Back Country Outfitters in Pagosa Springs (Operated by Stone Pass Outfitters).

[james12345]

I drew an Elk 1st rifle at unit 77.

Curious how Backcountry Outfitters was?

I'm in good shape and considering the nomadic option vs. Drop Camp vs. DIY.

Open to any other guides or ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Buck1972]

Bad, they owe me and my 3 buddies our 3000$ deposits back from a hunt we booked for this fall and didn't draw. 12K we can't get back. I can't get a call back or anything! Do not send them any money.! If anyone from Stone Pass/Back Country Outfitters (Justin Frie) do read this, please call me-Shane Carignan 715-817-1573 to arrange to pay us back what we are owed. It is criminal what you call a guide service.

 

[ELKhunter49]

Is this for a drop camp type of hunt?

 

[Buck1972]

no, it was supposed to have been a muzzle loader guided hunt for 4 of us. We did not draw the kill tags. Now we can't get our deposits back. It is pretty bad business.

 

[ELKhunter49]

Yeah, that is a bad deal for sure man. Wonder if you have any recourse for them not refunding it.

 

[Buck1972]

We have been quite patient so far. We were supposed to be refunded in May at the latest. We are out 12K for the 4 of us. I have been trying to reach them but no luck. I did file a complaint with the state so other groups don't send these crooks their money. I knew better in the beginning but was pretty excited to go.

 

[ELKhunter49]

Would they let you drag it into an OTC rifle hunt maybe?

 

[Buck1972]

i wouldnt go with them either way? i dont trust them

 

[ELKhunter49]

Fair I don't blame you at all!

 

[BigE]

Seems like this outfitter fell apart. Does anyone have good stories or is it all bad?
My relation that was associated with them has moved on.

 

[Buck1972]

Thief should not have an outfitters license. He still owes us 12K for our deposits he never sent back. Justin Frie should be in jail.

 

[james12345]

Our guide Shane was amazing. They were accommodating and at the end of the day we were successful.
We were super lucky and hunted hard way back in country in first rifle. My hunting partner and I both got our bulls both our firsts. We heard others in different camps harvested some bulls as well.

 

[greenomics]

I ended up canceling my 2025 hunt. Camp location I wanted wasn't going to be available for first rifle.

I did get my booking deposit back. Took a while but I did get a refund.

 

[HornPorn]

Every outfitter Ive ever talked to who guides in limited entry/draw areas, says "you better give a deposit because we only have 1/2 spots left" etc. BS. They are just selling deposits.

OTC, lower point draws, or some general tags, like some of those migration hunts in Wyoming outside of Yellowstone in the thoroughfare, I understand they have a several year waiting list, but draw hunts that require a decent amount of pref points, limited entry in MT, hard to draw NM tag, etc. You draw a tag, then call outfitters. I guarantee you they will have a spot.

Sorry to hear you guys got screwed, but pretty sure your deposit money was spent long ago

 

[Djolly72]

I did get my booking deposit back. Took a while but I did get a refund.

It is good to see a positive story on them. I did see they were able to be successful on a few hunts this year on FB

 

[Djolly72]

Thief should not have an outfitters license. He still owes us 12K for our deposits he never sent back. Justin Frie should be in jail.

It is good to see that @greenomics was able to finally get his money back. One refund is different than 4 though. I wish you luck in getting yours back. Please keep us posted.