Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

1526.0. "S. Carolina Velvet Hunt" by USDEV::DLORADITCH () Wed Sep 04 1996 12:24

	I just returned from a hunting trip to South Carolina. I booked
	with an outfit called Cinnamon Ridge run by Brock Hook from
	Ehrhardt, S.C. fromerly Captain Hook of the Bounty Hunter a
	sport fisherman operation down in the Florida keys. 

	OK, before you say it, I know, I shouldn't be surprised to be taken 
	by some Florida Cracker known as Captain Hook!!!

	I called to book an archery hunt which is less costly and actually
	what I prefer. The brochure states that they are all avid archers
	and know how to make an archery hunt successful. I was told on the
	phone that I could bring my stand and that I could bring my rifle as
	well. I *wasn't* told that if I did I would be bumped to the higher
	priced rifle hunt. Which I was, but I think that can be a matter of
	simple misunderstanding, and I accept that.

	On the morning of the first hunt I was brought to a stand that was
	in no way ready for bow hunting. It had a roof that would make it
	impossible to shoot without bumping into things. The "expert" also
	took out his can of RAID  and proceeded to fumigate the stand
	when he saw a wasp nest. He assured me this would not disturb the
    	deer. Right....
    	 I saw no deer but I think I heard them giggling at me.

	That night we recieved what was described in the brochure as "great
	home cooked meal". A hot dog, A bun, and all the mustard and relish
	you want on it!  When I complained, I was told the cook had to go out
	so she was not able to prepare anything. The real story is, with only
	2 hunters there at the time, they didn't feel like doing anything. The
	cook is the owners wife, Barbara Jean. BJ is also pictured in the
	brochure. When I booked, I mentioned a woman was pictured, sitting 
    	behind the largest buck in the brochure, and holding a bow. But,
	there was no description, detailing the hunt, as there were for 
    	other pictures.
    
	I was told nothing about this when I booked, however *after* entering
	into this hunt from hell, I was told that the woman (in the pic) was 
    	BJ! the owners wife! And the buck was taken with a shotgun and not 
    	even by her, but by Brock!!
	A little false advertising maybe?

	The next hunt, I was taken to a food plot. Another stand made for rifle
	only. No deer. Not much sign of buck either. But at least this time
	we could count on a "great home cooked meal" and be prepared
	for tomorrow. So I retired to my "Deluxe Lodging" consisting of a
	10x12 room with a bunk bed, no closet, no bureau. Apparently they had
	no intention of doing any laundry either. I did it myself. sheets 
	towels etc. The towel I was given for the *week* looked worse off 
	than the ones I retire to the garage, for car work. Deluxe!

        For your next taste of Southern cooking we were served the re-heated 
	leftovers from Captain Hooks table! He and the wench were off to 
	Myrtle Beach and would not be returning! Looking back I don't know 
	why I didn't just leave then.

	Every time I complained about not recieving the food or accommadations
	that I was promised, it was interpreted as if I were saying
	I was complaining about not harvesting a buck. I know these people
	are criticized constantly by hunters who believe the money is paid
	to take home a trophy. I believe that they owe me what I paid for.
	A fair *chance* to get a trophy and if you advertise bow hunting then
	you have sites set up for it. If you advertise "great home cooking"
	you don't serve A hot dog. If you promise Deluxe accommadations you
	provide a clean towel, a shower that doesn't fall apart in your hands!
	Maybe a hook to hang your clothes on??? 	

	My hunting partner was successful, I should mention. That's the fun
	part that made it tolerable. He harvested a perfect 9pt and 7pt all
	in velvet and on the same day! 185, 165lb. There are great deer there.
        Just forget about outfitters and do what I'll do next year...

	Ehrhardt Hall is a bed & breakfast that is right down the street from
	Rachel's which serves authentic home cooked buffet meal with a pitcher
	of tea for $4.65!! And a local farmer I met down there will set me up
    	with some hunting sites already scouted for deer where I'll setup my 
    	stand.