ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN
by John Centanni

    I first heard of Bill Machura and Diamond Willow Trophy Hunts (DWTH) in the fall of 1995, when a hunting buddy of mine read an article in Big Buck Magazine about the dedicated deer hunting of the Machura family in Alberta. For me anywhere other than my local Louisiana-Mississippi hunging lease was something I had never considered. But with some persistence by my buddy, he convinced me to go with him to Alberta. I called Bill's wife, Karen, on New Year's Eve 1996 to reserve 2 spots for the upcoming season and as luck would have it, we were in.

    As most American hunters going to Alberta or some parts of Saskatchewan, we arrived in Edmonton on the Saturday before our hunt. The Nisku Inn was and still is my choice for the place to stay for those nights when coming and going. Sunday morning came and I had no idea what Bill looked like, so while eating breakfast we were being alert to try to recognize people. We were ready but did not want to be late. At some point I saw this BIG guy walk in looking for someone. In summary our meeting was brief and to the point, something I have learned to appreciate and count on with Bill. That was the first time I met my friend Bill.

    In the ten years that have passed since then, I have become acquainted with everyone who represents and is associated with DWTH. This is more than just a hunt with a guide; hunters are guests of their families, the locals, other outfitters, and all Canadians. As a hunter I am very keen to my senses. A couple of those are taste and smell. Karen makes sure that those senses are busy smelling and tasting a wide variety of entrees for meals and snacks all day long.

    Writing this I am about 6 weeks awawy from my next Thanksgiving week hunt. I am looking foward to seeing all my friends and being in my home away from home and repeating this year after year. While I certainly desire to continue the success that has me in The 900 club as described by Jim Shockey, I have learned that hitting my target is much more than just finding a trophy buck.

Sincerely,
John Centanni Jr.
Marrero, Louisiana

Outfitter's Note: John Centanni has now hunted with Diamond Willow for 10 consecutive years and has killed 10 magnificent bucks. His good fortune can be attributed to skill (he has never missed a buck in Alberta), dedication (he never questions his guide), preparation (he is prepared to sit for long periods in the cold), and of course luck (8 of his 10 bucks were killed in the first 2 days of his hunt).
Congratulations Johnnie!!
Bill Machura

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