This is topic What's Up With Les Johnson Losing His Sponsor in forum Member forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://www.huntmastersbbs.com/cgi-bin/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=002022

---

Posted by Two-Tails 85024 (Member # 3179) on September 14, 2008, 05:13 PM:
 
I got wind of someone who is attacking Les Johnson through some very nasty tactics maybe causing him to lose his primary sponsor, Legacy Sports.
If anyone has more info about who or what is going on. I know myself, as well as others here would like to know more.
 

---

Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 14, 2008, 06:40 PM:
 
Some decent info would be valuable

i'm pretty sure that most folks here think highly of Les

Info man..info
 

---

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 14, 2008, 06:46 PM:
 
It's all over where you got booted, MULE.

Good hunting. LB
 

---

Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 14, 2008, 07:05 PM:
 
"It's all over where you got booted, MULE."

Could you narrow that down for me?
 

---

Posted by MULE (Member # 63) on September 14, 2008, 07:17 PM:
 
Oh never mind

I see its behind closed doors

I'll look thru my cereal and find my secret squirrel ring....
 

---

Posted by Les Johnson (Member # 3087) on September 15, 2008, 12:12 PM:
 
Two-Tails 85024,

First off, I would like to thank you for your concern with my television show and sponsors.

I would like to make a clear intention on what transpired with "my" request to have a blog on the monster. I have not lost any sponsors regarding my affiliation, but there was a person sending emails to all of my sponsors and declaring that he would never buy any of their products due to my request to have a blog.

I believe in our 2nd Amendment Rights as do I believe in a sportsmans agenda. I also feel that putting a "Predator Quest Diary", if you will, on a forum would really help inform readers about my love and passion in what I do! If this mysterious person that has to hide behind an email and wants to paint a terrible picture about me, I can honestly say that the good things about what I do will far outweigh the bad things that surface.

I hope that this gives you a better idea of what happened.

Again, I want to thank you for your concern on this matter.

Les J.
 

---

Posted by Two-Tails 85024 (Member # 3179) on September 15, 2008, 03:08 PM:
 
Les, thank you for filling me in completely. I met you several years ago at the Trappers Convention here in Az. I couldn't believe that this would happen to you. I think you are the nicest man I ever met, and went out of your way to answer some questions I had, Again I thank you for that, has been very helpful. Anyway thanks for setting things straight. I love Predator Quest and it would truely be a worse place with out it.
 

---

Posted by CindyTraps (Member # 1893) on September 16, 2008, 03:18 PM:
 
Thats a real shame people have to do stuff like that.
What goes around comes around and that guy will get whats due. But its a sad thing Les has to be part of his evil.
Hopefully it all works out, like Les said, the good will out way it.
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 16, 2008, 05:52 PM:
 
Hey Les,
I'm cheap and have never bought cable. My kids watch the same Saturday cartoons that we did when were kids. We get our news from the Internet and our kids love the computer more than TV.

I logged onto PredatorQuest.com last night for the very first time. WOW!!! What a lot of fun the boys and I gonna have watching those videos. Tonight we're gonna watch, "Looks like we have a badger"!

By the way, Season 2 episode 1 has an absolutely killer series of phenomenally, executed and wonderfully optimistic misses at a coyote. Man, that is the coolest series of misses I ever saw!!! Way to go.
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 17, 2008, 01:40 PM:
 
Just to clarify, misses happen. And quite personally. I love to see video of them. It adds a mega ton more entertainment than one shot killed coyotes each and everytime.

So the above post was meant to poke a little fun, but to compliment on a guy's confidence to show the misses on video. Much more true to life (atleast for me)and very enjoyable to watch. You see a coyote going mach speed and you hope he's gonna die, but when he gets away, ironically, I am glad for him. LOL

For those haven't checked out the website, do so!
 

---

Posted by 3 Toes (Member # 1327) on September 17, 2008, 02:39 PM:
 
I would have to disagree Loco. I hate seeing coyotes missed, by me or anyone else. If a guy is any kind of shot, a coyote that gets close enough for good video footage shouldn't be missed. If you'll notice Les's in first video there are few if any misses in it. I heard some complaints about that and it pissed me off. I heard people bitch that they edited out the misses. To which I said, judging by what Les has won over the years, I'd venture a guess that he don't miss much! How does anyone know if any were made and not used? In a couple years of filming I never missed a coyote. Why would I? Most were close. I guess I just figure if a guy considers himself good enough to make and market a video of himself as a "professional" he shouldn't be missing much. That was one of the big burns I had with Randy Andersons videos. They missed over half of what they shot at. I thought that sucked.
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 17, 2008, 03:54 PM:
 
Oh well, to each his own I guess. To me it adds a nice variety to the watching. I am so accustomed to: the guy sits down, calls, shoots coyote, "NEXT" and off to the next scene where it all happens again.

To me a good video puts you into the hunter's shoes. You can feel his excitement. I wish I could shoot well as consistanly as you Cal' but I don't. On the clip where Les misses yet continues shooting, miss after miss...I really like that. I've been there many times and I hate it when I miss. It makes me mad, but it seems, those are always the most memorable hunts, ususually because some knuckle head partner is giving you hell over the misses.

But I can really relate and fully enjoy seeing a pro miss w/ shotgun, miss again, pull out the rifle and hope like hell he doesn't miss again, but CRAP, he did just miss again, here goes another volley, damn, a fourth follow up shot miss, coyote's well out of range and still flying at mach speed, Should he shoot again or not? Wait, now coyote's running straight away, I bet I might hit 'em, BOOM, Damn, missed again. Adrenaline is still pumping and fingers are shaking as I finally give it up and start laughing. LOL

Been there, done that, and to me, its fun to see other people being right where I've been before.

I buy videos for the entertainment it provides. I think an occasional miss is what keeps this stuff fun. Remember, I'm a recreational coyote hunter.

[ September 17, 2008, 04:06 PM: Message edited by: Locohead ]
 

---

Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on September 17, 2008, 06:01 PM:
 
Oh, we are going to have some gooooood campfire conversations!!!
In a way, I agree that seeing the 'Star' miss makes him seem a little more human. On the other hand, if he's a 'Star', why'd he miss?? Did he make a mistake & explain it so that I can learn from it and not make the same mistake??
 

---

Posted by Cdog911 (Member # 7) on September 17, 2008, 06:59 PM:
 
It's one thing to not like seeing a coyote shot at and missed, and something entirely different to claim you haven't missed occasionally yourself (not that anyone did). Show me someone who says they hit 'em all, and I'll show you a lying sumbitch. LOL I'm with Danny in that, if pressed, I could probably remember a fair number of the coyotes I've killed. On the other hand, I've made some fantastic friggin' misses and those bad boys are the shots of legends. LOL You ALWAYS seem to remember the screw ups with vivid detail.

Most of the video crowd seem to be rec callers that have taken it to the next level. Occasionally, they miss. Les is just good enough of a guy to be willing to admit it. What I like about Les' video work is that he seems genuinely excited after every kill rather than call-call-call-shoot-kill-get up and leave. BORING! Les' new DVD is a great watch, and I don't usually waste my time watching guys do what I'm capable of doing myself, especially when "the country" is only three minutes off the end of my driveway.

Les may not give a lot of tips on his videos, but if you watch and note what he's doing and how he's doing it, there is a wealth of information in there for the up and coming newbie.
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 17, 2008, 08:29 PM:
 
Cal'

quote:

---

I guess I just figure if a guy considers himself good enough to make and market a video of himself as a "professional" he shouldn't be missing much. That was one of the big burns I had with Randy Anderson's videos. They missed over half of what they shot at. I thought that sucked.

---

Now, of all the people I'd hate to have to disagree with, it'd have to be you Cal', but here goes.

I ordered Randy Anderson's video a long time ago. i don't think part 2 was even out yet. He certainly wasn't any kind of professional back then. I loved his videos because he wore two different colored gloves, much like me. LOL I can never find a pair but I have a great many single glove and mittens floating around. He certainly didn't sell himself as any kind of "professional" but just a home town rancher farmer tractor moving guy out with a variety of fellow neighbors and friends out to have some fun. There were indeed lots of misses on the videos.

Randy told me he had no intentions of selling nearly as many videos as he did. He thought a few friends and friends' friends would buy them. But he sold a bajillion of 'em.

My feeling is that when he was approached by the big guys, he was probably told to wear this camo, use these calls, and make and produce videos like he always had. I mean, if its not broke, don't fix it. That's probably why he keeps great video of coyotes, even if the gun guy misses, now that he really is a "professional"'. It worked in the first video, why not keep doing it.

I may be completely wrong and must then say, that the success of his first video was probably because of that incredibly catchy tune he wrote, "Come little coyote come...don't you know its a sin to come in down wind.." (something like that)lol
 

---

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 17, 2008, 11:40 PM:
 
I hate to see a coyote get missed.

Good hunting. LB
 

---

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on September 18, 2008, 07:32 AM:
 
Misses?
I want to see a video of Cal guiding traditional archers.
 

---

Posted by Randy Roede (Member # 1273) on September 18, 2008, 09:28 AM:
 
I would have to agree leonard, the appeal of Randy Andersons first videos were how a recreational caller could put himself in his shoes doing the same thing. Not to mention the unpolished use of equipment, trying to kill them with a bow, pistols, deer rifles etc.

Cal, I think you, Scott, and I always hope most recreational callers would take the sport a little more seriously but we all know it isn't going to happen. If a coyote shows up a 400 yards and won't commit you know most guys will try him and miss, we all miss, ask TA, only difference is we have to clean up what we screw up. The very reason why we all try and keep a little something just in case. Ya know that secret stuff!!!!!!!!!
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 18, 2008, 11:08 AM:
 
Where is every one's sense of humor?

Do you contest callers do it just to kill coyotes?

Why so serious?

Haven't any of you guys ever had a good laugh at some of your own misses when witnesses are present(those of you do occasionally miss)?

If any of you guys saw the clip I mentioned, I bet you'd enjoyed it too.

I really doubt any of you guys would see the clip and get pissed because another coyote got away.

Really guys, I'm not into missing coyotes, I do take hunting seriously, and I have taken long shots I probably shouldn't of. Big deal.

I bet if you guys spotted an upwind sleeping coyote at 500 yards you might just take a pop or would you only take the shot if you knew with all certainty that you wouldn't miss?!?!? Let's say there is crunchy snow between you and the coyote. Lots of wind. Not a call or howl will arouse the coyote. Maybe Cal', Randy, and Leonard would know the trick? I'm humble enough to admit I haven't a clue. I'd probably take the shot. Is that irresponsible Randy? I've shot at running coyotes when they were running a jillion miles per hour too. Irresponsible? I've hit some of those coyotes too, not often enough though.

Maybe I'm just defensive because I'm being made out to look like a foolish rec. hunter for simply stating I enjoyed Les' clip. So one coyote got away, BFD, Les wasn't on an ADC call at the time. Nor does the miss indicate a rec. hunter not taking it seriously. I really enjoyed seeing the many fine shots Les made too!

LOL SHEEEESH!!!

[ September 18, 2008, 11:30 AM: Message edited by: Locohead ]
 

---

Posted by Rich Higgins (Member # 3) on September 18, 2008, 11:17 AM:
 
Relax, Danny. Most of us here are foolish rec hunters. I certainly am. That frees me up to enjoy every aspect of calling... including little glitches in a pros video. Occasionally calling becomes deadly serious and it becomes a lot less fun then.
 

---

Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on September 18, 2008, 11:32 AM:
 
Loco is correcto......we do take ourselves too seriously at times.
I don't miss long shots because I don't take long shots. I miss close shots (<150 yards) when I miss. It's no secret that I'm a Mini-14 shooter but I can't blame my misses on the rifle. When I do miss, it's shooter error every time.
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 18, 2008, 11:36 AM:
 
Sorry if I got my panties all in a bunch! No offense intended to anyone.

There. Now I'm relaxed.
 

---

Posted by Randy Roede (Member # 1273) on September 18, 2008, 02:44 PM:
 
Danny, it's like any other kind of hunting, some take it very seriously and some are just in it to have fun.

I have fun when i take friends out to call coyotes and don't even carry a rifle, I've seen two AR15 rifles go empty on a coyote and never touch him, we all laughed so hard afterward we about puked. To this day it is one of our most cherished memories.

I told my calling contest partner that if it got to be so serious that it took the fun out of it i was never going to enter another one, I know he is doing his best and shit just happens, both ways!!

I understand what your sayin, no offense here!!!

[ September 18, 2008, 02:53 PM: Message edited by: Randy Roede ]
 

---

Posted by Randy Roede (Member # 1273) on September 18, 2008, 02:52 PM:
 
K, I hear ya about the close ones, every once in awhile. I put that rifle cam on my gun and i got one on tape broadside about 150 yards and shoot just over him, he stops about 300 and i drop him and then ya hear me mutter" what the f__k " on the tape!!! Got another one when i was using the AR and the bolt wouldn't lock shut with a coyote and a dog about 50 yards in front of me, try to shoot the dam thing about 4 or 5 times and then have to clear clip, chamber everything, get back on coyote and shoot him, once again some awful words are spoken!!
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 18, 2008, 04:07 PM:
 

quote:

---

I hate to see a coyote get missed.

Good hunting. LB

---

I hate to see a coyote get mist too!

Hardy har har
 

---

Posted by 3 Toes (Member # 1327) on September 18, 2008, 05:37 PM:
 
Well I didn't think I'd stir the hornets nest quite that much!
But I still maintain that a missed coyote is an educated coyote and that makes it worse for all of us. I'm sticking to my guns. I still hate misses. I hate them on video. I hate them by someone else, and most of all I hate them by me. Of course I miss a coyote occasionally. I missed one coyote twice this year. I missed once, my dog brought him back and I missed again. Both times at 100 yds or so. It was my own stupidity. I had been doing some long range shooting with my turret and hadn't clicked it back down. Thats my miss for the year I hope.
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 18, 2008, 06:59 PM:
 
I wasn't kidding when I said I wished I could shoot as consistanley well as you. Man, if I could figure a way to make a living out in the sticks, I'd be shooting darn near every day.

Has your coyote snuck off yet? I guess the coypuppies never happened, huh? I told my kids that they didn't happen. They were mucho el bummed outo.
 

---

Posted by Tim Behle (Member # 209) on September 18, 2008, 08:10 PM:
 
Some of my most memorable hunts, involved misses, sometimes a lot of misses. By both myself and others.

One that really stands out in my mind, was when two guys, both normally excellent shots, fired 15 rounds, all inside of 50 yards. I think it was about the 13th or 14th shot that finally hit him, ( in the hips, ) and I ended up running him down and making the killing shot with a handgun. ) I wasn't there to hunt, just guide and call for the other two. )

I don't mind a missed coyote too much, I hate to have one wounded and not recovered.
 

---

Posted by Krustyklimber (Member # 72) on September 19, 2008, 12:07 AM:
 
Count me among the haters... as rarely as I get to shoot at a coyote, it fully pisses me off, to miss.

I hate it as much, or more, when my partner misses, since I like it so much more when they don't.

And I dislike predator hunting videos, in general, but watching someone blow an opportunity I don't have, and then joke it up about it, is excruciating.

Nothing against this Les fella, though... I don't even who he is?

Krusty
 

---

Posted by Lonny (Member # 19) on September 19, 2008, 07:59 AM:
 
I hate seeing a coyote missed, whether its me shooting or someone else. I actually find myself frustrated when watching a video and they seem to show as many misses as hits or bad hits on fairly easy shots. I don't have many videos, but part of the reason I buy one now and again is to watch people who can shoot well and know how to handle a rifle on a coyote stand. I really enjoy watching a guy who swings up a rifle smoothly and a second or two after the incoming coyote stops its dead.

Another thing that gets my goat with some of the videos I've seen is when a perfectly good shot is passed up to get another ten seconds of video. Just shoot the damn thing when it stops and its inside of 100 yards! I'd sooner see a 60 minute video with 10 well-made shots rather than watch a 60 minute video with 30 killed where most kills look like a circus.

One thing I've noticed when watching some hunting shows is how it looks like the hunter is shooting a rifle for the first time. They look down to chamber a round. When the safety comes off it looks like they aren't sure which direction it needs to go. In short, it reminds me of when my son started shooting and he needed to think through every motion before firing a shot.
 

---

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 19, 2008, 09:05 AM:
 
Dang, Lonny! That there describes my attitude exactly. It drives me nuts to see a coyote stand there, while the cameraman and shooter get in sync. I'm always worried that they are going to dink around and lose the coyote. If you have not seen DAA's video, you should. I'm the same way about videos, kinda lukewarm, but between him and his partner they make some efficient kills, and some damned good running away shots.

I watched one of Les' videos, and it's good, too. But, the only predator hunting video that put me to sleep was Vern Howey(?) He might know a lot and killed a ton of coyotes, but he doesn't show the enthusiasm that Les Johnson displays, in his video.

Good hunting. LB
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 19, 2008, 11:41 AM:
 

quote:

---

One thing I've noticed when watching some hunting shows is how it looks like the hunter is shooting a rifle for the first time. They look down to chamber a round. When the safety comes off it looks like they aren't sure which direction it needs to go. In short, it reminds me of when my son started shooting and he needed to think through every motion before firing a shot.

---

I'm just taking a wild guess here, but maybe that's because the shot sequence of the video is re-enacted after the shot then edited back in. I've wondered the very exact same thing when I see the shooter very obviously (almost announcing) the fact that he is clicking the saftey off just right before the shot. LOL I always wonder if that safety is really just being clicked off for the first time an instant before the shot.

[ September 19, 2008, 11:45 AM: Message edited by: Locohead ]
 

---

Posted by J. Piatt (Member # 2827) on September 19, 2008, 01:59 PM:
 
Heres one for you guy's..This was my first miss last year, as ya see I re-couped and got my shit back together, real quick.. I hate missing too, especially when we are filming, here in the east it's not like we have opportunity after opportunity.

photobucket miss

JD
 

---

Posted by Paul Melching (Member # 885) on September 19, 2008, 02:14 PM:
 
Nice recovery Mr.Piatt
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 19, 2008, 02:23 PM:
 
Seems like you much prefer the hard shots Mr. Piatt!

[ September 19, 2008, 02:30 PM: Message edited by: Locohead ]
 

---

Posted by smithers (Member # 646) on September 22, 2008, 07:56 PM:
 
I love watching predator videos. I really don't care about who the "star" is. Whether they call them in and kill or miss them is secondary. I like to watch coyotes, being coyotes.
I recently purchased "Going to the Dogs". Great video. One of the most interesting videos out there.
When it's raining out and there is nothing or no one to do, it passes the time. Most are good.

[ September 22, 2008, 07:57 PM: Message edited by: smithers ]
 

---

Posted by George Ackley (Member # 898) on September 22, 2008, 09:54 PM:
 
Maybe because most of my hunting is done here at home in Southeast and Northeast Pennsylvania makes me feel a little different from some,, My true thought are, I don't need to kill anything, I get enough out of it by just trying, Now let me say this also, I don't go out to miss, but if I do! I just look at it this way, there is always next time.
Maybe it's because I don't come from a state that feels the pressure of coyote predation. And to me the fur ant worth the time it takes to sell it,or does anyone in my state call and kill enough coyote to justifies there expense for hunting them .If your a caller here in PA you cant kill enough in my area to make it worth your wild.
If your finding your self in a area where the predation is high or your subsidizing you income with the harvest of fur or getting paid for just eliminating predators or your protecting yours or a friends live stock and that your case,, I would also hate to see misses But I have to say If am out calling and a miss accurse, so be it , lots of times the misses and the joking around after words is what I hope to still remember as time goes on. So to me, living where I do, calling in a predator to close range give me the rush I hunt for, and dropping the hammer is a extra, the excitement and adrenaline is gone no matter if the down range round finds or don't find its mark.
As for the videos ,, I think Less and other guys put out a product that the everyday hunter likes to see.and So the more the hunt on the video's simulates the averages hunters set up or experience the better,
misses and all!!Me being a everyday hunter thats what i like to see

everyone misses even me
I guess what calling in and missing a predator can cost some guys in the future is what matters

[ September 22, 2008, 10:05 PM: Message edited by: George Ackley ]
 

---

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 23, 2008, 12:09 AM:
 
in some cases, a ride back to camp.....
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 23, 2008, 10:28 AM:
 
You'd make a partner walk back to camp for a "mist" coyote?
 

---

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 23, 2008, 12:24 PM:
 
Maybe, maybe not? But, why risk it?

Good hunting. LB

edit: especially if he's having a big yuk yuk over it.

[ September 23, 2008, 12:27 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
 

---

Posted by Locohead (Member # 15) on September 23, 2008, 04:20 PM:
 
LOL now I get it. I thought you're so danged serious you'd let a buddy walk if he missified.
 

---

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on September 23, 2008, 04:33 PM:
 
Danny, I don't think missing a coyote is a laughing matter. Yes, I have done it, but it ruins my whole day. And, in front of Vic Carlson, for instance, it hurts for years.

Good hunting. LB
 

---

Posted by nd coyote killer (Member # 40) on September 25, 2008, 10:23 PM:
 
Cal that hasn't ever happened to you has it?? Guys we all miss its just part of the game. I've gotten to know les as a stand up guy and we all knew this was coming. Les will deal with the anti's and want a be's as they come but in all we are just after the ever lasting coyote
 

---

Posted by coyote whacker (Member # 639) on October 01, 2008, 02:52 PM:
 
If you miss odds are your getting a second chance at a running coyote, the faster he/she runs and the further it get's out the more error there will be. I find it a big differance in missing standing facing/broadside coyotes versus those coyotes on the run.

Everyone misses, the more time one has at a stationary object the better one can judge range,wind and shoot, speed up either the shot or the critter and things will change for sure.

I don't like to miss either and I find I take it to hard at times, but we all miss plain and simple keeping your misses as low as we can is what all should strive for. Good equipment, good loads, alot of practice and just knowing coyotes traits more and more makes us all better shots.
 

---

Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on October 01, 2008, 09:42 PM:
 
Leonard my friend, that little tidbit would have went with me to my grave , but for the fact you told on yourself:)
Truth be told, that one was a pretty good poke along with a bit of a hot breeze, and you using a new rifle. Rest assured, there are plenty of keyboard coyote callers over on PM that would be tickled shitless to have killed as many coyotes as you have probably missed.
If I worried about the misses I have made over the years, I'd be an insomniac. I bet I don't fuss for more than two minutes after missing a cinch shot, Im usually laughing about it on the way back to the truck. Thats the beauty of this tremendous sport.....there's always another one around the next stand:)
 

---

Posted by Pilgrim on Earth (Member # 314) on October 02, 2008, 05:11 AM:
 

quote:

---

And, in front of Vic Carlson, for instance, it hurts for years.

---

UBB.classic^TM 6.3.0