Bowsite.com

First, I will say that I was motivated to make this comment, because I read comments made by another hunter that hunted the Double Deuce during the same week I hunted last year, with the same guide, "Jade". I found his comments to be completely different from my experience as well as the experience the other 3 guys that came with me. I will say that I was the only one of the 4 in my group that did not harvest a deer, but that was because I passed the deer I had shots at. I was looking for a 150+ bucks and really had my heart set on 160+. I had hunted Double Deuce the year before and had a couple chances at some great bucks including a 170 class within 50 yards of me. Unfortunately I wasn't able to close the distance for a quality shot. My buddies had close calls that year too with at least 3 150 class bucks. So, we knew the quality was there and I held off lesser bucks when we hunted in 2012. So, back to the 2012..... Double Deuce has land everywhere, thousands of acres, and with all kinds of options. Yes, there are tower stands set up for the firearm season, and yes some of the ladder stands are also set up for the firearm season too. Both years that we went, we all brought our own climbers and used them. I believe most hunters, taking a hunt serious, will bring gear with them like their own climber to hunt the way they like to hunt, for the conditions during the time of the hunt. I have pre-hung stands on my properties too, and sometimes they work out just fine. However, weather conditions, wind directions and other things can render pre-hung stands useless. That's why we came prepared with our own climbers like any serious hunter would. Since I used my own climbers I may not be qualified to comment on Double Deuce's stands being over hunted as the other guy claimed. However, since we hunted the 3rd week of the season as did the other guy who commented here, and since I believe there were 7 in our camp, 6 in camp the week before and no hunters the first week. It's a pretty far stretch to claim that the property with thousands of acres, and probably a 150 pre-hung stands was over hunted by less than 15 people over a 3 week period....if he was busted by deer on every hunt, maybe he should look in the mirror. Maybe he was moving around a lot, maybe he was making noise, maybe he didn't use scentlock type clothes or scent elimination sprays.....maybe a million other possible reason why he kept getting busted. He also made a comment that Mike left after two days in 2012, never to be seen or heard from since. To defend Mike's absence he had a disk problem in his back and was forced to leave to go to the hospital....hours away. Powersville is in the sticks. He ended up in the hospital and subsequently needed surgery. The year before, Mike was healthy and on the property the entire time. He was there whenever anyone needed him and he joined us every evening for dinner. I have had great communication both with Mike and Jade our guide and continue to have great communication with them. Maybe instead of waiting for Mike to contact him, he should contact Mike and thank him for donating the hunt to charity. The first year I went to Double Deuce, I had two buddies with me. In 2012 I had 3 buddies with me and this year there are 7 of us going. We are going during the same week again this year as we went last year and the year before and we can't wait to get there again. The lodging is first class, the food is great, all the people there are great and the cigarette smokers all smoke outside or in the garage. There is no smoking in the house. I will add too that like the other fella that had negative comments about the Double Deuce, I am an outfitter as well. But, unlike him I feel the Double Deuce is a quality operation, with great booners all over the place. Double Deuce can accommodate all types of hunters, with all types of needs. However, some guys need to know that fair chase hunts are not the same as high fence hunts. You can't guarantee anything with wild animals. If you are a good hunter you will see quality deer at Double Deuce, and you will have opportunity. Lastly, Double Deuce, and Mike Helbing doesn't need my help to promote the place, I just felt the negative comments by another individual needed some balance and truth. I am grateful to people like Mike Helbing that donate hunts like this to Charities. And hope the negative comments made by this one guy with sour grapes because someone didn't tie a booner up to his deer stand, doesn't motivate Mike to stop helping the charities he graciously helps every year. Mike, if you read this, thank you for all the things you do to make sure I and my group have a great time. Jade, if you read this, never argue with hunters that want to give you a tip......take the money, you earned it even if they didn't get a deer. It's not your fault if they aren't good hunters.