you are a guide you know people who could help you out in a pinch. If you dont???????
If I can be any help just pm me. Glad to help Good Luck
Also I want to say on some of these guides websites or face book sites ect., you cant leave any negative remarks. or if you do they can erase them on there site. So you don't know if there are people that have said unfavorable things only to get erased. Leaving the outfitters site with only good bubbly things, and could make a outfitter look better then they are. Not everyone is on this hunting forum either. I am not saying this is the case here. but I have seen it.
Lets face it. who wants to pay some one to do a job. that you end up doing yourself and still have to pay for it. :dunno:
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 05:26:31 PM
I wonder what's worse, not returning calls and keeping trophies for years or not returning calls and getting left in the mts. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
I don't know about him keeping trophies but packing ur crap out isn't ideal
Post by: Taco280AI on October 11, 2016, 05:29:00 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 11, 2016, 05:35:10 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 05:39:02 PM
Like has been said before, there are always two sides to a story, but I've heard stuff like this time and time again. Not about WPO specifically but just drop camps in general. Glad you saved texts, voicemails, and emails. You can't dance around evidence. If what you say is true, then that is absolutely unacceptable treatment, especially for 3k! I hope they chime in soon and I'm sure they have already been made aware of this thread. Hope a reasonable compromise can be made for both parties sake
A reasonable compromise is all I want the tent ,cots, and kitchen provided were brand new and not junk was a nice set up I won't complain about that it's the other stuff that's got me upset
Post by: elkslare on October 11, 2016, 05:42:09 PM
Elkslare, who was your outfitter?
This will come out in time. This is not my thread nor is it time for it. Thanks for asking
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 11, 2016, 05:49:25 PM
That may be but if camp wasn't where you wanted it then its pretty pointless. You can go camping anytime and sleep good. For a lot less than 3 grand :twocents:Like has been said before, there are always two sides to a story, but I've heard stuff like this time and time again. Not about WPO specifically but just drop camps in general. Glad you saved texts, voicemails, and emails. You can't dance around evidence. If what you say is true, then that is absolutely unacceptable treatment, especially for 3k! I hope they chime in soon and I'm sure they have already been made aware of this thread. Hope a reasonable compromise can be made for both parties sake
A reasonable compromise is all I want the tent ,cots, and kitchen provided were brand new and not junk was a nice set up I won't complain about that it's the other stuff that's got me upset
Post by: coachcw on October 11, 2016, 05:50:30 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 11, 2016, 05:52:31 PM
Post by: Antlershed on October 11, 2016, 06:16:23 PM
I ran into these guys (not the boss) Hiking up to Fifes Ridge on Sept 24, they were going in to get an elk out and proceeded to tell us about 3 or 4 others they where also hauling out. Seemed like nice guys, gave us their card, I would have called them possibly to pack out if I was ever deep in. Questioning it now.If you were on Fifes Ridge, it is not the same outfitter as the one the OP is talking about. We used CPO this year with zero issues. :twocents:
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 11, 2016, 06:21:30 PM
I ran into these guys (not the boss) Hiking up to Fifes Ridge on Sept 24, they were going in to get an elk out and proceeded to tell us about 3 or 4 others they where also hauling out. Seemed like nice guys, gave us their card, I would have called them possibly to pack out if I was ever deep in. Questioning it now.If you were on Fifes Ridge, it is not the same outfitter as the one the OP is talking about. We used CPO this year with zero issues. :twocents:
So i wonder what outfitter is on the card they gave him then?
Post by: DJR on October 11, 2016, 06:33:03 PM
The packers, R*** and S**** were in the saddle somewhere just about every daylight hour and nothing suffered from lack of effort. They worked incredibly hard for our party as did Kent.
Dollar for value it was worth every penny (in my case) and I would book with White Pass Outfitters again without hesitation.
I know this is not the same set of circumstances that the OP ran into but in fairness to the outfitter I wanted to report on my experience.
DJR
Post by: sagerat on October 11, 2016, 06:39:46 PM
Post by: h20hunter on October 11, 2016, 06:44:45 PM
Post by: Taco280AI on October 11, 2016, 06:46:35 PM
Post by: horsehunter509 on October 11, 2016, 06:51:34 PM
I ran into these guys (not the boss) Hiking up to Fifes Ridge on Sept 24, they were going in to get an elk out and proceeded to tell us about 3 or 4 others they where also hauling out. Seemed like nice guys, gave us their card, I would have called them possibly to pack out if I was ever deep in. Questioning it now.If you were on Fifes Ridge, it is not the same outfitter as the one the OP is talking about. We used CPO this year with zero issues. :twocents:
So i wonder what outfitter is on the card they gave him then?
WPO and CPO are different
Post by: Elk hunter4ever on October 11, 2016, 06:55:22 PM
Am I the only one seeing this? I'm sorry for your horrible experience, but if one of you guys harvested a branched antler bull on the east side when its only open to spikes but with a Westside tag and got caught by the game warden. It would have been very bad for you guys! Very unprofessional on the packer. I wonder how much illegal stuff goes on with wpo. :bash:
Post by: Antlershed on October 11, 2016, 07:09:10 PM
I know. I'm saying if Jek was on Fifes, from my understanding it should have been CPO (which isn't who this thread is about), unless the guy who was illegally packing people in before, and had to get life-flighted out last year is back at it.I ran into these guys (not the boss) Hiking up to Fifes Ridge on Sept 24, they were going in to get an elk out and proceeded to tell us about 3 or 4 others they where also hauling out. Seemed like nice guys, gave us their card, I would have called them possibly to pack out if I was ever deep in. Questioning it now.If you were on Fifes Ridge, it is not the same outfitter as the one the OP is talking about. We used CPO this year with zero issues. :twocents:
So i wonder what outfitter is on the card they gave him then?
WPO and CPO are different
Post by: Special T on October 11, 2016, 07:09:20 PM
Post by: sagerat on October 11, 2016, 07:11:06 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 07:15:00 PM
@millerwheeler is it possible for you to drop a pin on a map where you camped? I hunted that area Archery this year a little, mostly on the north side of hwy 12. We hiked in quite a ways so I'm curious.
Yes how do I post a phot
Post by: snake on October 11, 2016, 07:16:33 PM
Post by: steeleywhopper on October 11, 2016, 07:18:01 PM
Post by: money794 on October 11, 2016, 07:27:30 PM
I still think money794 was told to hush up. Anyone else notice how he just "happened" to change his avatar pic too? I hope this ends well, planning on using WPO if I ever draw the elk tag I want.1. I was not told to hush up about anything . 2. I changed my
Pic cause I can . If it makes you happy I can change it back for you I don't care . 3 I'm Not gonna sit on here and do a stupid argument over social media like you guys want to . 4 this post is kinda like a movie people like it and have good things to say and there's some people that doesn't have. Nice things to say cause they didn't like it . There is a good and bad for everything .
Post by: huntnfmly on October 11, 2016, 07:31:41 PM
I'd be at every sportsman show from Washington to Oregon standing in front of this guys stand telling people he is a cheat and a rip off. Thanks for telling us about this flim flam outfit, I will be sure to stay far away from this guy.that right there is why it's a big deal to say the name.
We don't know what happened for sure
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 11, 2016, 07:34:23 PM
Post by: huntnfmly on October 11, 2016, 07:36:00 PM
Man a lot of people are quick to jump to opinions without the whole story. :dunno: could be all a mis understanding and some people are willing to ruin a mans lively hood. I will wait before I pass judgment.:yeah:
Post by: sagerat on October 11, 2016, 07:36:35 PM
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on October 11, 2016, 07:37:49 PM
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Post by: money794 on October 11, 2016, 07:38:33 PM
We're all just waiting for a response from WPO money794. Even if it's privately done with his customer. Do what you want with your profile.Okay than let him deal with it instead of 20
People bad talking an outfitter because of one side of the story maybe he will post his side or he will talk to him privately .
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 07:40:48 PM
Man a lot of people are quick to jump to opinions without the whole story. :dunno: could be all a mis understanding and some people are willing to ruin a mans lively hood. I will wait before I pass judgment.
I'm not here to ruin his lively hood this is part of business and sometimes things happen . I'm hoping we can sort this all out in some shape or form and I will report on it , aren't we all here to learn and share with one another?
Post by: Bob33 on October 11, 2016, 07:48:31 PM
Post by: mdbuck5x5 on October 11, 2016, 08:02:47 PM
1. I was not told to hush up about anything . 2. I changed my
Pic cause I can . If it makes you happy I can change it back for you I don't care . 3 I'm Not gonna sit on here and do a stupid argument over social media like you guys want to . 4 this post is kinda like a movie people like it and have good things to say and there's some people that doesn't have. Nice things to say cause they didn't like it . There is a good and bad for everything .
:chuckle: uhhh you kinda already are!
Post by: huntandjeep on October 11, 2016, 08:03:19 PM
:yeah:.Man a lot of people are quick to jump to opinions without the whole story. :dunno: could be all a mis understanding and some people are willing to ruin a mans lively hood. I will wait before I pass judgment.:yeah:
Post by: bobcat on October 11, 2016, 08:03:29 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on October 11, 2016, 08:08:03 PM
I see nothing wrong with naming the outfitter. It's likely that he normally does a great job. We've seen good reports on this forum about this outfitter. I notice some of the good reviews are with someone who has drawn a special permit hunt. A special permit hunt is much different than a general season hunt as there would be much less competition from other hunters, so I could see why those hunters might end up having a much better experience than the general season hunters. It would make sense that during the general season it could be easy for the outfitter to overbook, as someone already mentioned. Personally I was hoping to use White Pass Outfitters for a drop camp and I'm glad to read reports about people's experiences.
I really think we need to hear WPO's side of the story.
I know nothing of him, other than what I've read here.
Not throwing jabs at the OP, however I feel that WPO has a right to either defend himself or correct an error.
Post by: Naches Sportsman on October 11, 2016, 08:13:14 PM
If it was WPO, that would be grounds to having their special use permit pulled by the usfs.I know. I'm saying if Jek was on Fifes, from my understanding it should have been CPO (which isn't who this thread is about), unless the guy who was illegally packing people in before, and had to get life-flighted out last year is back at it.I ran into these guys (not the boss) Hiking up to Fifes Ridge on Sept 24, they were going in to get an elk out and proceeded to tell us about 3 or 4 others they where also hauling out. Seemed like nice guys, gave us their card, I would have called them possibly to pack out if I was ever deep in. Questioning it now.If you were on Fifes Ridge, it is not the same outfitter as the one the OP is talking about. We used CPO this year with zero issues. :twocents:
So i wonder what outfitter is on the card they gave him then?
WPO and CPO are different
Post by: bobcat on October 11, 2016, 08:16:19 PM
I really think we need to hear WPO's side of the story.
I know nothing of him, other than what I've read here.
Not throwing jabs at the OP, however I feel that WPO has a right to either defend himself or correct an error.
I agree, and I expect we will get his side of the story as soon as he has time to do so.
Post by: TheHunt on October 11, 2016, 08:18:11 PM
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 08:22:51 PM
Post by: kirkl on October 11, 2016, 08:23:13 PM
Post by: Antlershed on October 11, 2016, 08:32:38 PM
That is a very good question that I would love to hear the answer to.I ran into these guys (not the boss) Hiking up to Fifes Ridge on Sept 24, they were going in to get an elk out and proceeded to tell us about 3 or 4 others they where also hauling out. Seemed like nice guys, gave us their card, I would have called them possibly to pack out if I was ever deep in. Questioning it now.If you were on Fifes Ridge, it is not the same outfitter as the one the OP is talking about. We used CPO this year with zero issues. :twocents:
So i wonder what outfitter is on the card they gave him then?
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 11, 2016, 08:44:05 PM
Post by: Special T on October 11, 2016, 08:47:17 PM
Post by: huntandjeep on October 11, 2016, 08:48:56 PM
Could it be possible that it was WPO and they were just packing out elk for hunters ( not clients ) ? Is there a rule that they can only pack out animals in the GMU they guide in ?That is a very good question that I would love to hear the answer to.I ran into these guys (not the boss) Hiking up to Fifes Ridge on Sept 24, they were going in to get an elk out and proceeded to tell us about 3 or 4 others they where also hauling out. Seemed like nice guys, gave us their card, I would have called them possibly to pack out if I was ever deep in. Questioning it now.If you were on Fifes Ridge, it is not the same outfitter as the one the OP is talking about. We used CPO this year with zero issues. :twocents:
So i wonder what outfitter is on the card they gave him then?
Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 09:00:17 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20161012%2F2b74c4b48fa0f8204f5ae90ebb798dd2.jpg&hash=36d55938abb0cea8307507b6564bf5b7ad641e78)
Thanks man for posting the pic
Post by: Special T on October 11, 2016, 09:04:44 PM
Post by: Gringo31 on October 11, 2016, 09:17:51 PM
Book em while I still have spots available :)
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Post by: JDHasty on October 11, 2016, 09:19:00 PM
I hiked that trail to near where the camp was. Not very far at all. Very doable with your own gear. Is it a good hunting area? there are elk there but It would be hard to swallow 3k for a wall tent that close to the hwy. Im guessing 2miles in ish 3 max.
They could have spent a week in the Mark Hopkins for $3k
It is unimaginable to me that any group would consent to pay $3k for a couple hour long pony rides and a week in a wall tent two miles off the highway unless that was part of the shtick at a high fence operation.
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 11, 2016, 09:22:05 PM
I'll offer $2500 walk camps....
Book em while I still have spots available :)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I do them for $2000. But max distance is 3/4 mile from a main hwy. You must go a mile or two.
Post by: Gringo31 on October 11, 2016, 09:22:27 PM
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Post by: millerwheeler on October 11, 2016, 09:25:30 PM
I hiked that trail to near where the camp was. Not very far at all. Very doable with your own gear. Is it a good hunting area? there are elk there but It would be hard to swallow 3k for a wall tent that close to the hwy. Im guessing 2miles in ish 3 max.
They could have spent a week in the Mark Hopkins for $3k
It is unimaginable to me that any group would consent to pay $3k for a couple hour long pony rides and a week in a wall tent two miles off the highway unless that was part of the shtick at a high fence operation.
That's the problem wasn't what we were promised . And hey think of the burn u feel when you own all the equipment just wanted something different ad special
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 11, 2016, 09:35:51 PM
Well he sent me a text this evening said we would talk in morning again I want to say this is not to crucify him I just want a resolution sometimes business deals.hit speed bumps... I can say as I have stated the camp.itself tent everything was brand new and clean and that itself was nice . I hope we can reach a amicable solution for both of us thanks for your input guysThis right here is exactly why you were right to post this on here. Could not get a response via any avenue, but it goes on the internet and bam! Hope everything turns out well and both parties are satisfied
Oh and I do hike camps for $1,500 8)
:chuckle:
Post by: docsven on October 11, 2016, 09:45:44 PM
I won't mention the name; sometimes things don't go as planned.
Post by: jmscon on October 11, 2016, 10:33:37 PM
Post by: Whitpirate on October 11, 2016, 11:03:23 PM
:sry: OP
Post by: finnman on October 11, 2016, 11:12:42 PM
One thing, I am a hand shake type guy, but now days a written contract is a business must. It's simple protection. It's smart business practice and should not offend anyone.
Still waiting to hear from the outfitter......
The hunter did right, no response deserves a harder approach. Where are you WPO???
Post by: TwoFeet on October 11, 2016, 11:31:16 PM
Post by: KFhunter on October 11, 2016, 11:32:17 PM
Post by: mkcj on October 12, 2016, 12:51:26 AM
I was at the show and I can assure you that 6-8 hour trip was not
Said . That trip can be from 2-4 hours depending on where your tent is out of all the hunters your the only one complaining Specially on social media . All the other hunters had a great time. If your crying about your camp not being in the middle of an elk herd and is scared to walk a few miles a day to hunt than wilderness hunts aren't for you . Sorry there's no roads up there for you to sit in your truck and drive around looking for animals . Try goin 3 days with no
Sleep setting up camps and packing people in .
If you are a representative of WPO, you just dId more harm to their reputation than the OP.
:yeah:
:yeah:
Post by: Taco280AI on October 12, 2016, 04:53:04 AM
Money794. So many people have said the same thing and you're not listening. You are doing WPO harm. You're arguing the customer and not the circumstance. You're personally attacking the customer and not arguing the event. You say "nope" that you're not doing harm, but potential customers are telling you that you are and you're telling us we're wrong.
I wouldn't avoid WPO based on one bad review. Even if there are negative reviews I'm going to read the good and bad and make up my own mind. What I will avoid a company for is an employee doing exactly what you're doing. Trash talking customers. Arguing with the customer on a personal level and not addressing the issue. Then arguing other potential customers and telling us we're wrong. You are hurting WPO. Believe us or don't, damage is being done.
Post by: Pinetar on October 12, 2016, 05:34:05 AM
I'm just curious here. To those saying give WPO a chance to respond before posting a bad experience online, what exactly is that? How many unanswered calls and texts must the OP wait? How long should they wait while not getting the courtesy of a returned call? And why shouldn't they post a negative experience? Are only good reviews the only ones allowed?
Money794. So many people have said the same thing and you're not listening. You are doing WPO harm. You're arguing the customer and not the circumstance. You're personally attacking the customer and not arguing the event. You say "nope" that you're not doing harm, but potential customers are telling you that you are and you're telling us we're wrong.
I wouldn't avoid WPO based on one bad review. Even if there are negative reviews I'm going to read the good and bad and make up my own mind. What I will avoid a company for is an employee doing exactly what you're doing. Trash talking customers. Arguing with the customer on a personal level and not addressing the issue. Then arguing other potential customers and telling us we're wrong. You are hurting WPO. Believe us or don't, damage is being done.
:yeah: Said very well. OP has the right to give everyone his review, he's done nothing wrong. From what I've seen on this site I'm sure WPO will give us his side when he gets the chance, its only been a couple days.
Money794. If you are just an employee of WPO, stay out of it and do your job. The customer (guest) is always right even if he is wrong in your eyes. Word of mouth and repeat business is #1 and you are not doing WPO in favors by coming on here and making comments like you have. That is the job of your boss not you.
OP - Waiting all year for your trip and then this, SORRY to hear.
Post by: HntnFsh on October 12, 2016, 06:00:09 AM
This thread really disappoints me because I have enjoyed reading WPOs posts. Stories from others about their trips with him etc. I have even talked to my crew about using this outfitter sometime in the future.
I hope the outfitter comes on here with his side of the story. I hope he is able to shed some light on the situation that will make everybody feel better about this disaster of a trip. If it happened as stated. And if even parts of it are true. I hope hes learned a big lesson about how to treat customers fairly and living up to your word.
I'm trying really hard to with hold judgement. But its pretty difficult right now. Hopefully I see something soon that will make more sense of this and change my mind.
Post by: hogslayer on October 12, 2016, 06:32:36 AM
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on October 12, 2016, 06:39:34 AM
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Post by: PlateauNDN on October 12, 2016, 06:53:06 AM
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on October 12, 2016, 07:15:24 AM
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Post by: BNAElkhntr on October 12, 2016, 07:31:42 AM
tag
Post by: elkrack on October 12, 2016, 07:33:18 AM
If he left me in the mts and I had to get myself off the mts with all the outfitters stuff I wouldn't have waited either. This is poor customer service that's uncalled for.
:yeah:
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 12, 2016, 08:14:05 AM
I'll also add that businesses that rely on customer service such as mine, I do everything I can for my customers.
Post by: Gringo31 on October 12, 2016, 08:49:12 AM
If I had an issue, I'd have been on the phone long ago working and trying to find a way to make it right.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on October 12, 2016, 09:10:02 AM
I have read most of this and I have to say I am still in awe that guys actually pay for guid d hints in Washington? We hunted this unit by foot with bull tags and shot a 5x5 and a 6x6 just hiking into the wilderness boundary on foot. We set up our own wall tents and cooked our own food and used my friends horses to ride the meat out!I think the horse part is what they were mostly paying for. With horses, having your own (plus all the stuff--trailer, bigger truck, tack, etc) would put most beyond the $3k mark per year.
One thing, I am a hand shake type guy, but now days a written contract is a business must. It's simple protection. It's smart business practice and should not offend anyone.
Still waiting to hear from the outfitter......
The hunter did right, no response deserves a harder approach. Where are you WPO???
Post by: millerwheeler on October 12, 2016, 09:16:51 AM
Kent has reached out to me this morning and we went over everything and reached a very fair agreement . With that said I wanna say sometimes in business things happen out of both parties Control and you have to work to solve the issue we all spend a lot of time and money on this sport and while there's no guarantee in the harvest the hunt is where our passion is. Kent and my family will try it again as well I think the man just had a few circumstances catch up with him and that's when things went sour but he has a lot to offer and I'm gonna let him try again... I want to say the deal we reached is very very fair . Thanks everyone guys and those who thought I was crazy for posting this .. we live in a age where communication is key reviews good and bad help everyone of us . How else would you know a person's experience?
Thanks Kent for catching up with me today and solving this
And thank you Ryan one of the Packers who I believe legitamently was concerned for us to be happy and expressing his apology
Post by: millerwheeler on October 12, 2016, 09:19:22 AM
What's your signed written contract say about change in plans/ location and reibursment.
Well went over everything at the show shook hands and we made a deposit , my father and him spoke all year long. So there is no written contract per say. But is your word not your bond and a hand shake not a contract?
Really? What freaking year do think this is? In the state of Washington, where no guide is licensed, and no hunting service provider is regulated?
No his word is not a bond and your handshake don't mean a darned thing. Welcome to the world of dishonest business men. If you paid someone 3 grand for a service he was to provide in the future, without a contract or anything in writing you are well and truly screwed. You might get lucky and maybe he'll decide to be a stand up guy and refund your money. Odds are you won't see a dime and you don't have a leg to stand on. Chock it up to a three thousand dollar course in business ethics.
Always get it writing, always pay in escrow, and never ever accept less than you contracted for.
Well thanks for your opinion but things have been solved and there were many things at hand which " made me have a leg to stand on" such as texts emails, and voicemails again problem has been solved and in a very fair way
Post by: Curly on October 12, 2016, 09:20:36 AM
I'm still going to be nervous of ever going with them now after your story.
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on October 12, 2016, 09:24:13 AM
Post by: millerwheeler on October 12, 2016, 09:27:13 AM
8) Glad you are happy now. :tup:
I'm still going to be nervous of ever going with them now after your story.
Well curly I'll say this talk with him express your concerns as others have said get it in writing and use your best judgement at the end of the day we are all human and things happen right? There are tons more great reviews than bad , I'm gonna give him another chance myself I see potential in what he has to offer and I think it was just some bad circumstances made for some fixable mistakes
Again this wasn't to crucify him but to make aware of situation give him a shout and go from there only you can make your decision
Post by: Mfowl on October 12, 2016, 09:27:23 AM
Post by: sirmissalot on October 12, 2016, 09:36:31 AM
Post by: Bob33 on October 12, 2016, 09:36:55 AM
Post by: huntnfmly on October 12, 2016, 09:38:19 AM
What did he say about the wrangler that told you nobody checks if you're hunting on the wrong side so it would be ok or was that not actually said?
Post by: huntnfmly on October 12, 2016, 09:40:03 AM
I'd still like to hear his side.:yeah:
Post by: Fishstiq on October 12, 2016, 09:40:15 AM
:twocents:
Post by: Rainier10 on October 12, 2016, 09:42:02 AM
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on October 12, 2016, 09:49:07 AM
Post by: kukusya on October 12, 2016, 09:50:25 AM
I'd still like to hear his side.:yeah:
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah:
Post by: millerwheeler on October 12, 2016, 09:51:45 AM
Is the new agreement in writing this time? I would think that if everything is on the up and up, neither party should have a problem putting it on paper and making it official.
:twocents:
Yes it will be
Post by: millerwheeler on October 12, 2016, 09:52:40 AM
Great that you were able to come to an agreement. Was this an archery hunt or a muzzy hunt that you were on? How many people in your camp?
Muzzy
Post by: millerwheeler on October 12, 2016, 09:54:04 AM
I'm glad things worked out for you.It will be handled I'm sure of that
What did he say about the wrangler that told you nobody checks if you're hunting on the wrong side so it would be ok or was that not actually said?
Post by: huntnfmly on October 12, 2016, 09:58:55 AM
Post by: Gringo31 on October 12, 2016, 10:07:24 AM
Best of luck and hope in the future everyone walks away at the end happy....... There is value to forums like this, it may keep everyone a bit more on the up and up. :tup:
Post by: theleo on October 12, 2016, 10:10:14 AM
I'm still going to be nervous of ever going with them now after your story.
If reading all the way through this thread makes you nervous about using WPO then you shouldn't ever plan on doing a hunt where you pack into a wilderness area. I'm not affiliated with this outfitter or know any of his people, but I know others that run similar guide services. Running camps in areas where you have to use horses and you are on public land is a logistical nightmare. Sometimes things go south in a hurry and you're stuck trying to make a terrible situation into just a bad one. What separates good outfitters from bad is what they do after things have gone bad to try to make things rite. WPO got in touch with the OP and made things good enough the OP willing to give them another shot. Some might have told him tough luck or even worse, jumped in on this thread to bash the OP trying to defend his reputation. Instead WPO kept things private, didn't participate in any mud slinging, and satisfied his dissatisfied customer. If you want guarantees hunt from lodges on private ground. If you want wilderness play the averages (more good reviews than bad) and look for an outfitter that will make things good if your hunt goes bad.
Post by: Timberstalker on October 12, 2016, 10:12:17 AM
I'm still going to be nervous of ever going with them now after your story.
If reading all the way through this thread makes you nervous about using WPO then you shouldn't ever plan on doing a hunt where you pack into a wilderness area. I'm not affiliated with this outfitter or know any of his people, but I know others that run similar guide services. Running camps in areas where you have to use horses and you are on public land is a logistical nightmare. Sometimes things go south in a hurry and you're stuck trying to make a terrible situation into just a bad one. What separates good outfitters from bad is what they do after things have gone bad to try to make things rite. WPO got in touch with the OP and made things good enough the OP willing to give them another shot. Some might have told him tough luck or even worse, jumped in on this thread to bash the OP trying to defend his reputation. Instead WPO kept things private, didn't participate in any mud slinging, and satisfied his dissatisfied customer. If you want guarantees hunt from lodges on private ground. If you want wilderness play the averages (more good reviews than bad) and look for an outfitter that will make things good if your hunt goes bad.
Well said.
Post by: millerwheeler on October 12, 2016, 10:19:20 AM
Did you guys not hunt the whole time?
Left Friday so yes entire season last day hiked out
Post by: Curly on October 12, 2016, 10:23:03 AM
I'm still going to be nervous of ever going with them now after your story.
If reading all the way through this thread makes you nervous about using WPO then you shouldn't ever plan on doing a hunt where you pack into a wilderness area. I'm not affiliated with this outfitter or know any of his people, but I know others that run similar guide services. Running camps in areas where you have to use horses and you are on public land is a logistical nightmare. Sometimes things go south in a hurry and you're stuck trying to make a terrible situation into just a bad one. What separates good outfitters from bad is what they do after things have gone bad to try to make things rite. WPO got in touch with the OP and made things good enough the OP willing to give them another shot. Some might have told him tough luck or even worse, jumped in on this thread to bash the OP trying to defend his reputation. Instead WPO kept things private, didn't participate in any mud slinging, and satisfied his dissatisfied customer. If you want guarantees hunt from lodges on private ground. If you want wilderness play the averages (more good reviews than bad) and look for an outfitter that will make things good if your hunt goes bad.
One thing I did learn from this thread was to get things in writing.
I did do a drop camp with an outfitter in a wilderness area several years ago and I wasn't too pleased with that experience. We were supposed to be picked up early in the morning but we didn't get picked up until 8 hours or so later. Their horses took off during the night. We had to ride out in the dark and then I ended up missing the next day of work.
Not a huge deal, but we never even got a "sorry" for being so late. I still think they are probably a good outfitter but it did leave a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Plus the horse I road was terrible.
If I ever decide to go with WPO, I'd be sure to PM millerwheeler and get the story, and call WPO and get his take on what went on in this case. I don't know how WPO can really make things right after hearing that story. Setting up camp 2 tenths of a mile in? And then one of the guys telling them to hunt the wrong side of the boundary? That's crazy.
But there are a lot of satisfied customers, so that does say something too.
Post by: Rainier10 on October 12, 2016, 10:25:50 AM
It was a muzzy hunt, which ended Friday if they were just elk hunting and Sunday if they were deer hunting as well. The OP said that he wanted to hunt until the end and pack out, that could mean Saturday or Monday. The OP then made his complaint here Tuesday afternoon and has resolution in the works that same evening via a text and by this morning all parties were satisfied via a phone conversation.
I think in the big picture WPO responded pretty quickly, best case in less than 48 hours and worst case less than 4 days and obviously with a solution that was sufficient for the OP. Seems like pretty good response from a guy that is probably pretty busy getting people out of the woods and ready for the next round of guys going in.
Just my :twocents: and I am glad that you are happy with the resolution.
Post by: JDHasty on October 12, 2016, 10:28:19 AM
Did you guys not hunt the whole time?
Left Friday so yes entire season last day hiked out
In other words they did what they could to make the best of a bad situation. I talked to the father on the phone a few times while they were in there (first call was the second day) and they were doing their best to figure out a strategy that would allow them to make lemon aid out of lemons. They just didn't have much to work with. They were not sitting their on their thumbs hoping on dumb luck and crying about it, they were working hard to try and salvage the hunt.
I've been following along and given how this went down I think the OP handled things about as well as they could be.
Post by: Bob33 on October 12, 2016, 10:33:01 AM
Post by: jackmaster on October 12, 2016, 10:36:44 AM
sure glad it worked out to your satisfaction!! I was also wondering about the dipdunk that told it was ok to hunt in a unit not open to you :chuckle: he sounds brilliant !!I'm glad things worked out for you.It will be handled I'm sure of that
What did he say about the wrangler that told you nobody checks if you're hunting on the wrong side so it would be ok or was that not actually said?
Post by: Rainier10 on October 12, 2016, 10:38:30 AM
A business’s integrity and character are often measured best when things don’t go as planned.:yeah: Sounds like that is probably the case here. There are a ton of good things said about WPO, sounds like this trip went sideways. It's bound to happen to someone at some point. As long as they made it right with the customer this will just be a small bump in the road.
Post by: losdaddy7 on October 12, 2016, 10:43:25 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on October 12, 2016, 10:44:35 AM
Post by: Special T on October 12, 2016, 10:47:54 AM
A business’s integrity and character are often measured best when things don’t go as planned.As a business owner I can say that your strongest relationships are forged by making thing right when something goes wrong. If they made the solution more than fair then that is all you can ask for.
Post by: mdbuck5x5 on October 12, 2016, 10:55:32 AM
I can say that my experience with Kent has been great. I can't speak for him here but i do know that he had quite a camps up there this year. My guess is that weather got bad and couldn't use a trail system and had to think on his toes to get you guys in somewhere. I am sure he will settle the score when he gets a chance. I would give the guy a break. He still has goat hunters/modern hunters going up, taking his camps down etc.etc. I wouldn't have blasted the dude if he didn't get back to you within 48 hrs of you getting off the mountain. I highly doubt he is just going to run for it. But if it was me personally, and you got on there before actually talking to him and him flat out saying you aren't getting any money back, it wouldn't make things easier to pay you everything. Give the guy a chance should have waited a few months to let him get done with hunting season and get all those camps off the hill.
Lol wow you must be kidding right? You're a hell of a nice guy if you shell out 3k, don't get what you paid for and have to wait a few months until you get some answer or clarification!
Post by: Jek11688 on October 12, 2016, 10:58:12 AM
That is a very good question that I would love to hear the answer to.I ran into these guys (not the boss) Hiking up to Fifes Ridge on Sept 24, they were going in to get an elk out and proceeded to tell us about 3 or 4 others they where also hauling out. Seemed like nice guys, gave us their card, I would have called them possibly to pack out if I was ever deep in. Questioning it now.If you were on Fifes Ridge, it is not the same outfitter as the one the OP is talking about. We used CPO this year with zero issues. :twocents:
So i wonder what outfitter is on the card they gave him then?
I wan to apologize for my quick statement on the Outfitter. I was trying to point out they (possibly) were busy packing elk out. They did not mention any drop camps. I cannot confirm which outfitter it is until the end of the week when I can check the business card. I do remember is was mostly light blue/white.
If it was CPO I feel bad for posting something negative about WPO.
Post by: millerwheeler on October 12, 2016, 11:22:09 AM
A business’s integrity and character are often measured best when things don’t go as planned.As a business owner I can say that your strongest relationships are forged by making thing right when something goes wrong. If they made the solution more than fair then that is all you can ask for.
Very accurate and great point there man
Post by: puyallupaul on October 12, 2016, 11:26:13 AM
Thanks
Post by: sagerat on October 12, 2016, 11:26:55 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 12, 2016, 11:43:52 AM
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 12, 2016, 11:45:17 AM
The best part of this story is the client getting told to go ahead and hunt the wrong side. Heck maybe I can get the nod to go ahead and take a mtn goat without a tag?!
LOL Well it has worked for another elk hunter...........so far. :chuckle:
Post by: theleo on October 12, 2016, 11:50:11 AM
Post by: KFhunter on October 12, 2016, 11:55:50 AM
I WOULD LIKE TO UPDATE EVERYONE KENT AND I HAVE GONE OVER EVERY CONCERN AND REACHED A FAIR SOLUTION TO THIS WHOLE ORDEAL SOMETIMES THINGS HAPPEN BUT KENT APOLOGIZED AND MADE IT RIGHT AND IN TODAY'S WORLD THAT'S A STAND UP GUY
THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR TIME AND OPINIONS
:IBCOOL:
Thanks for the update, I'll quote it on the back end of this thread in case it's missed at the front end. Happy this was resolved to your satisfaction :tup:
Post by: jackelope on October 12, 2016, 11:57:09 AM
Thanks.
If WPO wants to chime in, they can send me a pm and I'll open the thread or share their comments.
:tup: