Cpt. Sorry to hear about this unfortunate situation. The guns are at fault, and I'd pursue them for your money. Should they not pay they should definately be banned from ever shooting with your outfit again. I think it'd be a professional courtesy to share their names with others providing game shooting opportunities. I'd sure be grateful if I received a bit of advanced notice that a couple of my guests have a history of cheating people out of money. In fact, they'd be turned away.

I guess there is a lesson to be learned too. No gun will be allowed to shoot until the remaining balance is paid in full. Are your deposits non-refundable? If so, keep a gun or two as stand-by in case a gun doesn't pay. The stand by gun could replace the original for the remainder of the price. As this would amount to a reduced fee for the stand-by gun, I'd try to limit the stand-by guns to youth, or students who tend to lack the funds for such shooting, need more experience, and seldom lack enthousiasm. They are the future of our sport.