Mike Berry Hunting Guide-The Results

[house4ursoul]

I would. For the cost of pig hunting guides these days I would expect guaranteed fresh sign, and if I get a pig to have it gold plated and mounted all included in the cost. At the very least the guide could work hard for his money.

 

[mattador96]

Generally guided hunts for pigs are arond 500-600 for a 1-2 day hunt. Mine was a 1 day hunt.

 

[house4ursoul]

600 for a 1 day hunt!!!!???? Wow. Id report, however just know that the DFG hands are pretty tied on this one. Theres not much they can do with a single complaint. Atleast id imagine they cant do much. All they do is license the dude and post his name on the website as officially licensed.

Theres two ways to pig hunt; spend lots of time in the woods or spend lots of cash for a guide that may or may not work for his money.

 

[mattador96]

In my case 495 for a 1 day hunt.

 

[spectr17]

If you want matador put a review up in our guide review section. Hunting Outfitters, Guides, Ranches, Lodges - My Product Gallery

Just stick to the facts of how you were told hunt would go and how it actually went like you did here.

That and this post will be picked up by the search engines and anyone doing their homework like they should can read this and make their own mind up.

 

[boarhunter67]

Most guided hunts I've seen are 1/2 deposit before and the rest upon arrival.

If you read his post, that's what was done. He asked for a deposit, then the balance upon arrival. I've hunted with Mike Berry before. I've had nothing but good experiences with him. I'm sorry you had a bad experience. At least he said you could come back and hunt for free. I'm surprised he didn't actually guide you. Every hunt I've been on with him--unless it was a self-guided or semi-guided hunt--he guided me to the animals or if we didn't see any animals, he spend all day looking with me. The friend with the shotgun thing surprises me too. I've hunted property before while the guide was running dogs on a different part of the property and shot hogs, but it was a big ranch up off Little Pinoche road and I wasn't paying for a guided hunt. Dogs and shooting don't necessarily affect the hogs on the whole property, but if it's a small ranch or the dogs or shooting are near, then you definitely had something to complain about. If this was supposed to be a guided hunt, I would call him up and complain. My experience is he will do what he can to make things right.

 

[Land Cruiser]

This exactly why I quit the guide biz. One guy I took out told me has NEVER seen such a good property with so much sign and activity. Told me it was the best hunt he'd ever been on. Never did kill a pig...
The next guy gut shoots a hog at 15 yds., and is then rippin' me for making him spend a couple hours trying to recover the animal. He left all pissed off, AFTER I gave him all his money back and told him to hit the road.
Jesse says it all... "get it in writing".... And sometimes that's not even enough. There are idiots on both sides of the issue. As humans we tend to think most hunters are like ourselves. Not! There are as many different hunters out there as stars in the sky. When you accept payment, alot of things change. At the same time, just because you pay a guide doesn't make him your slave or little skinnin' bitch.
I still hunt the property, but with buddies and people I choose. Living the "Guide Life" is not all it's cracked up to be. It's tough work mentally and physically.... I've debated going back into it. How much are guys payin' these days??!!:lol bashing sign:

Mike, forget those pigs, you'll scare the turkeys away Can't wait for that season to start. Your Canadian buddy is thinking of coming back this year.

On a separate note, I've hunted with George at Cooley 3 times. He is a stand up guy and runs top notch operation . Oh, and there was a time when I haven't seen squat. But I will go back and won't hesitate to recommend his services to anybody. 66,6% success rate is pretty darn good if you ask me.

 

[JG3]

I went hunting with Mike about 3 1/2 years ago. Paid 800 dollars plus stayed in a motel to hunt pig. Me and my dad met up with him around 5:30 A.M. and he asked for the payment in full. He took us on a hike and had us sit by a tree where he said the hogs normally come to feed. After sitting and seeing nothing we drove around following him and his friend around the property. I took my dad for his birthday and didn't even any type of wildlife. Mike said me and my dad could come back to hunt. Well, 3.5 years later and after about 8 phone calls though out that period of time , he continues to tell me to call him back because he hasn't seen any pigs. I have to ask you in the last 3.5 years has anyone caught a pig with him and if so, how come he keeps telling me he hasn't seen any. My dad just turned 78, im taking him to Texas to hopefully finally catch a pig. 135.00 each for the whole day and they guarantee I will get a shot off at a pig. I am pretty disappointed, Mike seems like a really nice guy. I'm still wondering did I get ripped-off, time will tell I guess, and it aint over till the fat lady sings. Mike im open for a partial refund. Just thought I would vent, folks it was 800.00 dollars I spent.

 

[KTKT70]

i have always wondered what info is around on this guy. He seems to b the only guy out of bakersfield. I live in kern county and would love to find a good guy to hunt with around here. But its also good to know who not to hunt with.

best of luck and hope u and your dad get your pig soon. The Lt. Col will b 70 this year. I hope i get to go after a pig with him b4 he gets much older. He is in good shape still but time takes it toll on us all. I think he is doing good after being shot down 3 times in war and what not. Agian good luck to you and any info from other guys would b helpfull.
thank you.

 

[Wolfe]

If you want a good guide in the central valley call Clayton @ 805-610-4521 (Bitterwater Outfitters). I have seen the results of his hog hunts. He also has an exotics area. I took my daughter there for her first hunt and they did a great job. The times I have been at Claytons I have seen hogs that have been harvested. JG3, If you are going to Texas look at Keechi Creek Outfitters. I just got back from there with the kid and she shot 5 hogs. Mike at Keechi has high fence and free ranging hogs. It was on of the best hunts I have ever been on.

 

[mattador96]

I have seen Clayton Grant on one of those hunting shows on the Outdoor channel. They shot an Asian Water buffalo. He also has Yaks out there. A nasty critter for sure.

 

[cali-carnivore]

That's the way business should be conducted. Kudos! I am also in a service business and tell my clients exactly what to expect even if it is not what they want to hear simply to make a sale. I feel the other thing that separates guides is their ability to acquire and keep quality leases.