Hunters Point...new owner

[Bill Carlsen]

I have news for all of Hunters Point fans. Eldon has sold the business to one of his guides, Phil Allen. This came as a surprise to me but last year Eldon and I were talking about who might make a good owner of the business when he decided to retire. I suggested Phil....he is young, he's an experienced trapper and hunter and knows and lives in Portage during the Fall and Winter months. Phil has contracted with the paper companies for all of Eldon's bait sites and the new contact info is on the web site. The only real changes are that Phil will not be guiding those that have booked or would like to book moose hunts with Eldon. You will have to contact Eldon to make arrangements. I am a bit excited about the change in ownership as Phil is very excited...think of a rookie quarterback starting his first season. Only Phil is no rookie. He's trapped bears for years in addition to his other fur bearing trapping. He knows bears and the country that Eldon has hunted all these years. Phil is keeping on all the regular guides and Eldon may be on the payroll before next bear season, as well. That is not yet decided. So...there it is. It's sad to see Eldon hanging it up but the business and its name will remain in excellent hands. If you have questions I'll do my best to answer them. Phil is coming to see Laura (she does the website) and me (I represent the business here) to discuss changes to the site and other things that need to be addressed. You may even see us at Denton Hill.

[Jack Denbow]

Bill are you going to have a booth at Denton Hill?
Jack

[David Mitchell]

WOW!  Thanks for the news, Bill.  I am glad that Hunters Point will be in good hands--on the other hand I'm personally sorry to see Eldon reach this point in his life (a purely selfish response on my part).  Of course, I did the retirement thing myself a couple of years ago so understand the need and desire to do so.  Eldon has worked his rear off for many years for a lot of us.  I wish him, Beth and Hunter the very best.

[Terry Lightle]

.BOMBSHELL

[Bill Carlsen]

I can promise you that the hunts will be as good as ever. Anyone who has hunted in the past few years with Eldon should remember Phil. The business is going to be just fine, if not better. Phil has got some ideas that will make Hunters Point more visible. Phil is very active on the trappers websites so he also knows his way around the internet. I personally can't see the hunts being anything less than what they have been. I also can't see Eldon being to far out of the picture. We will be operating from Eldon's shop next year. As for moose hunting, Phil will be happy to guide anyone who gets a permit in the areas that he guides in but at this point isn't planning on booking hunts. But, as I said, if you get a permit he and all of Eldon's previous guides will be available upon request for anyone who draws the permit necessary.

Phil asked me about setting up at Denton Hill. If he gets a booth I'll do what I can to be there with him.

Bombshell????? Unexpected...yes but not really surprised as Eldon has hinted at this on my last hunt. He asked about who I would recommend to take over....I told him Phil. The biggest surprise to me was that it is happening now. I figured in a few years...so the bombshell is that it has  happened so quickly. In fact, Phil told me that he pretty much ran the hunt last year in order to see how he would like it. He likes it. He's going to do a good job.

[David Mitchell]

Bill I'm not very surprised at the development.  I am sure Phil will do great and new blood always brings fresh ideas. No doubt the business will be in great hands.

[steve helstowski]

I have had the pleasure of Phil as a guide at hunters point. We will not be disappointed..great guide and a solid woodsman.

[dpg]

Do you know if Eldon will still be doing taxidermy out of the shop in Portage Lake or did he sell the shop along with the business?  Do I understand correctly that he will still be guiding moose hunters?  I wish the business all the best and if I know Eldon, I won't be surprised if he's still helping out with things for a while.

[Bill Carlsen]

dpg: I am not sure what Eldon has going on regarding moose  hunting. You will have to give him a call at the taxidermy shop which, I understand, will not change.

[dpg]

Thanks Bill-  You've always been great at keeping us up to date with Eldon and the gang.  It sounds like the quality bear hunts with the group in Portage Lake will continue!

[pdk25]

Thanks for the update, Bill.

[see]

sent u a pm

[Bill Carlsen]

ttt