Having issues w/ scheduling exotic hunt that was supposed to take place pre covid and was postponed by outfitter. Myself and a friend booked and sent half of deposit for hunt. Also signed contract. Have been trying to iron out dates for about two months now. Outfitter has given me a bunch of excuses and spoke to me on phone, reassuring me he has animal and will get back to me on date. Do I have any legal recourse, other than lawyers? He is a member on here, though i believe it has been a while since he has posted. Is also still posting hunts on his Facebook page. Definitely not trying to burn anyone, just looking to recoup my deposit back.Thanks

Carefully review the terms of the contract to see what recourse is specified. Usually, most contracts will lay out what recourse can be taken and how. That will be your best bet, without involving lawyers. If the talks continue as they have, then you may unfortunately no longer have any other choice, but to involve a lawyer. I've found that more often than not it ends up not being worthwhile at all financially to involve them.

Thank you sir, is there no legal recourse Police department or Sherrifs Office. Both deposits were for $1250.00. Contract does state if outfitter is at fault to provide booked hunt by outfitter, then deposit will be refunded

I've never known the local police department or sheriff's office to deal with matters like you're describing, so I can't say if there is any legal recourse with them. If that's what the contract states, then you should be able to demand for the deposit to be refunded while still being well within your rights.

If he never delivers, small claims court may be an option. No lawyers, but do your research.

I know these are unprecedented times, but I have no tolerance for a crab-crawling outfitter.

Instead of using a lawyer if things do not work out, is getting an Arbitrator involved a better/less costly option to resolve the issue?

thats alot of money to me and other working folks who get a few hunt trips a year. hoping the outfitter reads this thread and comes to his senses. This would seriously hack me off. Its sad times when you have to read deep in the contract to to wonder an outfitter has to honor a hunt trip you paid for

Very interesting! Sounds very similar to my situation!

well, maybe give it a week, let em know that you'll have to in good conscience air em out on the forum so that other members will be aware/not be victimized, if it cannot be reconciled, (realizing that going through with the threat may make the return of money less likely)Just some thoughts

Yes sir its a lot of money to myself and friend as well. Thanks for advice to all that have posted

Certainly not trying to go there if possible. I realize that covid has been difficult for business owners, not trying to ruin a mans reputation.

If u have a contract and address of outfitter and bank statement cause I hope u didn’t give cash small claims court will take about 10 minutes and u will get ur money back it just sucks i is going to take ur days and time to get it back but he will have to show up or warrants and all that and more court crap Just have all ur ducks in a row if ya go this route u only get one shot

Id sue his butt. The joy of knowing he wont sleep much due to anxiety after getting served by the constable for the amount plus damages is well worth the cost of filing suit. And you'd be amazed at how quickly people will pay for peace of mind.

Personally if it were me I’d send a certified letter demanding a date be set within 14 days of receipt or full refund be issued. If they fail to respond, then I’d take it to DA and file.

It was a longer drawn out process than it should have been, but our deposits were refunded. Thanks for all help and advice

Great news! I know that's a relief.

Glad it worked out.

So glad it worked out and here's hoping your next experience is better. These guys that jump to attorneys crack me up. I try to avoid attorneys.

I would call him out anyway for jacking you around. That might save someone else the headache.