First I like to say that Serge is a very responsive guy, who tries to find quality hunts for his clients. U must remember that all outfitters exaggerate and lie even to booking agent. He obviously can not go to all these places and must trust outfitter.
I booked a 2024 Cow elk hunt in Idaho unit 72 and Serge mailed me outfitters info. I called him and made arrangements to stay in motel In Bancroft Idaho 15 miles away.
Outfitter assured me that I will get my Elk, when asked about success rate, he replied 100%.
First morning I was unfortunate to hunt with outfitter son, an inexperienced young guy, who was very sure of himself. He wanted me to use his rifle and did not like it when I refused. He did not want me to load my gun till we saw Elk. also to set me scope at average shooting distance for the area.
Driving around in great SXS suddenly we came across 5 Elk, but they kept running, then I located a herd, but by the time I loaded my gun and set my scope at 400, they were gone.
Instead of going after herd, he drove like a mad man to camp where his dad saw elk.
He took his rifle out and wanted me to shoot at moving elk at 865 yards!
I had told him before hunt that 500 yards is my preferred distance. Beside I could really only shot the Bull. I am an ethical Hunter, hate to cripple an Animal.
Then he used me to push elk to other Hunters who killed 2 at 180 yards.
Luckily he did not want to guide me anymore, so I got a guide name Chris, absolutely outstanding guide
Rest of the 3 days no elk.
So instead of 100%, it actually turned out being 33%, and each day, morning and evening hunt drops it to 17% at each outing.