Chuck Oeleis (Oeleis): I used to do a lot of work with state and federal agencies on wildlife matters. For example, I worked on several teams to trap and relocate elk, deer and turkey. I was also involved in mountain lion studies. That kind of work gave me a broad overview of North American wildlife and its habitat requirements, which of course has helped me a lot as an agent. But the important thing that pushed me in the direction of being an agent is the passion I have for hunting. I simply love it and have spent countless hours over the years seeking out good hunts - originally just for myself but now for my clients.
USHR: So you have actually hunted a lot yourself...?
Oeleis: You bet! I shot my first deer when I was 12 and I have been hooked ever since. Most of my experience has been here in the Lower 48, but I've ventured as far north as Alaska and the Yukon. Among my accomplishments is the taking of a Boone and Crockett/Pope and Young elk and deer, as well as many of the major Alaskan species. No matter how much I hunt, however, when a trophy animal presents himself to me, I get as excited as I did when I was 12. My business goal as an agent is to have every one of my clients experience the excitement about hunting that I feel.
USHR: Over the years you must have had some bad hunts, though....
Oeleis: Unfortunately I have, and those bad experiences have really stuck with me. One particular hunt that stands out is a mule deer drop camp hunt I went on. I booked this hunt at a sport show where I had the chance to talk directly to the outfitter. He described the hunt as being in "...a remote wilderness area where I would see no other hunters during my stay." Moreover,........(continued)
