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Hunter Comments

I have to say that Mike Connett is the best outfitter guide that I have had experience with. The first morning of my hunt, I was unable to sit in the lock-on tree stand that he put me in due to my size (6'4" 300+lbs) and extreme height of the stand, so I had to sit on the ground with a compound bow. Not the easiest thing to do. I approached Mike about my issue and he took every step necessary to show me some stands that I would be comfortable in. Most outfitters that I have dealt with would not have gone to such efforts to make me feel comfortable. Also, I love food, and I thought the food was great. Thank You, Elena! Mike and Elena's hospitality went far beyond my expectations! Now, I have to talk about the deer hunting. I have to say that I was very disappointed with the number of deer I saw out of the stand during the first week of November. I got skunked several times during the week and in my opinion, for $1900, that should not happen very often. On my last evening hunt, I had my first experience with a possible shooter. Since it was almost dark, all I saw was a long G-2 on the right side and a big body. I decided to try a shot when the deer walked 20 yards in front of me, my arrow hit a limb and I killed a huge tree. I still don't know if the deer was actually over 125" but I took a the shot because I had such a tough week. I am not recommending Wide Rack Outfitters for one simple reason, for $1900, I expect to at least see several 125" or better deer, shot opportunity or not. I have hunted in the state of Ohio at a family farm since I was 8 years old and I know that Ohio has monster bucks. I understand that it is called hunting for a reason and the deer are going to move when they are ready, not when I want them to, so I know that seeing several shooter bucks in only five days of hunting is never guaranteed. I want to thank Mike and Elena and the five other hunters in camp that week. We had great food, awesome fellowship, and I know that I've gained some life long frienships. I just wish I didn't have to pay $1900 for it.

Was the outfitter notified of problems? - YES

Outfitter's Response

Sean, I have some really mixed feelings about your report. First I truly enjoyed having you in camp. And I am very sorry you could not recommend us to other hunters. The only part of your report I disagree with is the "poor" rating you gave us for areas we have no control over. We are a 100% fair chase outfitter. Bigger buck movement was the slowest I have ever seen during this 1st hunt week of Nov. I also do believe warmer weather had somthing to do with the slow start of the rut. With that said I will have to "Thank You" and agree with the majority of your comments. 1. "Best Outfitter Guide." 2. "Mike took every step nessary to provide comfotable stands." 3. "The Food was Great." 4. "Took a shot at a buck with long g-2 & big body right at dark." 5. "I understand that it is called hunting for a reason & deer are going to move when they are ready." 6. "I know that seeing several shooter bucks in only 5 days of hunting is never guarenteed." 7. "Hospitality beyond expectation." Again Sean I am sorry you feel you could not recoomend us to others. But based upon your "7" statements above I believe you had a better time at the "Wide Rack" than your rating reflects. "Sharpe-Edge" GBTA! Mike Connett, "Wide Rack Outfitters"