Was looking to pass some time today by visiting some websites for outfitters and other things canoe tripping. Previous posts talked about using Doug Chapman for some/all outfitting needs. I tried their website but it shows as under construction since February 2012. That's a long time to be down for someone looking to drive some business through the internet. Searches for CQO or similar all took me back to the same under construction site. Are they still in business? Changed their name??

J

Try this.  And call him for best results.  He has trouble with his email.  The email will not work if you cut and paste it.  doug_AT_cqo2000.com  may work.

  (You need to Login or Register

Doug has had problems with his Internet web page designer -long story. In winter he works out of his home in Thunder Bay. I don't have a number for that location.

In my experience, he often takes a long time to reply by e-mail. But he is definitely still in business.

Doug's winter # = 807 475 3786.  Leave a message if he doesn't pick up.

Doug doesn't have the coolest website & he certainly doesn't have the sexiest building to work out of.  What he does offer is the best outfitting service I have found in Quetico.

He's not out to grow his business.  He has other interests & is largely a one-man show.  If you DO connect, you can expect the best.  His customers are absolutely devoted.

Sent me a PM if you don't connect with him.  I'll find him for you.

Jimbo   8-)

This information might help my motorcycle trip to the north end of the park/conoe trip nudge considerably closer to reality. With a contact up there that I can trust,I'd feel much more confident...thanks.

JChief & knafelc:

With all due respect to Doug and his loyal fans, if you are NOT already one of his devoted customers you might check out Canoe Canada.    (You need to Login or Register, email: canoecanada@nwon.com, 807-597-6418. Their website is up-to-date, they are in Atikokan year-round, do the sports shows, ARE trying to grow their business, and have a "sexy" building with hundreds of paddles their customers have left on their walls over the last 40 years.  :)

I understand Doug is a "character" with a treasure trove of stories (and info) -- well, so is Jim Clark. Ask him about the German client who had a piece of a satellite punch a hole through his tent, or about the aerospace guys with the home-made aluminum "barge" that was crushed by a falling tree.

Respectfully submitted . . .

--Goose

---

OldGrey Goose is absolutely right.  Jim Clark was the first outfitter I ever used in Quetico (gave me the idea to "run" the upper Cache River; see   (You need to Login or Register; ).  They do a very fine job & offer all the amenities described by OGG.

I'm sure there are a lot of high-quality providers, too, that I have not really had the opportunity to meet.  I have used CCO multiple times & can honestly say Jim C & Co. did a great job for my groups.

Jimbo   8-)

Thanks for the responses all. I have been to the Q 3 times and have used Jim at CCO for all trips. I have only very positive things to say for what he and they have to offer. We fly into Minneapolis from Ohio and then drive to Atikokan the day before put in. We use them to fully outfit the trip, only bringing clothes and fishing gear, and use the bunkhouse the night before. Our last trip we somehow forgot our adult beverages and Jim was kind enough to provide from his personal supply so we had a nip or two around the evening fire. I've enjoyed his stories as we go over maps and he has personally shuttled either to or from Beaverhouse, Nym and Stanton.

I was asking about Doug moreso to see what his website looked like (pass some time on a snowy winter afternoon) as well as maybe contact him should the need or desire arise for future trips.

Sounds like both these guys get the whole customer service concept and would be great resources for as much or as little as needed to make your trip a success.

I forgot to mention that CCO also operates fly-in fishing outposts -- handled by Jeremy Dickson -- and their own planes/pilots. One of these days when I'm too decrepit to portage, I know where I'll look to first for fly-in (cabin/motor boat) fishing opportunities.   :)  --Goose

That seems to be the thing with outfitters up there, they need another business to survive. Doug and Ruth do NorWest Outdoor Centre too so in winter that means winter camping, ice climbing, team/trust building ... that sort of stuff. I expect that's why they don't do the fishing/sport show circuit ... they are busy smiling outdoors.

I do have a link for the other business but if you want it PM me as it's not official.

db: Jeremy says CCO's canoe outfitting has been in decline for a while, but their fly-in fishing camp business has been getting better. So I guess it balances out . . .  --Goose

db wrote on Jan 4^th, 2013 at 6:17pm:

That seems to be the thing with outfitters up there, they need another business to survive. Doug and Ruth do NorWest Outdoor Centre too so in winter that means winter camping, ice climbing, team/trust building ... that sort of stuff. I expect that's why they don't do the fishing/sport show circuit ... they are busy smiling outdoors. I do have a link for the other business but if you want it PM me as it's not official.

Hey, for what it's worth, Doug has told me that if QJ EVER decides to do a "program/show" at CanoeCopia, he'll be sitting front & center IN the audience.

Frankly, I'd love to get Doug, somebody from CCO, & maybe a couple other Quetico outfitter types to do a Copia program of some sort.  LOTS of tales to tell in that, I'm sure.  For that event I would be front & center!

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo wrote on Jan 5^th, 2013 at 1:01am:

Hey, for what it's worth, Doug has told me that if QJ EVER decides to do a "program/show" at CanoeCopia, he'll be sitting front & center IN the audience. Frankly, I'd love to get Doug, somebody from CCO, & maybe a couple other Quetico outfitter types to do a Copia program of some sort.  LOTS of tales to tell in that, I'm sure.  For that event I would be front & center! Jimbo   8-)

you guys are killing me with the CanoeCopia talk, here and on OS' post. Being a CPA in Ohio means March in Minnesota is a retirement dream at best. Would love to see QJers and Outfitters do a presentation. Lots to learn and great stories to hear... Guess I'll have to stick with a sportman's show or two, the QJ website and wait for the Spring edition of BWJ.

Jimbo, enjoyed your Fishing with Charlie article. Also look forward to the collective wisdom articles that many of you contribute to.

J

Copia is in Madison, WI, so not that far from Ohio. FYI.

Quote:

Hey, for what it's worth, Doug has told me that if QJ EVER decides to do a "program/show" at CanoeCopia, he'll be sitting front & center IN the audience.

I've heard some of Doug's stories; he's got some many good ones! I'd love to have him relate some of his best ones at Canoecopia. (I mentioned that to him last September, but he was pretty non-committal.)

Old Salt wrote on Jan 5^th, 2013 at 4:05pm:

Copia is in Madison, WI, so not that far from Ohio. FYI.

Thanks OS. Madison is about 8 hours drive. Closer, but still not an option for me in March. I'll look for highlights posted on QJ.

JChief wrote on Dec 30^th, 2012 at 8:14pm:

Previous posts talked about using Doug Chapman for some/all outfitting needs. I tried their website but it shows as under construction since February 2012. That's a long time to be down for someone looking to drive some business through the internet. Searches for CQO or similar all took me back to the same under construction site. Are they still in business? Changed their name?? J

I talked to Doug yesterday... he's still outfitting 2013 trips and beyond, website looks alive again and he's still as much fun to chat with as ever.  :thumbup

  (You need to Login or Register

Thanks db!

That's all great but I'll stick with Doug. Just give him a call.

  (You need to Login or Register