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Hunter Comments

We saw a few good bulls but everytime they would come within 100 yards our guides would bugle at them and bang on trees. All the bull would then just walk away from us. We were told what the camping would be like,what to expect. None of what he told us was true. Very dissapointed in the effort they made to recover wounded game also. One of the guys with us hit one just before dark and the guide told him he hit it high and back, they decided to go back in in the morning. The guide told him that they would not find it and so he only looked for 20 minutes and then gave up. Needless to say the hunter was extremely upset. For what was to be our hunt of a lifetime turned out to be a nightmare. I would not recommend this outfitter to anyone.

Was the outfitter notified of problems? - YES

Outfitter's Response

Much to my surprise and disappointment Mr. Tom Kruk (W. Va.) and Mr. Gary Dahlem (Ohio) did not notify me regarding any complaints or problems with their 2007 archery elk hunt. Neither man was forthright enough to talk to me personally regarding any problems or complaints. Instead, I found out about the negative report on this web site from several of my very satisfied bow hunting clients that regularly hunt with us. No attempt was made by Kruk or Dahlem to discuss what they believed to be problems, either at camp during the hunt, or by phone or letter after the hunt. I will address each of their unfounded complaints individually in this response of total disagreement to their report. First, let me say that since 1979, we have specialized in archery hunting for bull elk, with a track record that absolutely speaks for itself. We have maintained 90 to 100% shooting opportunity rate, and an actual kill rate of 75% or better most years, with a very satisfied return hunter rate of over 80%. This success rate could not be accomplished without being pros in our field. So as to Kruk and Dahlem's remarks trying to make their guides out to be incompetent, it is simply not so. Myself and my guides are dedicated, experienced professionals that are very good at what we do in the archery elk hunting field. We produced shooting opportunities for Kruk in which he promptly missed one bull and squandered shooting opportunities on two other bulls. As far as Dahlem goes I personally guided him and brought in an awesome 300+ 6x6 herd bull to 14 yards broadside, which unfortunately he hit very high and back, just under the spine in the meaty void between the spine and the cavity. I watched the bull run 150 yards and join with a cow and calf. We followed the trail the bull ran down to the spot we last seen him standing and searched the immediate area with no luck of finding the arrow or any blood to trail. Abandoning the search at dark, we came back at daylight the next morning to resume the search. For a couple of hours we searched the entire area with no success as there was no arrow, no blood, and absolutely no clues as to which way the bull might have went. Having witnessed the hit from 14 yards away, I do know for a fact that the bull was not mortally wounded, at least not for any kind of quick or overnight death and we weren't going to see that bull again unless we just got lucky. Unless bad infection set in later on, I believe the bull is alive and well as I write this! So Mr. Kruk and Mr. Dahlem, as for our lack of effort to "recover" wounded game, that complaint is as ridiculous as the rest. It is in our best interest for our success rate and client satisfaction to make any and all attempts to recover wounded if possible, and we regularly do just that! As far as Kruk and Dahlem's complaints about our camp, well... all I could do was shake my head. We have a very nice wall tent camp that's been in the same beautiful location for the past 17 years. Our gear is all less than 5 years old and in excellent condition. Our camp is well organized, tidy and comfortable. We have a cook tent, dining tent, 2 hunters per 10'x12' sleeping tent complete with wood stove, lantern clothes racks, hangers, padded cots, carpet on the floors, latrine tent and shower tent. Nothing more and nothing less has ever been represented to our prospective clients. That complaint is totally unfounded and false. We also are disappointed when our hunters are not successful on their "hunt of a lifetime" as Kruk puts it. But I can hardly consider that this is reason enough to declare the hunt as a "nightmare" as stated! Their negative attitude towards the hunt would suggest that they both work harder for their money and free time than the average guy that may go home empty handed on a hunt! I personally doubt that very much! As far as I'm concerned Kruk and Dahlem have acted with no integrity or honesty. I feel like they have tried to undermine myself, my staff, my business and my reputation, and all behind my back as neither men were forthright enough to talk to me face to face. I find it sad that for some hunters, success can only be equated with a kill, and that in a nutshell is where I believe this negative report was generated. They take no personal responsibility for there own inept performance in the field. Nor have they matured enough in their hunting to realize that they had booked a trip for the opportunity to hunt for a bull elk. Instead they feel they have bought themselves a bull! I stand behind my reputation and my staff and learned a long time ago, not everyone can be pleased, no matter how much effort is put forth. Respectfully submitted, Jim Schell, Rough country Outfitters