OK, not sure if this is even the right forum for this question, but here goes.  I was contacted by an outfitter and offered an archery moose trip.  It sounded pretty good, so I sent a deposit.  About 3 weeks prior, I get an email to call ASAP.  I do and am informed that some tragedy befell every guide in camp and he has to cancel.  He offered a reduced price similar hunt in 2014.  I though of the alternatives, but eventually just asked for my deposit back.  I guess you know what happened next.  Not returning phone calls, not returning emails, nothing.  His web site is still up and going strong, along with facebook, etc.  So, the question is, anything I can do or am I pretty much SOL?  I figure getting legal help will cost even more money, and at the end of the day, even if I win, what's to say I wouldn't be just throwing good money after bad?  Advice is appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Alex

I'm not in the guide business, but I've done a lot of other business, and if it were my outfitting business and I couldn't or wouldn't refund your money, I would have, with you the customer's approval, arranged for you to go on a similar or same hunt around the same time with a different outfitter, paid that outfitters bill on your behalf and then charged you a reduced rate for the inconvenience..all that so you can still go on your hunt in the present day, and not a whole year later.  That's what I would call customer service.  Is that unreasonable?  I dunno but I think that's what I'd do.  Good luck hope you come to some resolution which you are happy with.  Things happen but its not like a bow build where materials may get purchased in advance.

Contact the appropriate licensing authority.

If I could not get back intouch with him I would post his name and details on every forum related to hunting.

Thanks for the info all.  You would think people were respectable, but you never know. He offered me an "alternative" that was FAR outside my driving ability and cost twice as much, but that was the last I heard before asking for a refund. Sad part is, I am sure this is the MINORity of outfitters, but it's really soured me to ever thinking of looking into a guided hunt again.  Gringold, what kind of licensing authority is there?  I'd love to do that.  If I could contact the web hosting service and somehow force them to take his site down as he is defrauding people, I would.

States have licensing for guides and outfitters through their DNR/Game and Fish, etc. There should also be a professional association (in Wyoming, it is the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association). They take a dim view of antics such as you describe.

I am curious.  An outfitter contacted you?

Did you deposit via credit card or paypal. If so simply contact the card company them and tell them there is a dispute-they will get that off your shoe. If no credit card involved follow the stuff above. And I would add don't deal with anyone who is not a sponsor here-for anything.

You might also try contacting the State Attorney Generals office for that state and also leave a message with your outfitter that you are doing so ...

Hermon, yes.  I may have filled out a request, but it would have been a long time ago.  He must have looked through old contact info.  I don't think he just called out of the blue.  I am sure I was browsing somewhere at some time.  Thank you all, again, for the input.  I will check what agencies are here in PA.  He is actually in western PA (I'm in the eastern part), but the trip was supposed to be for moose in Quebec.  My biggest thing is that he just dropped off the face of the earth.  I mean, life happens, and I understand.  I didn't get overly upset that the trip was cancelled.  I was disappointed, especially taking time off and getting gear, but oh well.  But then to get stiffed like this, I am really not even as worried about the money as I am about another hunter getting their dreams ruined.  I am pretty new to the whole hunting thing and this was going to be my first "big boy" hunt.  Like I said, oh well.  Just would hate to think there's someone out there doing this kind of thing.  BTW: I have met so many great people in hunting, and trad archery in particular, that I know this guy does not represent the 99.999999% of hunters that are decent people.  Again, thanks for the advice.

Sorry to hear something that should be a fun adventure has turned so sour. Who is the outfitter?

Contact the DNR in that state. File and complaint. I would guess that the outfitter may have to carry a bond with the DNR, which in the case of a dispute may pay you back for your deposit. Furthermore, the DNR may investigate him further.

Registered letter from your attorney first and then sue him for the deposit and all legal fees associated with getting it back.  You are the victim, you should not have to suffer financial loss because the outfitter is unethical.