Hi All,
I’ve posted it up before and several folks have hit me up over the last few years so I’ll post again.
I’ve got a meat locker I share with HuntWa members. Most people would say it’s a bad idea, but dozens of people have used it over the last few years and it’s been great to meet some new people and hear some awesome stories. I’ve only had one bad apple who nearly ruined it for everyone.
I’m off HWY 12 near Mayfield Lake in Lewis County. The last bear just came out so the locker so lots of room again. I’ve got mixed availability over the weekdays, but relatively free on weekends if I’m not out hunting.
Same ground rules as before and anyone storing meat in my locker will be expected to be 100% on board and will have to sign a contract and release upon arrival.
1. This is a voluntary free service, not a business. There is no charge. However, this setup was expensive and it does cost me money to run the locker so tips are appreciated.
2. Because this is entirely free and on my personal property, I reserve the right to refuse to deal with anyone for any reason. If you’re an as&@@&ol*, doing illegal or unethical things to harvest animals, or anything else that’s shady or disrespectful, don’t waste my time. Don’t show up here stumbling drunk or stoned. I believe my family, my integrity and honesty, and being honorable are the most important things in life. If that’s not you that’s fine - you do you. But that’s what we do at my place and I expect the same from any guests I have.
3. Veterans have preference on the space that’s available. If your meat is hanging you won’t be kicked out obviously, but if given the option, I’d like to help fellow service members.
4. I am not responsible if for some reason the power goes out, there’s a malfunction, a fire, an act of God, or anything else that were to happen that would cause my meat locker to fail and your meat to be ruined. Sorry, but I have to have that disclaimer.
5. If I become aware of some issue such as in #4, I will let you know as soon as I become aware so you can come get your meat. If something unforeseen happens and I call you, you need to come get it. However, I am a hunter also and work full time. If I am home, I check the meat locker every day. If I am not, I don’t.
6. You agree to let me take a picture of your driver’s license so I know exactly who I let come visit my shop. Unless I know you personally, this is a requirement. We will also follow all WDFW laws and regulations to the letter. There is a form to fill out for me to hold your meat and I will need to record all the info from your tag. Each piece of meat you hang will be marked with your info on an identifying ribbon. I don’t do drama and the last thing I need is people arguing over what was theirs.
7. To contact me, look up Shad Hail on Facebook. I am also making the meat locker photos public so you can see them if you want. Send a PM indicating it’s about the locker and I’ll send you my number for meat locker contact. This is so I have a record of exactly who I spoke with and what was said. I can also answer questions there. If you don’t have FB, send me a HuntWa message- I don’t check them often- but I will send you my number if I see it.
8. This is a big one for me and I want to be upfront about it - I have a long, private driveway with 5 no trespassing signs and I’m the only person on it. I live very privately and I don’t like unexpected visitors. You agree you will not show up unannounced. If you get something down, call me and if I’m free, we’ll arrange to have you come by and hang the meat. We will also be in communication about the status of the meat, I’ll send pictures if you want, and we will clearly arrange the time for you to come pick it up. I’m not posting my work schedule here, but pick up times have to be when I am not working. The shop is locked up and alarmed when I am not home. Please do not mistake kindness for weakness with this offering. Fair warning, you show up unannounced and unexpected and I may assume the worst and tend to become drastically less welcoming.
9. Hanging is by space available. I’ve got buddies and family also vying for space. If you call me and I’m already full, I’ll tell you when I expect to have room. But no guarantees. Sorry, that’s how it is.
10. Go slow on my driveway, make up time on the highway.
11. Deer, Elk, Bear, Cougar, etc… only. I’m not hanging livestock for butchering or anything like that. Would love to hear the story of the hunt.
12. No hides on meat in the locker, I try to keep it impeccably clean in there. If you’re a new hunter and need help skinning or otherwise prepping to hang I can help you out.
Here’s the deal, I don’t want the ground rules to come across as I’m an uptight a-hole; I love meeting new people, swapping hunting stories, sharing a cold one, and having a good time as much as the next guy. I also don’t do drama and don’t need any added stress so I am trying to make it simple as possible while protecting the homefront and helping some folks out. I’m do this to help a few fellow hunters out because I think our community needs more of that. I’m also fully aware in today’s world there are some risks with doing that - FAFO
Good luck to all the hunters out there tomorrow.