February 11, 2016If you have a caribou hunt booked for 2016 or later, be aware of a new regulation change just now implemented! The Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks has announced that for the 2016-2017 hunting season, hunters will be allowed to take one caribou per hunting license. While you may purchase two licenses, your… Read More »
November 23, 2015The Muley Fanatic Foundation, a 501 C (3) non-profit conservation organization, was established in 2012 by Joshua Coursey and Joey Faigl. Headquartered in Green River, Wyoming, MFF aims to ensure the conservation of mule deer and their habitat and to provide supporting services to further the sport of hunting and sound wildlife management. MFF currently… Read More »
September 15, 2015WYOMING PREFERENCE POINTS ON SALE NOW- The days of being able to draw Wyoming hunting licenses or just waiting for the left over list to come out are over. Every year it’s more and more evident that if you are wanting to hunt Wyoming non-resident big game, you need to be collecting preference points now… Read More »
August 4, 2015South-eastern British Columbia has long been a prime destination for outdoors folks due to its great scenery and it wide variety of animal species. But we also know of many outright crooks in this area- guys who make great promises and fail to deliver! Not so for this long term outfitter of ours. In this… Read More »
July 10, 2015Butch: Wow, this might be the best hunt I have ever done, and certainly will be asking you to re-book me next year. After the first morning of hunting I decided to re-book, game is just everywhere. Way ahead of schedule on animals. Shot 6 animals in the first 4 days. Only have the bushbuck… Read More »
July 6, 2015If you are booked on a 2×1 hunt (meaning two hunters and one guide), we have some pretty firm thoughts on how to keep that situation fair and happy for all involved. What follows is the result of lessons learned on many hundreds of hunts. RULE #1: NEVER agree to flip a coin for the… Read More »
May 21, 2015For the remainder of 2015, Bowhunters in hunts restricted to archery only must carry their IBEP or equivalent department approved certification card on them while archery hunting in the field, and must show their card to peace officers and department employees upon request. Beginning July 1, 2016, all big game hunters using archery will be required to have… Read More »
April 23, 2015April 23rd, 2015 Senator Secures CBP’s Commitment to Return to Previous Travel Forms WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will no longer require U.S hunters traveling internationally to obtain an IRS identification number in order to… Read More »
April 15, 2015THE ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL BOOKING AGENTS • What is a professional booking agent? • What does he do for hunters and fishermen? • Is there any advantage to your using one? • Is there any downside with using one? • What should you look for in an agent? • Who pays the agent? These are… Read More »
April 15, 2015As a grandfather, husband for 48 years, devoted lover of kids and dogs and wildlife, I think there is a bit more to the picture. Non-hunters often think we love to kill things- and I agree that we hunters are at fault for not trying to show folks that there is a lot more to… Read More »
Beautiful new Lodge, Staff and lodging exceeded expectations. Booked hunt for Sable. Enjoyed the facilities and pool the rest of the time. Great place for spouses and families.
Eric H. on Colorado Hunt #238
Great guys; worked hard to put us on game. Thanks for the opportunity; you are a great resource!
Ralph S. on California Hunt #97
Butch,
My guide for my hunt was outstanding. They delivered everything they said they could and more. Tony was very professional, low key and knowledgeable. For several weeks prior to the hunt he would call or send photos of what he was seeing. He had me on mature bulls from daylight on. Being my first bull elk I got a bit excited and he calmed me down prior to the shot at 340 yards. One shot and done. It was a mature 6X6 Tule Elk Bull. Taken out of Paso Robles CA. 10/6/2018
Thanks for putting it all together.
Ralph S.
Colorado #239
“Had a great elk hunt with this outfitter out in Colorado in Sept. As you know, Mike and I took some nice elk out there. The outfitter, his dad, and our guide, Bob, were just great. I'll shoot you back your CRITIQUE form and a more detailed letter as soon as I catch a breather here. Thanks again, Butch.” – Attorney K. E.
“Butch – It was everything you said it would be. We pulled a stalk on a 6x6 with cows down in the valley, got in front of them, and shot him at 150 yards. Man, was I excited! I told everyone I want to come back!” – Howard C.
Belize #64 – Butch M.
I had a 50” BARRACUDA make my 10 weight fly reel sound like it was screeching in mortal agony! However, for the rookies or the folks looking for their first bones, the guides had their secret spots. Our guide (Daniel- top notch- but so was Michael and others) had such a spot and he put Joan in the bow, worked on her casting and in 3 casts she had her first bone, followed by 3 more bones in the next 10 minutes. My turn, I caught my 4, and put Joan back in bow to catch her 4, and so we kept trading all morning. Then it got truly hot, and we went trolling for barracuda (using big orange tube lures on our fly rods). Action was non-stop with blinding runs and incredibly vicious strikes.
Guides spoke great English, were adept and patient. Joan and I probably each caught around 40 or more bones, and 5 or 6 barracuda. One group of rookies had the trip of lifetime catching a permit apiece and probably 10 or more bones each in their 3 days of fishing.
The wives could not stop talking about their snorkeling trips with the Lodge’s dive instructor who is a naturalist who also entertained us all at night with his National Geographic like under water closeup photos taken that day. The ladies had a ball. They simply floated and looked. Dinners were superb, the bar was excellent (watch out for their rum punch!). Several in our group had little or no fly fishing experience but guides taught them enough for them to score on bones and hook them on the sport. No need to worry if you need to learn- you will!
Argentina #39 – David L.
This was the best hunting trip I have ever been on. The outfit and the hosting was amazing from the time we arrived to leaving. They go out of their way to make everything great from you room; every meal, right to the very end of the adventure. The guides were very friendly, as was the whole staff. Thank you for the trip of a lifetime! I highly recommend this hunt for anyone. I took two giant stags and a very big blackbuck!
Alaska #51 – Jeff M.
I have hunted nearly 80 days per year since 1984 all over the world, and this guy is one of the best guides I have been fortunate to hunt with. Thanks!
South Africa #57 – Delery G.
Butch- He is absolutely, and without doubt, the finest outfitter I have ever had the pleasure to meet and hunt with! I have hunted all over, on many guided hunts, and this PH of yours is hands down- the finest I have ever known! I could go on for hours, but suffice to say, I took 10 animals; my buddy Chris took 8; and we would not change one single thing! Superb in every category!
Utah #29- Max M.
Hunted Mountain Lion with your outfitter at Utah#29 - Jeff runs a great hunt and his guides and hounds are some of the best I have ever hunted with and i've been on many hunting trips. They were relentless in their efforts to get me on a big Tom and they did. Very happy with this hunt!
Alberta #286 – Mike P.
Thanks for finding this family-oriented outfitter. I can’t recommend them enough. If funds were no object, I would return to them every year.
Argentina #39 – Jimmy P.
Excellent quality and quantity of trophy stag and other species. Hospitality and food was outstanding. Most importantly, the environment (accommodation, etc.) was acceptable for my 18-year old daughter. Overall, the trip exceeded our expectations. Greatly appreciate the help provided by Don during the planning and booking of the trip!
Russia #150 – Larry H.
Butch it was wonderful!! It exceeded all my expectations! Not a single surprise in the whole trip. I took two wonderful bears, both with exceptional hides. A great adventure. Super food. The Russians were extremely accommodating. You made my trip an easy and enjoyable experience!
New Zealand #248 – Toby T.
Butch: Thanks for another awesome hunt. I killed a 390” stag and a record book tahr. He’s 13 inches and 9 inch bases. Dad killed a 400” stag and a 12 inch tahr. We swapped a Texas guided aoudad sheep hunt to this outfitter in exchange for the upgrades on our stags. (BUTCH’S NOTE: Toby is one of our best aoudad outfitters). The hunt was simply awesome, and the tahr hunting was the most exciting experience that I have ever had. Butch, you sure do know how to find them! We all took our stags, boars, tahr. Thanks so much.
North Carolina #34 – Ed C.
In just 2.5 days our party of two wives and two husbands caught and landed 19 giant Redfish, with 17 of them over 40" and several over 50"! Absolutely amazing guides, great boats, an awesome fishery and wonderful local seafood. And it was very reasonably priced to boot.
New Zealand #149- Peter B.
In less then a week I took a 600 class Red stag, an elk of nearly 400" and a giant fallow deer!
Newfoundland #148- Tom S.
Butch, Thanks for setting me up on a truly great Newfoundland moose hunt. I was at the Lake Camp and everything was absolutely top notch with lots of game, comfortable camp, friendly and experienced guides (my guide was guiding for his 47th year!) and the best food I’ve ever had in a back-country camp. I got my money’s worth since it took until Saturday morning (last 1/2 day) to finally find a suicidal moose, but we closed the deal on a small bull. We glassed lots of big bulls, but they were in the timber with cows and would not move or come to a call. I also saw some really big woodland caribou (next trip). This was physically one of the hardest hunts that I have ever done since we walked probably 8-10 miles each day through the marshy ground and the thick scrub, but I loved it!
Namibia #173- Rick P.
I am touching base with you on our recent Namibia experience. This Safari was in short the best hunt I have ever been on with an outfitter, they are without a doubt an excellent experience and I would highly recommend them to any of my hunting friends.
The quality and quantities of the animals was impressive with good representations of all species listed as available. The guides are bow hunters and know their stuff. Listen to what they tell you and you will have success. They know how to tell trophies and are honest as to what you are or are not shooting. They are also very knowledgeable of their property, blinds, other animals, etc. They have game cameras so they know what is and is not coming into the waterholes. They work very hard to get you animals and went above and beyond to get you your trophy. The food was easily 5-star every meal. I would go there just to eat dinner, it was that good! Lodging was outstanding in space, cleanliness, service, views, etc. The common area was beautiful as was the grounds. There is not a single thing out of place, it is a place you could take your spouse and they would just love hanging around the property. In conclusion this place is just a real special place, what makes it special is the people, the attention to detail, the love of what they do, AWESOME!!
Namibia #138- Bill J. & Steve W.
Namibia is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get next !!! ” Steve W. has been to this operation 5 times. Bill J. said of this operation: "You should send every one of your African clients to this superb operation.
Mozambique #157- Pete J.
I went on your recommended Mozambique safari – Hunt #157. THANK YOU! It was my best hunt in Africa to date. In fact, I never thought any trip could equal my trips to China and Mongolia that you have sent me on -- but this one did. To start----the outfitter and his staff are just great people to work with. They answered all my questions prior to the hunt----there were no surprises! Their "Greeter", Jami, was right there at the airport to meet me------he walked me through every procedure----no questions or problems anywhere getting through Moz. customs or getting cleared on the gun permit. Then their pilot, Pete, was on hand answering every question. He is a very personable and knowledgeable young man and a great pilot. When we arrived at the landing strip at camp, more great people to meet and take care of me. I really enjoyed meeting everyone. I was then taken to my main camp and met Sara and my PH, LJ Marisi. I was soon settled in my cabin with more help than was needed. Sara took care of every request immediately without question. ( I only had one major request and that was extra blankets and a minor, for a candle-----I knew that I would be up every morning before the generator would come on). After getting completely settled,---off to their gun range to shoot my gun as well as the 416 Remington rental. All was well! I need to add that the facilities and the food as well as the hospitality was more than anyone could ask for. On to the hunt---------game was plentiful and the PH and the two trackers, Mudu and Venise were just outstanding. All three took excellent care of me every day. It was just a wonderful hunt---------I am glad that I opted for the Buff hunt in the Swamp. It was an experience that every hunter to Africa needs to see and experience----I am glad I went, although, it was a very taxing hunt (in the Swamp ) for this 72 year old hunter. I may never get to go back to Africa------getting old just ain't for sissies----but if I do get to go, it will most likely be with them again for their great plains game. I still want a Sable, as well as their Reedbuck, Bushbuck and Hartebeest. Please feel free to use me as a reference. My hat is off to both you and them for providing an outstanding hunt and experience.
S. Africa # 256 Chris
True free range critters. Rebooked for 2016. Outfitter, Camp, Food, Guide, Equipment, Trophy care are all Excellent. Highlights: experiencing the culture, the native skinners and trackers.
Marilyn’s Namibian Leopard
“Dear Butch,
I am writing to let you know that I had the time of my life with Francois, Reino, Matthew, Saar and the entire family and his staff.. From start to finish (and what a finish it was), the entire experience was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time for me. I was pleased and blessed to find all of you. Russ and Mary were so helpful in preparing me for my first leopard hunt and I am grateful……. The total adventure was mind-blowing! I look forward to many future dealings with you and your staff. Your adventures do not disappoint. Best regards, Marilyn”
S. Africa # 256 Chris C.
True free range critters. Rebooked for 2016. Outfitter, Camp, Food, Guide, Equipment, Trophy care are all Excellent. Highlights: experiencing the culture, the native skinners and trackers.
Argentina #39- Tom S.
Butch, Thanks for setting me up on a great red stag hunt! I was done hunting in 1 1/2 days. I killed a 7 point unicorn cull (had broken off the right antler flush/into the skull) on the first afternoon and killed a big 15 point the next morning. I've never seen so many trophy animals in all of my hunts combined. The accommodations were great and the food was unbelievable. I did a quick rough score on my stag and it should be between SCI 310 and SCI 320.
Mexico #12- Jay C.
Caught Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, and Sailfish. Food, accommodations, guide and equipment all excellent. Trophy care: good. Excellent fishing. Would recommend to a friend.
Namibia #47- Pete J.
I will say that he is without a doubt the most knowledgeable PH that I have ever hunted with on 6 hunts in Africa. He has the best eyes, even better than his trackers, and can track an animal better than any PH that I have ever been with. He also loves to hunt for the love of it!!!!!
Alberta #69- Anton J.
Just thought I’d send a quick e-mail to let you know I had a great hunt last week. Took two good bears, and the guiding & accommodation / food were excellent. My wife also really enjoyed herself – even got to tag along on a hunt, and watched me shoot a bear. Thanks for arranging such a great trip. Have attached a couple of photos.
Wyoming #130- Gary G.
Pat and I had a great time. I hunted with a great guide, plenty of local knowledge, and a nice young man to be around. His staff all seemed to be best of friends and worked together like a well-oiled machine, making the trip a joy. Thank you for the heads up on this operation. Without you this trip would not have happened.
Australia #155- J.D.
One of my most memorable hunts ever, a real dream come true. The buff, banteng, sambar and rusa are great trophies, especially with muzzle-loader. Thanks to all the staff for making my stay pleasant, I will long remember this hunt.
Idaho #218- Kevin S.
Had a great hunt. He had lots of game, but this was not a canned hunt. We all hunted VERY hard and we killed 1 bull elk and 5 mulie bucks. The one my 12 year old son harvested scored 165 6/8. I would highly recommend this outfit for those willing to hunt hard and push themselves. It is a comfortable camp, good food, and professional guides. I want to thank BMOA for setting everything up, and I'll be in touch in the future.
New Zealand #248- Kevin C.
Hi Joan& Butch. My hunt in New Zealand could not have been better and was a dream come true. Outfitter was simply awesome. Just fill out the trip report form for me, and give him an A+ in every category. Feel free to use me as a reference. Thanks again for all your help.
S. AFRICA #6
We had a great time and I would highly recommend it. Our guide was exceptional and very knowledgeable. The food was incredible and everything that we had to eat was wonderful. The lodge was very clean, comfortable, and was situated in a beautiful area. The rooms were not large but the bed was comfortable, clean, and it had a private bath and shower. The daily laundry service was extremely nice and prevented the need to take a bunch of clothes. This is a huge plus! We had ample opportunity to take quality animals and never felt rushed or pressured to take a shot at an animal we weren’t happy with. We were able to take about 5 animals each that was cheaper than a good elk hunt where you can only take one animal. This was an exceptional hunt.
