I don't know any of the parties involved in this story, but elk hunting is tough. There are many variables that go into seeing and harvesting a bull. I wouldn't believe anyone who says their success rate is 80% unless they can prove it. But I also know that it is very realistic that you can go hunt on excellent private land and not see a bull the entire hunt if the conditions aren't ideal.

The only thing I read in the story (and seems to somewhat be confirmed by the outfitter) is that the guide wasn't very familiar with the ranch. That being said, an experienced elk hunter doesn't need to be intimately familiar with the exact area he's hunting to be successful. And maybe the reason you only paid $5500 is because you weren't willing to pay for the best guide. $5500 is a lot of money for sure, but you clearly passed up a cow. Only an ignorant elk hunter would ever think there's a sure thing. I tell my newbie buddies all the time that the bull they pass on early in the trip may be the only bull they see for the rest of the week.

Frankly, I think it's petty on your part to call out the outfitter on a public forum when all indications point to you being completely uneducated on elk hunting.

Not taking sides, just asking a question that was brought up.
80% success rate on elk.
Is that a normal score for guided hunts?

Not taking sides, just asking a question that was brought up.
80% success rate on elk.
Is that a normal score for guided hunts?

Is this the same James Duran that is the Forest Supervisor for the Carson National Forest?

Wow. I dont have a dog in this fight at all but I really feel bad for you that you are this bothered. Best of luck to all those involved and may the best man win.

Outfitter should post the OP’s name so other Outfitters can see what they are getting into.

This is at least the fourth thread that you've started on this topic.

Math not your strong suit???

I’m not the one who can’t count….I’m glad my kids aren’t stuck with you as a teacher.

Below are your 4 posts on this same topic. Just give it a rest.

1. How Would You Feel If.....Question #1#8040904
2. What Does Spot and Stalk Mean To You....Question #2#8041082
3. 'Luna Canyon Outfitters Chacón NM Elk Hunt 11/2-11/6 #8046393
4. Luna Canyon Outdoor Adventures James Duran +++UPDATE+++#8053899

Let start this off by saying, your guide for the first 2 days was shown the property, given direction on how to hunt the elk and what to do in each property you hunted.
He knew the boundaries of the property, he is an experienced and successful elk hunter him self so therefore he was more then qualified to be your guide on your hunt.
Elk are not like white tails or any other animal you have probably hunted. No matter how much you’ve scouted for them or put out trail cameras they never do the same thing ever, especially in a late season hunt. So as for scouting none of my guides do it, I’m the one who does it. Ive been hunting these same ranches since September 1st pretty much every single day. Same goes for my lead guide isaiah. So I know what these elk do, he knows what these elk do. All of this information was passed on to your guide Anthony.
Personally I talked to Anthony and he said he never told you he had never set foot on these ranches, he did tell me he said to you he’s hasn’t guide for me as much as isaiah and my other guys. Which I do believe because I have ranches that are 20-30 min away from camp and some that are 5-10 min from camp. If he had never been to the ranches he would have never know how to even get to these properties.

When booking this hunt It was booked as a 100% fair chase hunt. “Fair Chase” means no guarantee on anything. I never once guaranteed you an opportunity, I never guaranteed you an animal. I guaranteed you that you would be able to “hunt” elk.
I did say 80% success rate, because that’s what my success rate has been the passed 3 years, I can give you 25+ different references from those passed years, and they would all vouch for me. It just so happen you end up on a hunt with a full moon, drought conditions, and warm temps That how hunting goes. All season has been tough with these same factors being an issues. Every season can not be perfect.

I know you’re paying me money to hunt elk. And that’s what my guys did. They took you out in the mornings to try and make something happen even if that means walking through the woods trying to get something to move. They were still out there hunting and trying get you an elk.
In the evening we sit and wait, doesn’t matter if a guide is with you or not. They set you up where they feel is the best spot in hopes that something will come by you. .

The way I see it is we can’t please everyone. You went out and did what you paid for and came here to do.... “HUNT ELK” And that is exactly what you did no matter what, You’re guide was an experienced hunter, and elk guide.

Sorry it didn’t turn out the way you wanted it, but that is why it’s called hunting and not killing.


And if anyone else has any questions for me feel free to reach out.
Thank you!
James Duran