Check in Window at FHL and billeting problems

[spectr17]

Just wanted to pass on a FYI about Cindy at the hunter check in window at Fort Hunter Liggett. Several of us had very unpleasant experiences with her this weekend. I've never had any trouble with her over the years I've been hunting there and I even had a nice long phone chat with her Thursday before we arrived up there. Friday it was like a Jeckel & Hyde routine. She was very short and curt when answering questions and ended up slamming the window on several people. I don't know if it's stress or what but she seemed very irrational. The other new guy working the window was also very rude Friday but seemed okay Sat. Someone mentioned they were now boyfriend /girlfriend which could explain some of it but I do not know if that is true or not. Either way their conduct was very unprofessional and down right rude.

Just be aware that even simple questions were setting Cindy off so use kid gloves. I'm still debating on writing a complaint letter about my 3 chats i had with her at the window and her slamming the window on me several times. It may do some good but it may also play havoc on the hunters and me especially in the future.

One other note on the service at FHL. Big Bubba Daddy and several other hunters mentioned that when they called billeting to get a room reservation they we ALL told there were no rooms available. Only after some arm twisting were they given rooms and then we found billeting deserted the whole weekend. There were maybe 5 cars in the whole parking lot. If you call, make sure billeting doesn't blow you off and get a name if they go to the "Sorry, no rooms" routine. I'm not sure why this has been happening but this also may be included in my letter to the post commander.

FHL is one of the better public hunting destinations and it would be ashame if they let this ruin the operation. It almost seems to me to be an agenda to end the hunting is underway, again.

If you've had any problems with the check in personnel or billeting please post them here or email me them if you want to remain annonymous so I can include your complaints in my letter.

Thanks.

 

[sdbowyer]

Wow, I thought I was the only one. To tell you the truth this is why I've only been to FHL one time. I don't know if we're talking about the same lady but I went a few years back by myself for the first time. I didn't know anything about the routine and they made it as painful as possible to figure it out with her whole attitude. Another gal was a bit more helpful but the dark-haired one? - NASTY!

I like the "idea" of FHL but I don't take bad counter people very well and this was definitely among the top 3 of worst experiences for me in my life with rude help. Hence I've never been back.

 

[MrMullen]

So other than dealing with a couple of jerks, FHL is a good place to hunt?

I work in the computer industry and dealing with people with no personality is part of my job. I tend to have a thick skin when dealing with jerks.

Anyone thought of having a Pig-O-Rama there?


EDITED: To conform to P.C. rules.

 

[thetarheelkid]

Hey Jesse,

Sorry to hear of your bad experience. I have heard about Cindy before: as to she gets a bit miffed sometimes pretty easy. But just watching her the other times I have been there she seemed a little iffy--- kinda thought she was bout half bubble off plumb anyway.

Funny I talked to her last weekend cuz my partner hadn't received his voucher yet and I received my 2 weeks on the nose after sending it away. She was quite polite and talk-a-tive. Made me think things are not bad after all! Because I have heard that rumor before ( in requards to your referral of hunting being shut down). That would be a real bummer!!

Besides that I have two questions for you: #1) about that billeting, are you talking about the Hacienda rooms? I have rezees there for the weekend before Thanksgiving like I have mentioned before. Sure will screw things up if I get short changed there. They had told me they were booked for the next couple of months. So I asked to be put on a standby list in case there where some cancellations. They ended up calling me back in about 10 minutes with a room. Better be there when I go up!! #2) Any turkeys, quail, dove, pigs, bobcats -- How was your hunting?? (probably wet!)

Your new calendar feature is real handy -- at a glance scanability -- thanx. And I'll be sure to give you feedback on my experience after I get back from my trip to FHL.

 

[bubba]

tarheel,

A couple of pigs were taken last weekend. Including a 300 pounder with 3 3/4 inch tusk. I was busy Elk hunting, so we were not allowed to hunt any other species while on our TA zones. We seen about 7 bobcats all over the place, lots of quail, a few pigs and some dandy bucks. Got a nice Cow Elk last Sunday. You can read about it in the Elk forum.

 

[Kickaha]

I called Billeting and they said they were booked up solid through the 16th. I was wondering where all the cars were. Thought perhaps they brought in a bus-load of people or something. We ended up staying at the Hacienda. Maybe Billeting and the Hacienda have a deal where they'd rather not rent out Billeting rooms if there's anything left at the Hacienda? Or maybe they had a lot of last-minute cancellations?

We talked to Cindy on checking out Monday around noon. She seemed extremely nice, happy, and helpful. Must have gotten over whatever was bothering her.

BTW, the last Elk hunter tagged-out right before we got there. 10 for 10 that weekend.

 

[shaginator]

Originally posted by MrMullen@Nov 12 2002, 12:58 PM
So other than dealing with a couple of ########, FHL is a good place to hunt?

I work in the computer industry and dealing with people with no personality is part of my job. I tend to have a thick skin when dealing with ########.

Anyone thought of having a Pig-O-Rama there?

Mr. Mullen, I took the liberty to edit out your choice of colorful metaphor in describing those donkeys with holes.

We here at JHP prefer more creativity than the usual expletive, and to keep our language readable by grandma and the kids. (The Osbournes excluded).

 

[mjohns2]

Thanks shaginator and no offense MrMullen, but sometimes my 6 year old son lays next to me and reads the forum. I'm edging him slowly into camping, hunting, etc

 

[MrMullen]

I'll tell you guys what I told the parents on "Bring Your Kids to Work Day", "Your kids can learn it here, or on the playground, but they are going to learn it anyways."

 

[Hogskin]

My kids will know what crap smells like, doesn't mean I want somebody shoving it under their noses.

Regards,
Paul

 

[grtwythunter]

Yes, my boy may learn it on the playground, BUT at home I have a say in what he sees and hears. JHP has always been a place he can sit with me and not hear the kind of things he hears on the playground or even TV.
Scott

BTW...Don't take this the wrong way. I'm no saint. I can cuss with the best of you when I'm not in front of the wife and kids.

 

[EL CAZADOR]

Someone told me that fire burns . . . should I put my hand in it to find out?

 

[wavesfr]

Hey spectr. I know most of them there. The other guy you are talking about is john. As for them being an item. Well we'll just not mention that. For the letter to the commander? Doubt it will do any good it will just get passed to cindy. Yes with everyone's name on it. Seeing as how she runs the show there. I know how you guys feel. I have known them quite awhile. She has tore into Me before too. Threatened Me with being kicked out & aressted. This was over a joke mind you. She is a part of the biologists deal there too. So don't ever mention killing rattlesnakes/doing anything illegal even in a joking way/destruction of the purple amole. My advice is to just ignore it the best you can. When you go back just hand her you're papers & be done. I have been in there before & seen how they handle the complaints. I was great friends with vic. Trust Me she (WILL) rememebr you're name. Just My 2 cents of course. I just have seen first hand thats all.

 

[spectr17]

How'd you do tarheel?

wavesfr,

Since I pay Cindy's wages with my taxes I'm not real happy with her customer service or attitude. If she's disgruntled about her other job not working out she should quit or learn to deal with it. I'm familiar with how the Health & Welfare section works on military posts and I think we can at least try for some improvement. As you can see from SDbowyer's post, she is driving people away from FHL. She is a civilian who works for the post commander and there is no reason we should have to put up with here outrageous behavior and atitude. I'm not there to be her whipping boy because her life is miserable.

I have a nice little lipstick camera for my camcorder like they use in those hidden videos, that I'm going to use to document my window visits from now on. I suggest anyone else do the same and email me about who to send the tape to. Don't worry about privacy laws, you can legally videotape a person in a public place where there is no expectation of privacy.

If you would like to express your opinion of your experience at the hunter check in window here is some contact info to call or write. Be honest and to the point. Provide witness names if possible. If enough people complain the commander and his secretary will get tired of having to deal with us and in the millitary, stuff definately rolls down hill.

FHL Executive Officer
HQ, Fort Hunter Liggett
P.O. BOx 7,000
Ca. 93928

PH# 831-386-2506

 

[Freedivr2]

I'll tell you one thing I know, with three women in my household I've learned one thing.....

A little bit of PMS goes a long, long way.................

 

[hubbabubba]

i have been reading this post for quite some time and have finally broke down to voice my opinion.

Jesse,

Why do you want to cause problems at one of the last few decent places available to public hunters (FHL)? Do you think the fort commander really cares? The hunting program is a priveledge not a right. The only thing you are doing is destroying opportunities for others. If problems arise around the program, it's only a 'flip of the switch' away from being shut down permanently. Take your beef out on Cindy on a 'one to one' level. And it would also be nice if you told Cindy's side of the story. You fail to mention that Cindy went out of her way to call you and let you know that you paid twice and she wanted to return your money when you arrived at the window. You also failed to mention the name calling on your part that took place when she forgot about the money order and offered to get it Sunday. You also fail to mention the part about other hunters waiting in line trying to process paper work while you were trying to win brownie points before the backfire. You also fail to mention that she closed the window on you after hours when she was trying to leave.

And finally, I know firsthand because I was there. If you are going to have a forum just to stir problems, you should at least keep it objective.

Here is some advice. Get in line, get your area, and leave. It's that simple!! If you don't like her, don't talk to her and certainly don't make the rest of us suffer. I have been going there for over 15yrs and have never had a problem.

You are a big boy, so grow up, stop crying, and try being POSITIVE about something. It seems like every topic you bring up is a complaint.

 

[spectr17]

Well, since there was 4 people at the window present, my buddy, me, Cindy and the other window worker I can easily guess who this is.

Judging by your myopic posts on these threads I'll go with Cindy or the other window worker, John is it?

I can see one thing perfectly clear already, we can only remedy the problem when the person(s) finally admits there is a problem.

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And it would also be nice if you told Cindy's side of the story. You fail to mention that Cindy went out of her way to call you and let you know that you paid twice and she wanted to return your money when you arrived at the window.[/b]

Wrong-0. If you want to tell the story correctly you need to stick with the facts and avoid the spin and twist button. I, NOT Cindy, called billeting and got Cindy's office number to ask about my double payment for my hunt permit since I wasn't sure if I had paid already. I have the phone log to prove it. In fact, I just got my Verizon bill and can scan up the day my call was made to Cindy at FHL and post it here to show who is blowing smoke. You game? I can assure you Cindy CANNOT produce a record of her calling me EVER. Cindy even told me not to tell anyone her special phone number or she would change it since she doesn't want calls from hunters during the week, (how convenient for us hunters and fishermen). As I said in my first post in this thread, Cindy and I had a nice jovial 1/2 hour conversation. I even offered her help setting up a webpage. That's why I was flabbergasted by the change in her attitude toward me Friday at the check in window.

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You also failed to mention the name calling on your part that took place when she forgot about the money order and offered to get it Sunday.[/b]

Obviously you're a bit muddled on what was said. Remember there was a witness standing beside me to back up my story. There was no name calling on either side. I'm old enough to realize that when you decend into the name calling you've already lost the arguement and nothing good will happen after that. She ended by saying I was not a very nice person and stomped out after blaming me for the screw up on the money. This was after I was told by Cindy she would either mail my money to me or have my money order there Friday night at the check in window. On Friday night Cindy said she forgot my money and told me Saturday morning she would have it. Saturday morning when I asked about my money Cindy huffed and puffed and said the check in line was too busy. All she had to do was reach over and hand it to me. Only one problem though. She said she forget my money AGAIN and to come back that afternoon. I cut my hunt short and returned that afternoon only to be told she forgot it AGAIN and to come back Sunday.

Sunday Cindy told me there was "No way" she was going over to her office to get it, period. That's when I was told my money would be mailed to me. Yes, I was a bit miffed, I just wanted to get the money back either way. I have a bad habit of taking people 's word and holding them to it. If she didn't want to help me out, fine, just say so and mail it. No need to string me along for 3 days and screw up my hunts. I returned to the window before it closed 2 times on 2 different days to check on my money Cindy said she WOULD have but didn't, which cut my hunts short. By then we were wondering if the whole mess was vindictive on Cindy's part or she just couldn't be trusted to do as she said she would. That, or she was just a deceptive person.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Here is some advice. Get in line, get your area, and leave. It's that simple!![/b]

That's fine for those of us who have been there before and know the drill. What about the new guy/gal with a question or two. Your condescending and rude attititude toward us hunters is exactly what these threads are about. You're there to help the CUSTOMER and not badger and belittle people who have the audacity to ask a simple question if anyone hasn't explained it to you yet. If you're not able to at least be half way courteous to a CUSTOMER then maybe you should seek work elsewhere where you have no contact with the public.

Friday night my buddy was in the elk orientation. I filled out my paperwork and told Cindy my buddy would be out shortly to fill his in so we could hunt the same area. I aksed Cindy if we could register together and was told there was no problem if we were there before 7pm. At 6:45 we got in line behind 2 guys who the guy helped fill out their paperwork. They asked a few questions which according to you is not the right way to do it at the window (get in line, get your area and leave). At 7:00 pm (closing time) we got to the window and that's when the guy said it was closed. Taking 3 minutes to finish our paperwork would have been nice but you and Cindy had places to go right so we came back the next morning even though we were lead to believe we could do it Friday night as soon as the elk orientation was over. My question to see if I could get my partner out of the orientation earlier was met with a curt "No". No big deal really, open the door to the room, say "Excuse me" and request the guy step out. It's done every day in more important meetings than the elk orientation but this seemed to boggle Cindy's mind. That or she just was jacking us around so we wouldn't have time to register Friday night. Hmmm, sound familiar again? Cindy wouldn't be that way would she? What was that word Sdbowyer used to describe Cindy? "Nasty", yeah, that's pretty close.

Saturday morning's hunter window check in line took 45 minutes to get to the window since only the guy was working when the window opened. It would have gone twice as fast if Cindy was there when it opened but maybe that's not a priority right? Or is it? I seem to remember in your above post you stating how the line needs to move quickly along, (get in line, get your area and leave). But hey, what's 20 minutes late to work at the busiest hunter check in time right? Yeah some of the people in line noticed and mumbled about it. So what if the hunters are late getting to their areas when it's already sun up because they have to stand in line for 45 minutes waiting on a late check in window employee?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

You also fail to mention the part about other hunters waiting in line trying to process paper work while you were trying to win brownie points before the backfire.[/b]

Brownie points? Backfire? My couple of questions of what areas where left open were met with short curt answer to "read the board" and "no". I wouldn't even rate it a conversation, it was like I was annoying Cindy, just as sdbowyer stated in his complaint about her attitude when he was at the check in window. Sound familiar yet or are you still sailing down that Egyptian River?

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Do you think the fort commander really cares?[/b]

So you think we are wasting our time trying to get someone to help us out with our problem? The post commander may not care but I know their time is valuable and the way to get their attention is to be the squeaky wheel. You see, I didn't just fall off the turnip truck and I certainly am not going to let a rude obnoxious person bluff me down about trying to help our situation. One way to find out if anyone cares is to submit the emails, videos and posts here to the rec director and post commander and see if we get an atitude change and a little friendlier service.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

And finally, I know firsthand because I was there. If you are going to have a forum just to stir problems, you should at least keep it objective.[/b]

Objective? You may want to look that word up before you trip over it. You have made several statements that I can prove right here are false. Were you really there or are you repeating what you heard from someone else? If you truely were there were the lights on or were you as tuned out as Cindy? You have an agenda which is plainly obvious.

And finally, if you think this forum is just to sling mud and stir up problems you are woefully mistaken. If you really want to solve this problem you'll stick around and hear the complaints and offer a way to help change the situation. Or, you can just stomp off like Cindy did at the check in window that Saturday afternoon. Slamming windows in people's faces really doesn't solve anything. I want to improve the service at the check in window, as do many hunters who visit there. How about yourself? See any room for improvement or are you just fine with the way it is now because you're on the inside of the window looking out?

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

Well Put Jesse......I havent been to FHL yet, but I plan on going soon, hope thats not the type of treatment I am in for.....

 

[hubbabubba]

no, i don't want to sling mud as you put it. i do want more appropriate actions and considerations about your topics. i am constantly scrutinized by my peers because i am a hunter. i do EVERYTHING possible to show them the good attributes of our (my) passion. i don't complain about the little things, i like to hear about organizations like DWU, NWTF, RMEF, QU, PF, ect...

i am playing devils advocate and you don't like that.

yes there are some great things in this forum. there should be more. as the creator/host i feel you spend some needless time on the gloom and doom stuff. Find news that is positive, post great experiences, don't bad mouth other hunters, quit complaining about little stuff, and rally the troops to do some good. you can ask questions and offfer solutions in letters to get a job done rather than complain.

the only reason why i even posted is to question why you feel it's necessary to push buttons that are barely even intact. causing more resentment is not the answer. nobody wants to show the other side. and when its done, they don't like what they hear.

 

[Bishop]

Well Hubbabubba:

There are at least 3600 of us that like the way this forum is and the job that Jesse is doing here.
Talk about negative posts, you've only got 4, and they're all negative. You seem to have very specific ideas on how the perfect hunting forum should be run.
So, there's only one thing that we can suggest you do. START YOUR OWN, BECAUSE WE LIKE JESSE'S JUST FINE THE WAY IT IS.