I must be living in the past

[bluej]

Nothing is guaranteed at 50 yards, good choice to get your money back and look elsewhere!

[Blaino]

"upgrade"..... That's funny.  I havn't ever felt like I was at any disadvantage shooting a longbow or recurve.  Maybe I'm crazy but it keeps makes me (& a lot of other) happy.

Good luck finding a guide that "gets it"

[Friend]

Re-imbursement is the proper option.

Many an outfitter is not experienced in actually accommodating a traditional archer. Last season in Alabama, hunting with a popular veteran turkey outfitter, I was the 1st traditional archer in 15 years.  No set-ups were designed to have any shot less than 18 yards.  After watching me set-up, he started taking notes, told me that he was highly impressed and would have things in proper order for this season ...and would also implement these types of set-ups for conventional bow clients. Note: Hunting Nebraska this spring.

Contacted ...likely the number 1 Outfitter in NZ...an outfitter that is regularly on TV.  I was to be only the 2nd traditional archer to have visited....Chose an outfitter that had much experience and success guiding traditional clients. This particular outfitter already knew that 25 yards would likely be the max range for Reds.

It may prove quite beneficial in avoiding being the 1st successful traditional archer.  Also, highlighting limitations and requesting a direct response is imperative. The only guarantee expected, for me, is to be empowered to put forth an opportunistic effort.

Getting upset with outfitters will serve no beneficial purpose. Being fully aware of possible outfitter and personal limitations must be an intricate facet of the traditional hunter's repertoire. Confidence may serve to heighten anticipation and success while much of that confidence is acquired thru thorough preparation. Informed, self-directed and decidedly taking the initiative may considerably enhance the chances of imparting some control in achieving a more desirable destiny.

Unfortunately, much of this acquired experience, that of which would not fill a thimble, may be attributed to my own personal failures.

[sheephunter]

From the overall sounds of your comments about the outfitter I think this is a blessing in disguise in regards to the overall hunt. I think he wants things to be easier on him and the total experience would probably have been lacking. With this experience in mind I would spend a lot more time talking to other outfitters to see where they stand and talk to their references (both "successful" and unsuccessful). I second getting ahold of Fred Eichler at Full Draw Outfitters just south of here. Great guy who understands where trad archers come from and lots of animals in the area. Good luck and God Bless.

[Hummer3T]

Sounds like its a win win, he realized he was not going to give you the hunt you wanted and opted out and is willing to give you a refund ( good on him) now you can look for a better option good on you.  you could have been really stuck with a dud of a hunt when you got there or worse knowing that you were going to get a dud of a hunt with no option for a refund.

[Deeter]

I thought bow hunting was about getting close and personal.  Maybe the guide should just switch to guiding gun hunts.