The hunting trip we meticulously planned for three years turned out to be a complete disaster. Despite having detailed maps, exhaustive information on hunting locations, and the supposed expertise of our guide, our experience with Willow Air was a nightmare from start to finish.
Firstly, despite having made arrangements with Willow Air to hunt along a specific river, we were informed at the last minute that we would be hunting elsewhere. The reasons given were vague and unsatisfactory, leaving us bewildered and unprepared for the new location.
Upon arrival, we were provided with scant information and no maps for the new river. Our guide hastily downloaded some digital maps, but they were of little use, lacking crucial details for effective hunting and camping.
Furthermore, we were dropped off two days past our agreed drop-off point, exacerbating our already challenging situation. Despite reaching out to our guide for assistance, we received minimal help and struggled to find suitable camping spots in the swampy terrain.
As our hunt progressed, communication with our guide remained frustratingly ineffective, with our inquiries often met with confusion and disregard. By day six, we realized we were out of options for camping due to the lack of high ground, a revelation that should have been provided much earlier by our guide.
To make matters worse, when our scheduled pickup day arrived, we were left stranded in the swamp after being told to relocate for a better pickup spot. Despite our efforts to prepare for pickup, Willow Air missed our window, leaving us stranded for an additional day.
Throughout the entire ten-day ordeal, we encountered no moose, heard no moose calls, and found little evidence of their presence. While we understand that hunting success can be unpredictable, the incompetence and negligence displayed by Willow Air and our guide were inexcusable.
In conclusion, I strongly advise against using Willow Air for hunting trips. The quality of service and expertise has significantly declined under the new ownership, tarnishing the legacy of the former owner who once provided exceptional experiences. Potential clients should heed caution and thoroughly research alternative options before booking with Willow Air.
