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Hunter Comments

fire in camp,burnt one tent with all belongings. guide had no back up plan,we had to leave.they offered no compensation ,no refund no come back next year for half price. we turned them into the APOS which is the Alberta Professional Outfitters Society.and after almost 10 months after spending almost $19,000.00 we will get $3000.00 back.so much for their code of ethics.

Was the outfitter notified of problems? - YES

Outfitter's Response

Thank you for allowing us to respond. This was an unfortunate event. We were very thankful that no one was injured. The accidental burning of a tent took place in our remote camp. I think Mr Hoverkamp will agree that our guides with the help from the people in camp reacted to the fire with quick thinking to make sure the other tent didn't burn and people were safe. We believe our guides offered the best solutions they had to offer for the lateness of the night and the remoteness of the camp. We find this very interesting that Mr Hoverkamp chooses not to tell everybody that we invited him and his hunting buddies to meet with us (Richard and Diane) the next morning of the fire. They did not know what we had put together for them as they DID NOT STOP to give us a chance to help them. They didn't want to talk with us! They drove right by! It is also interesting that he implies that all 4 people lost their possessions when only 2 people did and Mr Hoverkamp wasn't one of them. He was encouraged by his friends to continue his hunt, as he had five days remaining of a 10 day hunt. Mr Hoverkamp made the decision to accompany his friends back home. This may have been very noble of him but none the less, his decision. After Mr Hoverkamp arrived home he and his buddies filed a complaint with Alberta Professional Outfitters Society against Alberta Bush Adventures for having a faulty stove. It was proven during the formal hearing of a panel of 7 people that the wood heater was NOT faulty. No one was in the tent when the fire started and no one can say for sure what caused the fire. The panel found the accusation unsubstantiated. We have plenty of documentation regarding this event and the 10 months that led up to the formal hearing held in Edmonton by the Alberta Profession Outfitter's Society. This is very lengthy and we could send you any part or all of this documentation you would like to see. This process has been time consuming for everyone. In conclusion, the 2 people that did lose their possessions in the fire have since replaced their items through their home insurance and have been compensated for the remaining days of their hunt. The outcome of the hearing was not in Mr Hoverkamps' favour, however, he has 30 days to appeal (as of this writing 15 days) the decision made by the Alberta Profession Outfitter's Society Discipline Committee.