By Brandon Fontenout

This is the story of the hunt with Ram Creek Outfitters, that Brandon Fontenout booked on BookYourHunt.com. Or, to be precise, of one booking that ended in several hunts: one rescheduled, one unsuccessful, and one that nearly ended up unsuccessful. Only through an incredible perseverance of the hunter, understanding attitude of the guide, and perfect communication between them could Brandon’s trip to British Columbia end in a well-deserved trophy. But let Brandon tell everything in his own words: 

Early in 2020, as COVID was just beginning to appear on the radar, and nobody knew yet where it would lead, I scheduled an archery moose hunt with Ram Creek Outfitters. I found it on BookYourHunt.com, sent an online request for information through the website’s chat system, and Steven Leuenberger replied the next day. He answered all of my questions, and we were able to discuss details of the hunt. It didn’t take long for him to gain my trust, as he was extremely personable and very easy to talk to.

When it became clear that travel bans would prevent me from coming to Canada, we talked it over with Steven, and rescheduled my archery moose hunt for 2023. With so much time between scheduling the hunt and the hunt date, Steven would periodically contact me just to make sure I didn’t have any questions about the paperwork and just to chat and talk about hunting. 

It was very reassuring for me that he cared enough to reach out from time to time. Little things like that let me know he genuinely cared about me and my peace of mind. Everything was incredibly easy, and every detail was covered—from payment schedule, what to bring, crossing the border, etc. The entire process was made very simple thanks to great communication from Steven.

The hunt was nothing short of incredible. Southern British Columbia is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, and the camp at Ram Creek Outfitters was remote, yet incredibly comfortable. The landscape was spectacular, and there was plenty of wildlife. My wife came with me and enjoyed the comforts of camp and the magnificent views. 

Weather was a significant factor the week I was there, but in spite of that we still had some really close encounters with good quality bulls. Truth be told, I probably should have gone home with a moose that week. However, the shot opportunity I had didn’t feel right, and I let my conscience win. All the time as I was debating with myself whether to release the arrow or not, I kept thinking that would probably be my one opportunity. Looking back, it was.

I felt no pressure from Steven to take an ill-advised shot. I’ve heard stories of guides telling the client to take a marginal shot or rush the shot because the guide’s success rate or opportunity rate for their statistics depended on it. But not Steven. He told me if I didn’t feel right, then I shouldn’t take the shot. He insisted that when to release the arrow was 100% my decision and no one else’s. I can’t help but appreciate and respect that. We had a few other close calls, but no shot opportunity presented itself.

As my hunt concluded, Steven offered me a golden opportunity, something that doesn’t come along very often. He invited me to return the following year at the cost of only covering his expenses. How could I say no to that? Paperwork was drawn up, and dates were set for the following year. As usual, frequent communication in the offseason occurred. 

With the experience from last year, crossing the border and arriving at the camp was easy. This time we had fantastic weather. We only lost about a day and a half due to weather, as opposed to three or four days a year before – and had a really close encounter on day two. But once again, the proper shot opportunity did not present itself, even though the bull was 25 yards in the wide open. And once again, I felt no pressure from Steven to take the shot. 

Everything finally came together on our last full day of hunting. A beautiful bull came in, responding to Steven’s calling. He came in a very aggressive manner, swaying his head back and forth, and looking for a fight. This time the perfect shot opportunity did present itself, and the bull expired very quickly. As my dream had finally come true, I had never been happier as a hunter. As excited as I was, Steven was equally happy. I could tell he genuinely cared about the success of my hunt.

When I called some references back in 2020, one of the gentlemen said that no one cares more about you getting your animal than Steven. And he was absolutely right. I can’t say enough about Steven and his entire operation at Ram Creek Outfitters. He runs a small camp, which ensures attention to personal detail. Both times I hunted with him, there were four hunters total in camp, each with his own guide and sleeping quarters. At the end of each day, everyone ate together at one table – hunters, guides, and the cook.

To be honest, that was one of my favorite parts of the experience. Getting to meet and know people from all over and sharing dinner together really made this experience more than just about the animals we hunt. It was about connecting with people and connecting to them on a deep, personal level. Of course, I have to mention the delicious home-cooked meals we had every night, as well as fresh home-cooked breakfast every morning.

I can’t wait to return for another hunt. My next hunt with Steven will probably include my daughter and/or my brothers. I tell everyone I can about Ram Creek Outfitters. I wish every hunter could experience the fascinating things I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy. As cliché as it sounds, I really did leave as a friend. I hope I made Steven feel the same way. The same can be said for all the guides in camp (Tyler, Kevin, Daylin, Kaden, and Dwaine), as well as Shawna, our chef. This is a first-class operation with first-class people. I will be back.

Next in Hunting Stories

Three Trophies, Four Shots, and a Lifetime of Memories: My Hunt of a Lifetime in Aotearoa

by Hans Wilhelm

This is a story of a New Zealand hunt that Hans Wilhelm found and booked on BookYourHunt.com, told in his own words.

There are some hunts that stick with you forever – the kind where the experience goes beyond just harvesting an animal. My recent trip to Aotearoa (New Zealand) with The Hype of the Hunt was exactly that. It was the greatest and most successful hunt I’ve ever had. Three hunts, three trophies, and just four bullets fired. The rest of the time? I was taking in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand with my family. CONTINUE READING