quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
I know very well what Joe would say as it is what I ask, why in heavens name were you hiking 4 miles, stinking up a massive area, for an 8 1/2 foot bear ? It was either a sow or very young male and certainly not a trophy.

Phil:

It was in an area not known for big bears - not the Penninsula. The guide said it was about as good as we could hope for, and recommended we go for it. I trusted his judgement.

You gripe openly about his age and ability to hunt yet trust his judgement?

It was your hunt and should be your choice whether or not you shoot a sow or young male so long as it is legal. I wasn't there, don't know the situation nor what you were looking for and if your guide recommended you go for it I am sure he had his reasons.
It's too bad it didn't work out as you wanted. Maybe next time you will get a younger guide who can wait for you

quote:

You gripe openly about his age and ability to hunt yet trust his judgement?

I am not connecting the dots on why it seems strange I would not question his judgement simply because he was out of shape. I am sure for the right guy, he was a great guide, just not for me. I spend a lot of time staying in shape, and the last thing I want to have happen is not get a chance because my guide can't get there fast enough - it is a Debbie Downer for me for sure. Is that too much to ask? Gripe openly? I said it in passing - I didn't even bring this up until Scott F asked with whom I hunted, and then in the context that Cabot asked me (in a number of phone calls that he initiated) a lot of questions about my gear, my guns, bullets, the shape I was in, etc - not all outfitters do. During one of my conversations with Cabot I told him I didn't want a guide who was 70, who had smoked 3 packs of cigarettes most of life and consequently could not walk much - Cabot assured me that would not be an issue. I think I even brought it up with Aaron Nielson when I booked the hunt. My reply to Scott was meant to praise Cabot, but it obviously rubbed you the wrong way. I am by no means perfect as a hunter and I even stated I was sorry I brought it up but I guess once you stir shit on AR, it attracts flies.

Good luck in the spring - and good luck selling hunts.

A guide has to use his, or her's, judgement every day on virtually every aspect of the hunt. Not simply judging animals.
which is one reason you had such a great trip with Cabot.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
A guide has to use his, or her's, judgement every day on virtually every aspect of the hunt. Not simply judging animals.
which is one reason you had such a great trip with Cabot.

Phil:

Perhaps my best hunt ever was a 21 day hunt in Tanzania with a PH named Fulvio (he sometimes posts on AR). He was old then and a smoker to boot. He didn't walk fast, but he could walk all day long. He knew the game, the game blocks, consulted with his trackers (he knew he didn't have to be the "Shell Answer Man"), assessed my strengths and weaknesses after a few days and then adjusted the hunt accordingly. But most importantly, he managed what I call the "psychology of the hunt" better than just about anyone. So yes, I totally agree with you - a guide has to be a good judge of many things to be successful.

And both sides work best if they listen and exhibit a little flexibility

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
And both sides work best if they listen and exhibit a little flexibility

Succeed as a team or fail as a team....

John - Congrats man on a great bear, and thanks for letting me help you out!

As you know I too was hunting the peninsula over the past few weeks for a big bear, I'm sorry I didn't have your same luck. It was my 7th try for a 10 footer, no such luck for me!

Congrats again!!!