Hi guys - sorry I'm late with report

[Kathy-Fish River Lodge]

Had a terrible season.  Had 5 hunters first week.  First day took beautiful sow with white V on her chest - 176 pounds.  One hunter saw a bear but could not get shot and one saw a small one and decided not to shoot.  Rest of the week was a bust.  One fellow had a problem with clearing his throat all the time, mentioned it but it didn't help.  Think he just had a nervous problem.

Second week the fellow who decided not to shoot stayed for the week.  He took a nice bear last year and wanted a bigger one this year. He did see a very large sow but she had a cub with her and he decided not to shoot.

Third week we had 4 fellows in from WV.  We put them on 4 of our most active sites but they went dead.  Moved 2 to other active sites but nothing and I do mean nothing.  I went into the cabin when they left and it reeked of cigar smoke. I noticed that they had those slip on suits and they were wearing their regular cloths under the camo suits.  Thy did not shower before the left for the hunt and one fellow left a jacket and in the pocket were cigarette buts--so he was smoking on the site.  Two days after they left Jim went out and removed the buckets and stands and every bucket was cleaned out or torn off the tree. The bear were there, just not when the hunters were.

Now guys, explain to me why a guy would spend good money to go on a hunt and not stop smoking for a week.  They did a real job on my success rate and I am furious.  What is an outfitter to do when hunters will not stop smoking.  If the referendum is defeated, I am going to ask if a potential hunter is a smoker and I might just refuse to take him on.  The alternative is a bad success rate and most people who check us out want success rates.  Can't do any worse than we did this year and it was through no fault of ours.

Sorry to see the post about the dead beat guide.  Try again, most Maine guides are hard working and honest folks.  You just got a bad one.

[Cabin4]

They can smoke if they want. They just have to do it ouside and not hunt in those clothes. Taking a shower before going to the stand is critical and putting on hunting clothes that are washed in unscented soap. Of course using the unscented soaps and deoderants is also required.

[victorcharlie]

Sorry about your season.  I'm sure next year will be better.  I've had a couple of your neighbors call me about taking out credit insurance of all things.  Before I let them off the phone I asked them if they had decided how they were going to vote on the bear referendum.  I think they were shocked that I knew about it!  Anyway, I think I may have swayed 2 votes for leaving things the way they are now.

As for smoking.......I'm quit now, but smoked on and off from the time I was a teenager.  I quit several times for up to 5 years, but usually started back after being on vacation and thinking what the hell....I'll have a cigar and a couple of shots of Jack I'm on vacation!  Jacks never been a problem, but tobacco is truly my demon.  I understand your frustration, and maybe refusing to allow smokers to hunt might be the straw on the camels back that will help them decide to quit.  One thing for sure, you won't be the first establishment to give smokers the boot.  I guess from what you say, you have plenty of business anyway and if that's true, then by all means, cherry pick.