It wasn't clear to me what your father's circumstances were; a lot of people are temporarily laid off and using up vacation time until the economy gets going well again so I don't know if his job was eliminated or he could be doing something else, asked to not show up for a few months. I went to the library today and there was a sign on their door that they would be closed next Wednesday because of the economy, just that one day; businesses are doing all sorts of arrangements trying to stay afloat until things get better.

If he doesn't know whether he's coming to hunt or not, I'd get matter-of-fact on him and tell him to let you know by X date or you'll assume he's not coming as you have planning to do. Don't worry about him and his situation, that's his problem; worry about what you want and are planning and if you really don't want the hassle, make up your own "lies" and say you're not doing as big a holiday this year because of the cost and hassle.