Do you use Leica Geovids in the US? Like them? Worth the price?

I responded to your question in the Africa forum. Shoot me a PM if you want more info.

Been using them for years, long before they were a sponsor. Very good IMO!

I picked up a pair about 10 years ago and wouldn't hunt without them. IMO well worth the price.

I've had a bunch of hunting clients bring them over the years. I don't remember a single complaint about them (other than maybe the price).

In four months us usage here in Idaho, my shooting Rockchucks range went from about 400yds to more than double that.

That combined with a Premier Reticle boosted 6.5-20 Leupold (to 18-42X) and a custom rifle chambered for the 257 Banshee. Necked down and blown out and sharp shouldered 6,5x58 Schuler.

Add a set of Oehler ballistic charts and I was in business.

I love them.

Rich

I think these binos make much more sense in the US where the country is a bit bigger and the shots will be longer. The exception in Africa, of course, might be hunts for Springbok, Mt. Nyala, or some other game usually taken a longer ranges.

That said, I have always had a couple problems with the Geovid. One of these problems is cost. I don't like the idea of spending $2500 for a set of rangefinding binos when I can spend say $1200 for a really nice set of binos that will last a lifetime and $500 for an equally nice rangefinder. The premium to have them in one package is just not worth it to me.

I also don't like the feeling that I am "putting all my eggs in one basket" so to speak. If the rangefinder component of the Geovid goes TU, then the whole unit goes back for repair and I am out BOTH the rangefinder and binos!

Finally, I don't like spending big money for anything that is electronic. Let's face it, the reliability of the Geovids seems fabulous, but in 10-15 years who knows if thqt particular technology will still be supported by Leica when they have moved on to other models. What happens if the fragile circuitry breaks then?

I want binos I can hand down to my grandkids and that they can use forever. I am not sure I have that much faith in anything electronic.

JMHO

I agree with tendrams. Keep in mind when you buy 2nd hand Leica products, you have no warranty whatsoever. Leica has a non transferrable warranty on all products. It's a shame because they make good stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by tendrams:
I think these binos make much more sense in the US where the country is a bit bigger and the shots will be longer. The exception in Africa, of course, might be hunts for Springbok, Mt. Nyala, or some other game usually taken a longer ranges.

That said, I have always had a couple problems with the Geovid. One of these problems is cost. I don't like the idea of spending $2500 for a set of rangefinding binos when I can spend say $1200 for a really nice set of binos that will last a lifetime and $500 for an equally nice rangefinder. The premium to have them in one package is just not worth it to me.

I also don't like the feeling that I am "putting all my eggs in one basket" so to speak. If the rangefinder component of the Geovid goes TU, then the whole unit goes back for repair and I am out BOTH the rangefinder and binos!

Finally, I don't like spending big money for anything that is electronic. Let's face it, the reliability of the Geovids seems fabulous, but in 10-15 years who knows if thqt particular technology will still be supported by Leica when they have moved on to other models. What happens if the fragile circuitry breaks then?

I want binos I can hand down to my grandkids and that they can use forever. I am not sure I have that much faith in anything electronic.

JMHO

I have the original Geovid and they still work great, even though they are now over 20 years old. I no longer use it, but I never think of the $4500 ($7284 in today's dollars) I spent on it.

But I do agree with you that I prefer two separate units. As I said in the African forum, the BR2 is hands down the best rangefinder today - better than the latest Geovid. After shooting at long range for thirty years I would say if you buy a rangefinder for long range shooting, you need one that compensates for angles, temp, pressure, etc., as well as let's you input the ballistic profile to show drop, effective range, wind drift, etc.

That said, I will be bringing my Leica 1200 on my brown bear hunt in April as well as my elk hunt in September, together with my Leica 8x30s and Meopta spotter.

quote:

Originally posted by tendrams:
...

I also don't like the feeling that I am "putting all my eggs in one basket" so to speak. If the rangefinder component of the Geovid goes TU, then the whole unit goes back for repair and I am out BOTH the rangefinder and binos! ...

I agree with you there. I was all set to buy the latest Leica Geovid at the SCI show as several dealers there had them (it is on a year long backorder everywhere else). It was one of the guys in the Leica booth that pointed out that the warranty was limited due to the rangefinder component. I am still doing research for the binos, but got the Leica Rangemaster 1600-B for rangefinder.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/...534_Rangemaster.html

I did look at the BR2 at the SCI show (booth was next to Leica's), but just the one year warranty seemed a bit thin to me. Not to mention the price was almost double Leica's for basically the same features.

I'm glad I have an older set and I do use them while hunting. I don't know that I would buy a new set at the current prices unless I was doing a lot more long range PD shooting or something.

dogcat: My answers are also found in the African Hunting Forum and for what it's now worth, some additional answers regarding my experience in owning both the new Swaro EL 10X42 range finding binos and the new Leica 10X42 range finding binos. I have used the Leicas and the Swaros in the U.S., Africa and in Mexico.

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:
I agree with you there. I was all set to buy the latest Leica Geovid at the SCI show as several dealers there had them (it is on a year long backorder everywhere else). It was one of the guys in the Leica booth that pointed out that the warranty was limited due to the rangefinder component. ...

Precisely. About four years back a guy on another board dropped his Leica RF and it would no longer give consistent or accurate range results. This was during the warranty period. He sent it back to Leica who, on looking at it, said that (since it was dropped) they would NOT repair it under warranty and would not even offer the chance to have it fixed on his dime. All they gave him was $200 credit toward another RF. Imagine that happening with a set of Geovids..."Sorry, you handled them too roughly on your hunt and the electronics are shot...we'll give you $1200 toward the purchase of a new set of $3000 binoculars."

Even more frightening, the electronics warranty for Swaro's version of the Geovid is apparently just two years!

quote:

Originally posted by tendrams:

quote:

Originally posted by tanks:
I agree with you there. I was all set to buy the latest Leica Geovid at the SCI show as several dealers there had them (it is on a year long backorder everywhere else). It was one of the guys in the Leica booth that pointed out that the warranty was limited due to the rangefinder component. ...

Precisely. About four years back a guy on another board dropped his Leica RF and it would no longer give consistent or accurate range results. This was during the warranty period. He sent it back to Leica who, on looking at it, said that (since it was dropped) they would NOT repair it under warranty and would not even offer the chance to have it fixed on his dime. All they gave him was $200 credit toward another RF. Imagine that happening with a set of Geovids..."Sorry, you handled them too roughly on your hunt and the electronics are shot...we'll give you $1200 toward the purchase of a new set of $3000 binoculars."

Even more frightening, the electronics warranty for Swaro's version of the Geovid is apparently just two years!

Last year I had to decide between Swarovski and Leica spotting scopes. I ended up going with the Swarovskis because of all the credible warranty nightmare stories I found about Leica.

I posted this in another thread, but.......not sure why people don't try out the Zeiss RF bino if they want an all in one unit. It has the best RF of any unit out there, and glass is Zeiss quality fantastic. I'm not sure why people buy Leica anything anymore.

Never book a hunt with Aaron Nielson!!! First he was Omni Outdoor Adventures, then Adventures Wild, now Global Hunting Resources.. Just a few days ago he was fired by Safari 1 for miss appropriation of funds from a cancelled hunt by clients he booked in Pakistan. He has four, count em - FOUR - board sanctions in his home state of Colorado by the Colorado Department of Professional Regulation for Outfitter violations. He was even cited for illegal hunting and trespass by the Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife for illegally guiding in Kansas!!!! He's up to his usual shell game of booking guys in eastern Colorado for big money and then having his guides tell them they can't shoot the deer they see because "it isn't old enough"! Liar, thief , cheat all describe Aaron Nielson. Due you due diligence and search his past/board sanctions on the Colorado DOPL web site and one will find his sanctions and violations. He supposedly sold Global Hunting Resources to Deron Millman and Safari 1 about a year ago and now they have seen through his charade and fired him within the last week!!!!

I have been using a pair of 8x40 Leicas with the built in rangefinder for several years.

They have preformed in an excellent manner. The glass is very good and the Rangefinder works great. I have got several readings at just over 1200 yards.

You can tell when the battery starts to get week when you have a hard time getting readings past 700 to 800 yards.

I have continued to use such batteries as a test, and they will still give readings in the 300 to 500 yard range for a long time.

The only downside to them is their weight. When I hunt I wear my binos 100% of the time, so when I went to these over a pair of 8x30's it took a while to get used to the weight.

Once I did they became my favorite pair of bino's.

I still carry my Leica 8x20's when I want really light weight and do not need the rangefinder feature. like when hunting with ironsighted guns up close.

quote:

Originally posted by lucasga:
Never book a hunt with Aaron Nielson!!! First he was Omni Outdoor Adventures, then Adventures Wild, now Global Hunting Resources.. Just a few days ago he was fired by Safari 1 for miss appropriation of funds from a cancelled hunt by clients he booked in Pakistan. He has four, count em - FOUR - board sanctions in his home state of Colorado by the Colorado Department of Professional Regulation for Outfitter violations. He was even cited for illegal hunting and trespass by the Kansas Department of Parks and Wildlife for illegally guiding in Kansas!!!! He's up to his usual shell game of booking guys in eastern Colorado for big money and then having his guides tell them they can't shoot the deer they see because "it isn't old enough"! Liar, thief , cheat all describe Aaron Nielson. Due you due diligence and search his past/board sanctions on the Colorado DOPL web site and one will find his sanctions and violations. He supposedly sold Global Hunting Resources to Deron Millman and Safari 1 about a year ago and now they have seen through his charade and fired him within the last week!!!!

We need a new thread: classic first posts.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
We need a new thread: classic first posts.

LOL! YES!

WOW! First posts like these are almost comical but when they come on and try to intentionally try to hurt a mans business it just isn't funny at all.

I have worked with Aaron for a number of years and we have butted heads a bunch due to type A personalities but I can tell you for a fact that he has never misappropriated funds or not paid a bill in our dealings. He has always been fair with me and I have always been fair with him. A few years back I got a check for money I had forgotten he owed me and we hadn't discussed in months. I was supposed to let him know the exact about he owed and I never did, he sent a check with a note that simply said "this should cover it all, it not please let me know".

lucasga, let us know who you are. If you are going to call a man out and make claims like this surely you don't intend to hide behind a screen name.

Lastly, Aaron is like I am in that he would never intentionally violate a game law. Aside from being wrong we both simply have too much to lose to violate these laws. I have seen his interactions with various Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and personnel and he is in good standing with them. He is adamant with anybody associated with him that disregard for the law is completely unacceptable.

Anyway, hate to see a man get called out on a first post by somebody hiding behind a screen name. lucasga, who are you?

quote:

Originally posted by drummondlindsey:
WOW! First posts like these are almost comical but when they come on and try to intentionally try to hurt a mans business it just isn't funny at all.

I have worked with Aaron for a number of years and we have butted heads a bunch due to type A personalities but I can tell you for a fact that he has never misappropriated funds or not paid a bill in our dealings. He has always been fair with me and I have always been fair with him. A few years back I got a check for money I had forgotten he owed me and we hadn't discussed in months. I was supposed to let him know the exact about he owed and I never did, he sent a check with a note that simply said "this should cover it all, it not please let me know".

lucasga, let us know who you are. If you are going to call a man out and make claims like this surely you don't intend to hide behind a screen name.

Lastly, Aaron is like I am in that he would never intentionally violate a game law. Aside from being wrong we both simply have too much to lose to violate these laws. I have seen his interactions with various Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and personnel and he is in good standing with them. He is adamant with anybody associated with him that disregard for the law is completely unacceptable.

Anyway, hate to see a man get called out on a first post by somebody hiding behind a screen name. lucasga, who are you?

Drummond,

I imagine lucasga is yet another alter ego of the person who is currently calling himself Zombie Killer.

quote:

Originally posted by drummondlindsey:
WOW! First posts like these are almost comical but when they come on and try to intentionally try to hurt a mans business it just isn't funny at all.

I have worked with Aaron for a number of years and we have butted heads a bunch due to type A personalities but I can tell you for a fact that he has never misappropriated funds or not paid a bill in our dealings. He has always been fair with me and I have always been fair with him. A few years back I got a check for money I had forgotten he owed me and we hadn't discussed in months. I was supposed to let him know the exact about he owed and I never did, he sent a check with a note that simply said "this should cover it all, it not please let me know".

lucasga, let us know who you are. If you are going to call a man out and make claims like this surely you don't intend to hide behind a screen name.

Lastly, Aaron is like I am in that he would never intentionally violate a game law. Aside from being wrong we both simply have too much to lose to violate these laws. I have seen his interactions with various Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and personnel and he is in good standing with them. He is adamant with anybody associated with him that disregard for the law is completely unacceptable.

Anyway, hate to see a man get called out on a first post by somebody hiding behind a screen name. lucasga, who are you?

Drum:

Don't waste your time asking this guy to name himself; no one every does. A single post like this isn't going to hurt anyone. Think about it: if any of these allegations were true, they would surface on AR sooner or later. So far they have not. What does that tell you?

He may as well have said Aaron is gay or undergoing sex change therapy. Would any of us believe that to be true?

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

He may as well have said Aaron is gay or undergoing sex change therapy. Would any of us believe that to be true?

Well, actually that would explain a lot

I think you're spot on with what you said

I agree with you both. Aaron is a stand up guy with impeachable credentials.
In all my conversations and dealings with Aaron he is nothing but a great guy.
Sometimes the internet is such a convenient anonymous cover up that low lifes can't resist sniping from the shadows. Face to face they wouldn't utter a sound.

I've been around Aaron a time, or two, even hunted with him a bit. I'd have no reservations doing something similar in the future, and actually look forward to it.

The sad thing: somebody may read this clown's post and actually believe some or all of it...

Rich

Same here. I booked an antelope hunt with Aaron,and crew (Drum, Eric and Patrick)
All stand-up guys. Aaron was fair and square and treated me great as all the others did.
Will be booking with him again sometime.

Guys - Let me just say this. I know exactly who this guy is, I would expect he will be hearing from us soon.

I was NOT fired from Safari Outfitters for mis-appropriation of funds, that's a false claim. Otherwise, I am not wasting another minute of my time on this clown. Good heavens, some people's children!

quote:

Originally posted by Snellstrom:
Aaron is a stand up guy with impeachable credentials.

So was Bill Clinton.

I assume you meant "impeccable."

I meant to say unimpeachable but in the excitement of the moment I didn't write that, impeccable would be a better choice of words as you have graciously pointed out.
As you can tell I did not get a degree in english or writing, thankfully I'm a contractor!.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
Aaron is gay ...

I have a question, what does Aaron being gay have to do with Leica Geovids in the US? I am having trouble drawing a parallel between the two.

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
Aaron is gay ...

I have a question, what does Aaron being gay have to do with Leica Geovids in the US? I am having trouble drawing a parallel between the two.

Maybe some gay people are known to use Leica Geovids?

quote:

Originally posted by txlonghorn:

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
Aaron is gay ...

I have a question, what does Aaron being gay have to do with Leica Geovids in the US? I am having trouble drawing a parallel between the two.

Maybe some gay people are known to use Leica Geovids?

This

My my all the Aaron Neilson, Omni Outdoor Adventures, Adventures Wild, Global Hunting Resources supporters have come out of the woodwork despite the FACTS that are available as PUBLIC INFORMATION via the Colorado Division of Registrations PUBLIC website:
https://www.doradls.state.co.us
Here are the facts, names, dates, actions, etc. available as PUBLIC INFORMATION for anyone to review:
Colorado Division of Registrations - Individual Information - Outfitters, License Number OUT-2294, status - Lapsed December 31, 2000; Board or Program Actions - Fine held in Abeyance 03/03/2000, Probation 03/03/2000, Suspension in Abeyance,
03/03/2000. Stipulation 02/19/1997
Office of Outfitters Registration Letter of Admonition, May 21,2001. Aaron Neilson Omni Outdoor Adventures 11486 W Last Dollar Pass, Littleton, Co 80127 RE: Office of Outfitters Registration vs. Aaron Neilson "Dear Mr. Neilson, At its meeting on May 3, 2001, the Advisory Committee of the Office of Outfitters Registration reviewed information from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks together with your explanation. After review of the file, the Director of the Division of Registration (the "Director") determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that a violation of section 12-55 5-106 (i) (c) and (h), CRS occurred in that you admitted via an agreement with the Kansas Dep0artment of Wildlife and Parks to hunting without a license by providing guide services without possessing a valid hunting license." Sincerely, Cathy Wells, Program Administrator.
http://doraimage.state.co.us - Before the Office of Outfitters Registration, State of Colorado, Stipulation and Final Agency Order, Received Mar 2, 2000, "In the matter of the application to outfit in the state of Colorado of Aaron Neilson, d/b/a Omni Outdoor Adventures - Respondent - 5 The Respondent admits the following facts: a. Between April 25, 1994 and August 17, 1995, respondent provided contracts to fourteen clients (Jerry Kochheiser, Ed Marcarelli, Jr, reed allen, Mike Alff, Gary R O'Quinn, Dennis White, Scott Adler, Rob Adler, Jan Terlecky, Bill Bohach, Joel J. bickler,Joe arsenault, Ed Marcarelli, Sr. and Robert E. Schroeder) which did not meet the requirements set by section 12-55.5-109(1) and (3), C.R.S.
Also available as PUBLIC INFORMATION are the "Minutes of the Open Session Office of Colorado Outfitters Registration Advisory Committee Meeting, Hampton Inn, 401 W 1st St. Glenwood Springs, Colorado, July 26, 2005. Call to Order by Garth Peterson at 9:24a.m. on July 26, 2005. IV OLD CASES - 12. "Consideration of case #2005-001126 & #2005-001340, AARON NEILSON, Reg.#1999, d/b/a Adventures Wild, Inc. "The Committee reviewed the complaints responses and additional information. A motion was made, seconded and carried, to recommend that the Division refer the case to executive session for disciplinary action".
Also available for review via The Hunting Report Newsletter is Report ID: 5264 filed by Hunter Bob Hertzog dated October 2005, and another review of Adventures Wild/Aaron Neilson filed on the huntinfo.com website subtitle Hunting Information systems - Outfitter Reviews by Chris Hamilton, triman72000@yahoo.com
All make for intersting reading! ENJOY!

If you are going to call a man out at least have enough sack to post who you are. Whats your name? I'm curious

Who is this prat?

Gentlemen - Frankly its mind boggling to me, to see the lengths an unhappy hunter will go to in an effort to slander another man's name/livelihood? But with someone like Stuart Mauney, its no surprise to be honest. He's been doing this to me for over 10 years now, since we all had the unfortunate pleasure of dealing with him in Colorado. So now, it appears I once again have to answer to Stuart's constant slanderous accusations, which are an obvious attempt to harm my livelihood - and for what, cause he didn't shoot a big deer in eastern Colorado on his 2004 deer hunt?

Honestly, I do find it very bothersome that people can posts things like this - that can be potentially harmful to a man's livelihood - without any knowledge/experience as to the facts of the case. Regardless, as many of you know me, have talked with me, and have let me help you arrange hunts for you - here's my position in these matters. I will start with Stuart's first message, then address his second as well.

1. Omni Outdoor Adventures was a company started by another man in Boulder, CO - not I. I was not the originator of that company, I started off working for the man who did. But of course, Stu doesn't know the facts.

2. I started Adventures Wild as my outfitting company, years ago. I also, as the name implies booked hunts elsewhere under this company too. After numerous years of outfitting, in 2006 I sold the outfitting company to one of my current (at the time) guides. He of course wanted the name too, so thus Global Hunting Resources was established. I'm in biz to make money, selling my outfitting company was a profitable situation. it was a good move for me, as the agency biz was growing more busy every year - and my time to dedicate to the outfitting biz exclusively was dwindling. No additional explanation needed.

To date, I have continued the working relationships I have with all the guys who have worked for/guided for or hunted with me over the years in eastern Colorado. Where to this day, I continue to manage, guide, and books hunts - for my former guides that are now the outfitters of said hunting. Again, very simple - one guy can't do everything, there's not always some bad deed behind it, as stu is trying to imply.

3. Stuart Mauney - The guy making these accusations here hunted with us in roughly 2004 as I recall. He was booked by Garth Carter, who warned me before-hand about Stu, I should have taken his advice! I have honestly never experienced a person who is so rude, unruly, obnoxious, and un-realistic, ever. He was rude to the guides, to the poor/unfortunate client from NY who was paired with him on the 2x1 muzzleloader hunt, the people in the restaurant, the hotel, etc. He left his hunt early, filed a complaint with the Colorado Licensing board - making numerous false claims. All of us sent in rebuttal letters, INCLUDING THE HUNTER FROM NEW YORK WHO WAS PAIRED WITH HIM, DISPUTING ALL OF HIS SLANDEROUS CLAIMS. After getting all of the letters, the licensing board sent me notice that the complaint was dropped for lack of collaborating evidence. In other words - Stuart was not truthful in his account of his hunt.

Folks, some hunters simply don't understand that when hunting wild/free-ranging game, you are only buying an opportunity - not an animal. Regardless, I'm not sure anyone could keep Stuart Mauney happy. FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT ARE MEMBERS OF "THE HUNTING REPORT", SIMPLY DO A SEARCH OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STUART MAUNEY. You will see that complaining about hunts is his normal game. I seriously do not think he can be made happy on a hunt.

4. As a young outfitter in the mid 90's, mind you I am just now 41 - so back then I was in my early to mid 20's. Did I make some mistakes - yep, I sure did. Intentionally, or with malice - nope, but a couple mistakes none the less. Frankly, the fact that a man would go to these lengths to drum up things from over 15 yrs ago is surprising, pathetic, and shameful in my opinion - but some people see things differently than I do for sure.

Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies requires a lot of specific wording in the contract that you give to a hunter, booked on a big game hunt. My contract at the time was not totally in compliance with all specific wording, thus I was fined - and required to make the appropriate changes.

I guided in Kansas in the mid 90's, the very first year non-residents were allowed to hunt in KS. I think it was like 1997 or 1998, I honestly do not remember the year - it was long ago. Back then, but not anymore - Kansas required guides to have a guide's license. Ok, easy enough - I went to KS in the summer, took the test, got my license and then I thought I was good to go. That fall in KS, we were checked by the game warden, where he asked me for my guide's license (which I showed him - and all was fine) then he asked me for my hunting license?? I was confused, as I was not hunting, nor carrying a gun - so I asked why would I have a hunting license? He recited a KS state statute that requires anyone who is assisting another hunter in the field to have a hunting license? I said ok, but isn't that why I have a guide's license - because that trumps the need for a hunting license? He said no, you must have both??? I said well listen man, nobody told me that, never was it part of the requirement to get the guide's license, and when I was issued my guide's license never was I told about this additional requirement, nor was it part of the standard process for getting your guide's license?? Frankly, I learned a big lesson here, sometimes other states/countries, etc, can have some VERY GOOFY/UN-EXPLAINABLE LAWS. Why in the world would one need a hunting license, if you are not hunting, just because you are with someone else who is hunting???? Well, that's the law in KS - and it was something I had never heard of. I was required to buy a $65.00 hunting license, and I was allowed to go back to guiding - but I was ticketed too. Do you possibly think had I been aware of the need to have a hunting license too, that I wouldn't have spent the $65.00 to get it, and not worry about it???

In 2004, ONE OF MY GUIDES, NOT ME - was ticketed for hunting in the wrong Forest Service District, when guiding an elk hunt. It was a very strange situation as, the game management unit was ALL the SAME, but there is an imaginary line dividing two Forest Service Ranger Districts - one of which we were permitted to guide in, the other we were not. This guide had inadvertently crossed the line, thinking he was still in the correct ranger district - in the middle of the woods. Thus the USFS ticketed him for guiding in the wrong area, it had nothing to do with game/fish laws at all, as I mentioned the game management area was all the same.

So, law enforcement decided to completely drop the charge against the guide himself - and charged my company "Adventures Wild". I personally was not charged, as I obviously was not there, but they made the claim that the company is responsible for its employees, and charged the company with the violation. Again, a simply/honest mistake that happened without malice/intent.

Bottom Line, there is always two sides to every story - and often times the facts are a lot simpler and more innocent than folks like Stuart Mauney like to have you believe. Anyone who knows me, has spent time with me, hunted with me, etc. Knows my obsessive dedication to following the law. Frankly, most will tell you I am overly anal about it, usually to the point that I annoy others. But I like many others, have learned over the years - that all of us are capable of making a mistake, and none of us are perfect. I've also learned that its important to do everything possible to learn/know the laws in others states, provinces, countries in which one might choose to hunt.

I've also learned after 20 yrs of guiding/hunting/outfitting/booking hunts, that it is IMPOSSIBLE to make everyone happy - period!! Sometimes no matter what you do, what you say, or how you do it - someone else will disagree and possibly even think you have wronged them. Hunting is such a fickle pastime, one that has a lot of unknowns, and uncontrollable variables, that are sometimes not acknowledged by those who pay you money for it. They sometimes think - as soon as they have paid you, the outcome of their hunt has already been determined. To them, pay = success, period.

Over the past 20 yrs, I am certain I have booked/outfitted/guided/assisted roughly 1,500 different clients, if not more. Anyone who thinks you are gonna deal with that many clients from all walks of life, and not have a few complaints is simply ignoring reality, and that goes for any business in the world. Like any outfitter/guide/agent who has been in the biz for this long, I have a few complainers, but on the flip side I have 95% extremely happy, satisfied clients - who continue to trust in me to help them with their next hunting adventure. I'm pleased with my longevity in this industry, and the opportunities it has afforded me. Many of you know me, and know what a bunch of slanderous/BS this is, the rest is up to you to decide.

Have a great day!!!