BowJoe Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 A while back (almost 2 years ago) I made a really pompous post on hunting around where I live. Rereading it, I realize how egotistical it sounded because I was without a doubt bragging about the quality of hunting around I live. I'll be the first to tell you that I've never killed a small or big buck. I don't hunt as much as other people but I do love hunting and I try to get out when I'm off the road for a few days or can spare a few hrs away from my little girls. Well, one of the members that joined around May contacted me after reading that post because he and some friends were planning to come up to Illinois to hunt for a few weeks in November. I won't say his name but he knows who he is. I've never seen him on here since we started communicating in May. I gave him my phone # and we talked at least once a month until a month ago. I gave him every tip, prospect and google map pinpoint I could think of and a lot that my friend had scouted and hunted for the past 15 years. I really tried to help a friend out to make it successful and fun for him and his buddies. I would do this for anyone I thought was a real friend. I went over maps on the phone, gave him locations right down to the road names and the yardages away from the nearest road. As detailed as a non commissioned guide could do without taking him out and pointing to the tree. I sent him pics of deer I'd seen and exactly where they were located. I know I'm going into a lot of detail but I'm really frustrated right now. Point is, I was a long distance guide plain and simple. Here's where it went south literally and figuratively. I posted a stand for sale on one of our local trade papers and I mentioned it to him that if anyone were interested in his area, we might work something out. I had no idea that the shipping would be so expensive and almost impossible to do. Well, he said he had a buddy that wanted to purchase the stand and only after I sent him pics of what it looked like brand new when I bought it 5 years ago and what the new version looked like did I try to figure out a way to get the stand to his buddy if he really wanted it. I obviously told him it was used and made that point extremely clear! I told him I might be able to get a trip going through his area and we might meet up to exchange the sale. It was a lot harder than I thought but eventually, I got a trip going right through his area and arranged a meeting to not only meet another member but a friend as well. I was excited to meet face to face so I could show him on maps what I'd been talking about. I took a pretty good hit on losing money but was content to sell the stand, meet a friend and talk hunting. I made the decision to deliver it and I was simply keeping my word. Keep in mind that the stand is 5 years, I put camo duct tape on it to keep the padding covers in place (manufacturer flaw) and on the straps to keep them together at the top for a more comfortable haul to the woods. It was used! Everything worked perfectly and the stand was impeccable as far as safety and function. It was USED! I made one final phone call, we met up at a truck stop and he paid me the money and I put the stand in the back of his truck. We went inside for a soda and some discussion of maps. We talked for over an hour and I headed back to my truck for a long awaited sleep and he went his way. About an hour later, I get a phone call from him. He says the stand is not what he was expecting and was positive his friend of a friend was not going to like it at all and that he would be stuck with the stand and out of the money he had given me. I asked him what his resolution to the problem would be and he said he wanted his money back. I tried to explain that I had been out a lot of money to get it to him and he said he just wanted his money back. I was waiting outside my truck for him to arrive and when he did, I just gave him his money back and took the stand and put it back in my truck. We parted ways with the promise that he and his friend of a friend would come by the next morning to make sure he didn't want it. I haven't heard from him since. I've called at least a half dozen times and I've never heard a peep. Here's why I'm ticked. I guided him to not only my honey holes but my buddy's as well (with his approval). I took trips to get to his location which ended up costing me over three to $400 dollars. Stupid I know but I never thought it'd turn out the way it did. He had plenty of time to see what the price of it was and estimate what it'd look like. Here's my question that I can't answer. Was I used as a guide by who I thought was a friend or does he feel he was just as screwed over as I feel? What's got me steamed is I was literally out real money and he hasn't lost a dime except for what he paid for my soda. Not to mention I guided him for free and even if I had no clue what I was talking about, my buddy does and his information hunters would kill to have. Am I over reacting or what? I've been a member on her around 4 years now and I'll think twice before helping anyone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sluggunner Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 Sounds like you got the royal shaft. Although there are two sides to every story, from what you have told us you got shafted. If I were the other guy I would have kept the stand as long as it was fully functional no matter what it looked like just due to the fact that you had done so much for me. I would have sucked up the buyer's remorse and made sure I never bought something sight unseen again. I totally understand your frustration and anger. I think we have all been burned at least once in the past by trying to do something nice for someone only to have it come back and bite us in the you know what. I'm sorry for your bad experience, I guess all you can do at this point is learn from the experience and move on. Wouldn't it really just frost your cupcake if this guy went up to your hunting spot and bagged a booner buck that ended up on the cover of so many of those deer hunting magazines? Ouch!!! Talk about salt in the wound and a story fit for a made for TV movie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 That is a real shame. There is two sides to every story, but I've learned something in this life , and that is that some people are givers, and some are just takers. It's a real shame things turned out like they did, after all you did.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichiganHunter Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 wasn't stupid of you at all, you sound like a great guy and a better friend and to me it sounds like he was an a$$ and took advantage of a decent person. I will say ya went a bit over on the infor you gave him but you know that. I give some people who are good friends some info but only share my best tips with people who are like family. But I'm sorry you had such a crap deal with somone on here.....I hope the next guy or gal you be-friend is a little more deserving of your friendship. Hey, maybe he'll trip fall and bust his nose walking in to one of your spots....jk....or am I ?!?!......lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 From what it sounded like the guy who was buying your treestand never asked for a picture of the actual item for sale...that was his mistake not yours. Whoever should have never agreed to the deal without a picture to see if it was what they wanted. I dont think the treestand is whats got you so bent out of shape though...it's probably the feeling that you were just used. I've met some people like that in my life. They're good as long as your giving and when your not they dont want anything to do with you. Dust off your feet and move on. Consider what you've given as a lost investment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airman312 Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 I'm sorry for all your trouble...but some people in this world just aren't worth helping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redkneck Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 Man you got hosed. Used and abused. Let's just forget about the hunting assistance you gave the guy. A man purchases a USED stand, no pics, free delivery, and then AFTER the agreement, down the road a ways decides he doesn't like it?!?!?!? You should have told him what to do with his new stand, I'm sorry, but you dont do things like that. I have sure bought things I didnt like, but you just swallow things like that once you say "I'll take it". Not to mention it sounds to me like the stand was in overall good condition, combined with the fact that you helped him, sounds like you got taken advantage of. If I may ask, what kind of stand was it, and what did you want for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitetail Freak Hunter Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 I feel for you, as I had it happen to me by a nameless guy in Arizona who makes parts for arrow shafts. I will not tarnish his name here but if he frequents Realtree he knows who he is. I spent alot of time getting him information over property he had gotten willed to him, the area and even arial pictures of the elk haunts. I was suppose to be included in hunting the area when he came out. Well that all came and gone, and so is our friendship. We nice guys have to live and learn, and sometimes its thru the school of hard knocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted November 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 It was an API Shooting Star. I called an apologized a few days later when I realized a big mistake I had made about the stand. I thought I had paid $329 for the stand when I originally purchased it. I didn't realize, until I talked to my buddy who ordered the stand for me along with his exact same stand, that we had actually only paid $239 for it. I was selling it for $190 based on the idea that I had actually paid $329 for it to begin with. Once I realized this, I called him and left a voice mail letting him know that I had made a mistake, lowered the price to $150 and even though I knew he wasn't interested in the stand, I just didn't want him to think I was trying to rip him off. The chains around the back work as good as ever but the plastic coating API orginally put on the chains deteriorated due (I think) to the mix of the oil and plastic. You can buy replacement chains for $40 at bass pro. I've had several calls about the stand since I lowered the price and I was honest with each caller. No takers. That's fine with me but deep down, I don't think he was after the stand to begin with. I think he wanted the information I had and to tell the truth, I hope they see nothing and kill nothing if that's the way they want to get information. Unfortunately, I would be really shocked if they didn't each either get a shot at a great deer or put a few down while they are here. I love hunting around here but I'm pretty burned about all of this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GWSmith Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 (edited) I still have an API Grand Slam Magnum and I get the replacement chain covers for it on Ebay. Heres a current listing for the stuff to show you how much they cost...not much considering with the rest of the stand in good shape it would make it alot quieter and look better;) http://cgi.ebay.com/API-TREESTAND-CHAIN-HEAT-SHRINK-WRAP-TUBING-COVERS-HUNT_W0QQitemZ370254712508QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5634e68ebc P.S. Your treestand would be exactly what I would add to my climber(armrests, footrest/gunrest) to make it comfortable: http://www.outdoorsupply.com/gsss.htm Edited November 1, 2009 by GWSmith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 no good deed shall go unpunished. (poor richard's almanac) you got a hosing from a less of a person than you are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruttinbuc Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 It takes all kinds. Amazing the lengths people go for others just to get burned in the end. What bothers me most is that it was a member here who took advantage. Of course there is no way you can read the integrity of people on a forum, but I certainly would let the message board know who the person is to protect them from a problem in the future. I wouldn't hesitate. That is just me. Sorry things didn't work out for you, Joe. I imagine there is a lesson to be learned here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 Ive bought a few stands off this site, yes all used...not a complaint here, and i never got free guided hunts either! Sounds like you bent over backwards for this guy and it kinda backfired on ya. Sorry to hear that..there's one in every crowd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hunterbobb Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 I have been in your shoes so many times I have lost count. There are so many people out there in the hunting community that only care about themselves. I know of a few on here, that will remain nameless, that talk a great game. However when the rubber hits the road all they care about is which way they are going. I think it may be that men that participate in our sport usually have an over abundance of Testoterone. Don't get me wrong their are many good people that hunt. But in my opinion there are many more selfish SOB's. That is why I pretty much hunt alone now. I'm sure those of you that know who I am talking about will be the loudest to critize me. :gun2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted November 1, 2009 Report Share Posted November 1, 2009 Been there before too. In a nutshell...you got hosed. You live and learn. I'm not going to quit being helpful to my fiends but I'm a lot more picky with who I call friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted November 2, 2009 Report Share Posted November 2, 2009 Rhino said: Been there before too. In a nutshell...you got hosed. You live and learn. I'm not going to quit being helpful to my fiends but I'm a lot more picky with who I call friends. Yep, there's your answer right there. Don't let the takers in this world stop you from being the giving guy you are. Just try to be more careful next time .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wyohunter Posted November 2, 2009 Report Share Posted November 2, 2009 buckee stop looking at me like that, it wasnt me...lol man sorry to hear of this situation, once it went bad, it just kept going.... makes it hard to ever want to try and help someone out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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