HuntingReport.com
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Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Rough and Ready Guide Service Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
7795 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
May 13, 2010 to May 23, 2010 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
United States Alaska |
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Kelly Vrem; Rough and Ready Guide Service. PO Box 670742; Chugiak; AK; 99567; Tel. 907-688-3736; Email: vrem@alaska.net; Web www.vrem.com |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Sam Madrid |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
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Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Bear, Brown - Availability: See comments. |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
See comments. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
N/A |
| Name
of Airline: |
Alaska and Penn Air |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$16000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$835 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
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Amount: |
$850 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
Weather. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Bear standing on hind legs close to tent checking things out, Sam banging kettles together to drive it away. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
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| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
yes |
| Why? |
They do all a person could possibly ask for and more! |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Carl B. Molander |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 206-285-1292 - 3606 W Commodore Way E-mail: cbbmo@msn.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
Extensive. |
| Physical Condition: |
Excellent for 84! |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
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| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
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ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
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Late evening of the first day we flew in, Sam my guide walked over to the beach to do some last minute checking and there was a big bear lying watching our tent. Sam came back and got me and we watched him, eventually he got up and strolled over to the creek and out of sight. In Alaska you cant shoot until 3 am of the following day that you fly so we were approximately four hours short but still a good way to start off a hunt. Before I go further I must tell you about Sam Madrid. Hes the most ambitious knowledgeable guide you will ever want to meet. No sooner out of bed than checking the beaches and hills and last thing at night and during the day you would think his binoculars were glued to his face! Anyhow we had the coldest wettest spring Kelly or Sam had seen since the 70s. We had rain, snow sleet and winds up about 75 mph which kept us in the extremely well built tent with plenty of tie downs for two days. In spite of it all we saw bear every day, a sow in the process of driving her cub off, mating bears, a sow running down a hill and suddenly rolling and all sorts of antics. We made a long stalk on a big bore only to have him pull the disappearing act. We saw bears despite the weather. I dont shoot just anything much to the disappointment and anger of a different guide outfitter I had last year. I didnt shoot a bear due to anyones fault but my own. I have the very highest regards for both my guide Sam Madrid and my outfitter Kelly Vrem. In fact when Kelly flew in to get us on the 11th day of the 10 day hunt he suggested we stay the two more days until the end of the season, we already had broke camp and had it on the beach, he had us stay so we could hunt that day, flew out and then back in that evening to get us even though it made a second round trip for him. Quite a guy!
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|
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Rough and Ready Guide Service Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
4054 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
April 3, 2004 to April 13, 2004 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
United States Alaska 16 |
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Kelly Vrem; Rough and Ready Guide Service. PO Box 670742; Chugiak; AK; 99567; Tel. 907-688-3736; Email: vrem@alaska.net; Web www.vrem.com |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Scott Simmons |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Keith Atcheson; Jack Atcheson & Sons, Inc.. 3210 Ottawa St; Butte; MT; 59701; Tel. 406-782-2382; Fax: 406-723-3318;Email: office@atcheson.com; Web www.atcheson.com |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Bear, Brown - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 9 1/2 foot bear. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
I hunted with Kelly last year in April 2003 for 14 days. I saw 10-15 bears but none over 9 foot. Kelly was gracious enough to give me a price break to return this spring. This spring we saw 15 or more bear before spotting the big one on day ten. Kelly and Lu's crew worked hard to find me my bear. Scott Simmons and Terry Lawson were excellent guides. We would usually find one or more bears per day. But as always the true trophys are harder to find. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Good |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Good |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Alaska Airlines. |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
| Airline
Comments: |
I have flown several times in the past two years with Alaska Airlines and have had no problems. Excellent service. |
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$12000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$585 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$550 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
None. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Stalking bear after 24 days of hunting over 2 years and killing bear with one shot. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Snow camoflauge. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Thomas Lundgren |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 308-247-3130 - 291 S 5 Rd., Morrill, NE 69318 |
| Hunting Experience: |
38 years big game hunting. Numerous Western States, Alaska and Canada. |
| Physical Condition: |
Very good. |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
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|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Rough and Ready Guide Service Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
2773 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
April 21, 2002 to May 2, 2002 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
United States Alaska Unit 16 |
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Kelly Vrem; Rough and Ready Guide Service. PO Box 670742; Chugiak; AK; 99567; Tel. 907-688-3736; Email: vrem@alaska.net; Web www.vrem.com |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Kelly Vrem and Scott Simmons |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Keith Atcheson; Jack Atcheson & Sons, Inc.. 3210 Ottawa St; Butte; MT; 59701; Tel. 406-782-2382; Fax: 406-723-3318;Email: office@atcheson.com; Web www.atcheson.com |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Bear, Brown - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Nine feet six inches square. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Early hunt, many bears in good condition, no rubbing. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Good |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
United and Charter provided by outfitter. |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
|
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$12000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
$85 license, $500 brown bear tag. |
Amount: |
$585 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$350 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
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| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Taking my first brown bear, stalking on snow shoes. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Snow camp; warm clothes and sleeping bag, sun block. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
Abundant, quality game; great outfitter; excellent chance at nine-foot brown. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
James Reinert |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 312-456-7011 - E-mail: jreinert@usequities.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
US, Canada, Alaska, Africa |
| Physical Condition: |
Excellent. |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Rough and Ready Guide Service Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
2388 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
August 24, 2001 to August 31, 2001 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
United States Alaska Unit 19 |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Kelly Vrem; Rough and Ready Guide Service. PO Box 670742; Chugiak; AK; 99567; Tel. 907-688-3736; Email: vrem@alaska.net; Web www.vrem.com |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Scott Simmons |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Jeff Blair; Blair Worldwide Hunting. P. O. Box 3088; Flagstaff; AZ; 86003; Tel. 800-338-5252; Fax: 928-779-2429;Web www.blairworldwide.com |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Caribou - Availability: Abundant - Trophy Size: Excellent. |
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Bear, Black - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 19 inches. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Condition of game seemed excellent. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Excellent |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Excellent |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
American, Inland |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$5000 |
| Trophy Fees: |
Included. |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$650 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$1700 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$320 |
| Other Costs: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
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| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Abundance of game: caribou, black bear, grizzly bear, moose, wolf, etc. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Wet weather gear, bug spray. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
The hunt was excellent in every way. Kelly Vrem runs an excellent operation and went above and beyond expectations to help ensure our success. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Matt Portch |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 817-577-1029 - 804 Vendone Ct., Hurst, TX 76054 E-mail: portchm@aol.com |
| Hunting Experience: |
25 plus years, North America and Africa. |
| Physical Condition: |
Good. |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Rough and Ready Guide Service Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
1676 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
April 4, 2000 to April 13, 2000 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
United States Alaska 16 |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Kelly Vrem; Rough and Ready Guide Service. PO Box 670742; Chugiak; AK; 99567; Tel. 907-688-3736; Email: vrem@alaska.net; Web www.vrem.com |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Scott Simmons |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Trophy Connection, The. PO Box 2565; Cody; WY; 82414; Tel. 307-527-5506 / 800-308-1161; Fax: 307-587-3308;Email: info@thetrophyconnection.com; Web www.thetrophyconnection.com |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Bear, Brown - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Over nine feet. |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
At this time of the year, the older boars were just starting to leave the dens. The bear I killed was in absolute prime condition. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Good |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Excellent |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Delta |
Airline
Service: |
Excellent |
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$9500 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$550 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$600 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Other Costs: |
Miscellaneous, food, lodging after hunt, souveniers. |
Amount: |
$500 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
None. Although this early hunt is very weather dependent. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Spiking out and locating the den at first light. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
Snow camo and warm boots. The temperature is 10 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. |
| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
I would recommend this hunt because of the outstanding outfitter and guide and the above average trophy size for over 20 years in the same area. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Gary Stanek |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 810-781-5086 - 52708 Stag Ridge Street, Macomb, MI 48042 |
| Hunting Experience: |
I have hunted in Alaska and Wyomning for elk, deer and antelope, in Quebec for caribou and Michigan for black bear and whitetail. |
| Physical Condition: |
Excellent. |
|
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
 |
| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
 |
Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Rough and Ready Guide Service Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
|
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
2129 |
Weapon
Used: |
Bow |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
September 26, 1999 to October 4, 1999 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
United States Alaska 18 |
|
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
 |
| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Kelly Vrem; Rough and Ready Guide Service. PO Box 670742; Chugiak; AK; 99567; Tel. 907-688-3736; Email: vrem@alaska.net; Web www.vrem.com |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
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| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Trophy Connection, The. PO Box 2565; Cody; WY; 82414; Tel. 307-527-5506 / 800-308-1161; Fax: 307-587-3308;Email: info@thetrophyconnection.com; Web www.thetrophyconnection.com |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Caribou - Availability: There was a lack of game. The outfitter failed to move me to an area with game as promised. |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
I saw 13 caribou in seven days. There was no trophy bulls seen. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Poor |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Good |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Good |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Poor |
Trophy
Care: |
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| Name
of Airline: |
Penn Air |
Airline
Service: |
Good |
|
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$3350 |
| Trophy Fees: |
|
Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
|
Amount: |
$350 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
Used points |
Amount: |
$0 |
| Charter Airfares: |
|
Amount: |
$240 |
| Other Costs: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
|
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
There was no caribou in the area. The guide said he would move me to a better area but he didn't. |
| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Guide houled in a wolf and missed a 40-yard shot with a bow. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
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| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
No |
| Why? |
I booked the hunt three days before I have arrived and I believe that the outfitter knew he didn't have game available when I booked. The outfitter failed to move the camp as he promised and didn't offer to extend hunt. Booking agent Tobey Griffins never followed up on how my hunt went and had no explanation for the poor hunt. Three rifle hunters in the camp had an experience similar to mine. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Nathan L. Andersohn |
| Contact
Information: |
Tel. 303-650-6414 - 6848 Zenobia Street, #7, Westminster, CO. |
| Hunting Experience: |
I have hunted for 27 years. |
| Physical Condition: |
Excellent. |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
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| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? Yes |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? No |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
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ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
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To: The Hunting Report From: Wes Vining of The Trophy Connection Re: Complaint registered by Mr. Nathan Andersohn Date: April 24, 2000
I'm writing this to respond to your letter concerning a complaint registered by Mr. Nathan Andersohn.
There is no question that Mr. Andersohn had a disappointing hunt for caribou. However, it is important to note that he booked at the very last moment and that Mr. Toby Griffith told him that this was the end of the season and that he should talk with the outfitter directly before booking. He did talk to the outfitter and the outfitter told him the situation and furthermore told him that it was not the best time for an archer. It is true the outfitter thought that he could he could get a caribou with the bow. The outfitter reduced the price of the hunt because of the time of year and the fact that Mr. Andersohn booked only three days before the hunt. As a matter of fact, Mr. Andersohn never paid us a penny as we had him talk to the outfitter and book directly, due largely to the fact that there wasn't time.
Now as far as follow-up, this is simply not true. Toby Griffith has followed-up, he left a phone message after the hunt, and when he received a letter of concern on January 4, 2000 his response was in the mail on January 6, 2000. See attached.
Thanks again for letting us respond to the report of a disappointed hunter. Sometimes I think we should open a meat market and forget about the aspects of hunting.
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To: Toby Griffith From: Nathan Andersohn Re: Caribou Hunt - Rough and Ready Guide Service Date: January 4, 2000
The caribou hunt you booked for me with Kelly Vrim was a total failure. It was obvious that booking a hunt in the last week of the season was not a good idea, as everyone was ready to shut down camp. While I enjoyed Kelly and my guide, I don't feel the best effort was made to get me into the caribou.
On the first day of the hunt I was taken to a spike camp seven miles from the main camp and told by Kelly that he would move me as soon as he located the main caribou herd. I found out later that he told the other camps the same thing. At the end of the week none of us had been moved and I had seen a total of 13 caribou. I only saw one mature bull, and he would not have even made the Pope & Young record book. The highlight of the trip was getting a 40-yard shot at a wolf and stalking a black bear.
I believe that at the time this hunt was booked the outfitter knew there was not many caribou in the area, as I only booked three days before I left. At the end of my seven-day hunt the weather had cleared, but no effort was made to extend our hunt.
I don't feel that you did a very good job of checking out the caribou populations in the area before I left, and I am obviously disappointed that more effort wasn't made to get me into the caribou. You should note that the three rifle hunters in the other camp didn't fare much better than I, with only one of them harvesting two immature bulls.
---------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW DOCUMENT --------------------------------------------------------------------- To: Nathan Andersohn From: Toby Griffith Re: Hunt with Rough and Ready Guide Service Date: January 6, 2000
In reference to your letter on January 6, 2000 regarding your caribou hunt with Rough & Ready Guide Service, owned and operated by Kelly Vrem, I am responding accordingly.
First, let me thank you for taking the time in providing me with a written report of your "failed" caribou hunt. I spoke with Kelly Vrem shortly after your hunt and he too was discouraged with the limited number of caribou in his guide area during your hunt. However, when the arrangements were made Kelly felt confident that even though a large portion of the 500,000 Mulchatna Herd had moved south, many of the caribou were beginning to move back into his area and he was positive the hunt would be a success. Based on this, having hunted with and knowing Kelly for many years, I too felt comfortable in recommending the hunt. In fact, if I recall both you and I have talked with his guide who had confirmed this movement. I'm not making excuses for Kelly or myself, but it sound like either the caribou didn't move far enough north or, within the short period between the booking and your arrival, they began moving back to the south. This can and will happen.
In any case, I am disappointed in the fact that Kelly did not move you to a different area to increase your opportunity of success. As I mentioned, I had hunted with Kelly a couple years ago and found his area and operation to be excellent in virtually all aspects. Moving clients to various camps to increase their opportunity of success has always been a strong selling point for Kelly. He has always made arrangements to do this, barring any major weather problems, so I don't know why he didn't move you and the other hunters. This question and why he couldn't extent the hunt will hopefully be answered when I see him in Reno for Safari Club International.
Nathan, I understand your disappointment and I apologize for making a decision which, at this time, appears to have been incorrect, however, if Kelly says the caribou are there and he is the person flying the area, knowing what is going on, I will make the same decision again. Please, if you have any questions or wish to discuss this in more detail with me or Kelly, give us a call. Until then, I wish you the very best during this New "2000" Year!
---------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW DOCUMENT ---------------------------------------------------------------------
To: The Hunting Report From: Wes Vining of the Trophy Connection Re: Complaint registered by Mr. Nathan Andersohn
We see your report from Mr. Nathan Andersohn and would like to make a brief comment, but I think you got an earlier report from Mr. Toby Griffith.
At any rate, Mr. Andersohn booked this hunt with very brief notice, and in fact was told by Toby that this was late for an archery hunt (Sept. 26th start) and that the season was to close, I believe on the 30th, so he would have only a few days to hunt. He was advised of all this but still wanted to go because these were the only dates that fit his schedule.
Mr. Vrem also explained the situation to the client.
We do know that the client was disappointed in not seeing more caribou, but he is not being fair to this outfitter, since we all explained the situation to him.
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Subscriber-Written Trip Report On Rough and Ready Guide Service Hunts |
Below is one sample of such a Report which is made available to you FREE of Charge.
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DATE
AND PLACE OF HUNT |
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| Report
ID: |
1101 |
Weapon
Used: |
Rifle |
How
Hunt Was Conducted? |
Guided |
| Date
of Hunt: |
September 1, 1999 to September 8, 1999 |
| Place
of Hunt: |
United States Alaska Aniak |
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OUTFITTER,
GUIDE AND BOOKING AGENT DETAILS |
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| Outfitter
(or safari company): |
Kelly Vrem; Rough and Ready Guide Service. PO Box 670742; Chugiak; AK; 99567; Tel. 907-688-3736; Email: vrem@alaska.net; Web www.vrem.com |
| Personal
Guide (if any): |
Jack Preston |
| Booking
Agent (if any): |
Keith Atcheson; Jack Atcheson & Sons, Inc.. 3210 Ottawa St; Butte; MT; 59701; Tel. 406-782-2382; Fax: 406-723-3318;Email: office@atcheson.com; Web www.atcheson.com |
Trip
Arrangements
(if self-guided): |
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| License
Required: |
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GAME
DESCRIPTION |
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| Major
Game Animals Taken: |
Bear, Brown - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: Eight feet |
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Moose - Availability: Average - Trophy Size: 60 inches |
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| Game
Sought But Not Taken: |
Bear, Black - Availability: Poor bullet placement. |
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| Game
Condition Comments: |
Good. |
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SERVICE
RATINGS (excellent, good, fair or poor) |
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| Quality
of Outfit: |
Excellent |
Guide/PH
Ability: |
Excellent |
| Condition
of Camp: |
Good |
Condition
of Equipment: |
Good |
| Quality
of Food: |
Good |
Trophy
Care: |
Excellent |
| Name
of Airline: |
Pen Air |
Airline
Service: |
Poor |
| Airline
Comments: |
Baggage not delivered on time. $100 excessive baggage charge for VCR and hand bag. |
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COSTS |
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| Hunting
Fees: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Trophy Fees: |
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Amount: |
$0 |
| Permits/Licenses: |
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Amount: |
$1250 |
| Commercial
Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$1772 |
| Charter Airfares: |
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Amount: |
$480 |
| Other Costs: |
This is the cost for myself and my 15 year old son. |
Amount: |
$0 |
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SUMMARY
REMARKS |
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| Problems
of Hunt: |
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| Highlights
of Hunt: |
Taking a bear with my son and filming my son's moose hunt. |
| Equipment
Recommendations: |
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| Would You
Recommend This Hunt to a Friend? |
Yes |
| Why? |
It was a great hunt and quite an experience. |
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HUNTER
INFORMATION |
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| Hunter
Name: |
Patrick J. Langel and son Patrick |
| Contact
Information: |
990 South Jenkins Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34947 |
| Hunting Experience: |
Experience with small game and deer. My first hunt in Alaska was for caribou but this one was for bear and moose. |
| Physical Condition: |
Good. |
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IMPORTANT
NOTES (actions taken if hunter unhappy with hunt) |
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| Notified Outfitter? |
Notified Personal Guide? |
Notified Booking Agent? |
| Seeking any
kind of restitution or other settlement from agent, outfitter
or guide? |
| If Seeking Restitution, What is Sought? |
|
|
 |
ADDITIONAL
HUNTER COMMENTS AND/OR OUTFITTER/BOOKING AGENT REBUTTAL |
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