Here is why… Lead up: 1. When I first called the Stucky’s (owners of Sage Mountain Outfitters) regarding a hunt with them I was told that they have numerous ranches that they hunt and that the “Cobb Ranch” was the best for trophy bulls. I asked whether or not our chances of getting a bull of any size were greatly reduced by going there and I was told by Renee that they were not and in fact “last year we had 100% shots on the Cobb.” Well, I figured I had nothing to lose then if there were a bunch of trophy bulls and the odds of getting an elk were the same or better there than any other ranch they hunt. Truth: Our guide informed us that last year they had nowhere near 100% shots. He said that perhaps one or two hunters all year (out of 12 or 13) actually had shot opportunities. 2. They claim to have a 95% success rate at calling a brow tine bull into 30 yards or closer. Truth: Our guide informed us that he would guess it is about 1/3 or less of the hunters actually get a bull that close. 3. They claim that all of the “big bulls” that they kill come off of the Cobb Ranch. Truth: We found out that while that is technically true, all but one in the history of hunting that ranch have been taken by the owner of Sage Mountain Outfitters or the head guide of the Cobb Ranch after they have “guided” all of their hunters for the year. 4. Renee informed me that the guaranteed outfitters license was $350 for elk only or $500 for a combo license. Truth: They are $1350 and $1500 respectively. $1000 makes a big difference when budgeting for a trip, and the truth did not come out until we had already sent in our non-refundable deposits (you will notice that will be a theme here). 5. After sending in our non-refundable deposits we were told of a “wounded animal” policy that Sage Mountain Outfitters has. If you wound an elk during your hunt, you are done hunting. If that is their policy, then that is fine, but the hunters should have to know before paying a $1000 deposit and by this time we had also paid for our $1500 licenses so we would have been out $2500 a piece had we not agreed to comply. 6. The Stucky’s are completely disorganized and do not communicate with the hunters or themselves well. We told Cal (the owner) that we would be flying into Helena, MT on Friday evening as we were scheduled to go to camp Saturday evening and we wanted to make sure that our gear got there, etc. Then, while I am standing in the Helena airport weeks later I receive a call from Renee (his wife) asking us what time our flight was arriving the next day. 7. More evidence of disorganization. They told us our guide would be Dan Antilla, the head guide of the Cobb ranch. He called on Saturday and told us that a man named Dennis Yager would be our guide. So, the Stucky’s had no idea what was happening on their lease and with their own guides. The Hunt: 1. The first night Dan Antilla was still in camp and so he did take me out that night and would leave after we returned to camp. I ended up having a 45 yard, broadside shot at a perfectly still 380”+ bull and he would not allow me to take the shot saying that it was “too far”. First, he had no range finder with him and so had no idea exactly how far it was. Secondly, before we left camp he was bragging about how he took his 360” bull the previous year at “well over 60 yards”. Obviously, there was an ulterior motive. 2. The rest of the hunt was guided only by Dennis Yager who was told that he was “not allowed” to hunt the timber. The problem was, that is where the elk were. We eventually told the guide that we were going in after them whether we were allowed or not, and it was only by doing this that we ever got close to any more elk. 3. The day’s activities were to include leaving camp before first light, going to a hilltop to glass for elk, watch where they go into the timber, and return to camp until the evening unless you wanted to go after mule deer. So basically they want you to get ½ of the hunt you pay for by only hunting in the evenings. 4. By all of their methods it was obv
It's a wonder you're not in jail for assault. You excercised great restraint above and beyond. My heart goes out to you for this injustice. It is an embarrassment for hunters everywhere for someone in the industry to act like that. Guess they don't need the business! Just my $.02. lp
I was wondering what was going to happen with this Jim. I remember you saying you were 1st going to talk with the owner and go from there. Looks like he made his nest, now he can lay In It!!! Too bad It turned out the way It did.
Just a rotten experience for you. Sage Mountain is officially black-listed in my book. I hope these posts get back to them. You should post up on other sites as well. Ungrateful morons like this Stucky character just ruin what should have been a great hunting experience regardless if you actually got a bull or not. Hunting is about the memories and experiences and these guys sound like a bad nightmare.
Thanks for the simpathy guys. Truly, I just don't want ANYONE to have to go through that again. There are a ton of good outfitters out there. Unfortunately, this just isn't one of them.
