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Some info on hunter motives, etc.
Posted by Michael Strahan on Mar 03 2006
I think this is a point worth discussing, and I'm seeing some pretty good stuff here already. I might add though that the attribution of motives of any kind to the hunters might not be wise. The truth is, as Ken suggests, that every one is different. Let's talk about the really expensive hunts; Butch King's $12,500 moose hunts, his $17,500 bear hunts, some of the $10,000 Dall sheep hunts out there. Folks who buy these hunts are all over the map as to motives. Some think they are buying an animal. Maybe they're used to buying whatever they want, and think that if they lay a lot of cash down, they'll get an animal too. Those are the ones who get the most press sometimes, because I think most folks find that very offensive. But what about the businessman with lots of money who just wants a break for a while? I think these guys outnumber the others by far. They like expensive things because that's what they're accustomed to, but they're not so naive as to think that automatically means they'll get an animal. They just want to have a good time and a reasonable chance. Sounds kinda like the rest of us to me. The difference is that they perhaps think they'll get more (better service, more amenities, better area, etc) by paying more. Can't fault 'em for that, really.
As to the idea of them plunking down a lot of cash and not having any hunting skills, that's a different one, all right. Not to excuse it, but many of these types just barely have time for a hunt- and NO time for the range. Some of us are in that category too. Others practically live at the range. My take? I'm not too critical of a guy with a busy schedule, but he better at least be able to hit what he's aiming at, at a yardage he's comfortable with. It's my job to get him "in the zone", and also to find out what his own personal "zone" really is. Some guides don't talk about this with their clients, and some of those guys end up with wounded game to deal with as a result. I'm going to start a new thread on that topic after I finish this post. Could be interesting. Still, I don't expect the guy to be Daniel Boone. That's MY job. Granted, it's easier if he can pitch in, and if I can count on his skills, but that's all part of the deal in my view. As long as he can get into position and shoot straight, and as long as he's teachable, we're going to be just fine.
The hardest times I've had have not been with wealthy people; it's the upper middle class and a few of the guys who can barely afford it. The common denominator is the feeling of entitlement. They paid a lot, they expect to get something. Those are the guys who usually blame you if it doesn't go well. It could be the weather, flight schedule delays, or even that we zigged and the critters zagged that week. Just didn't work out. You and I both know that's hunting. But sometimes when you spend a lot of money it's easy to forget.
Ken's got some really good stuff here, by the way. Worth the read.
That's my .02 anyway.
-Mike
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