There are several things to consider when selecting an outfitter or guide for your hunting trip.
Most considerations go beyond just the type of hunting you want to do.
While there are many great outfitters, guides and hunt camps available, it is up to you to do the research to avoid spending your money on a trip you will not enjoy.
Ask all your questions up front and do whatever you can to verify the answers.
A successful hunting trip is one that you enjoy and would take again even if you didn't get the trophy you were looking for.
Personal recommendations about outfitters from people you trust are great resources, but make sure you enjoy the same type of experience they do.
Hunting trips can range from long hikes with the bare essentials to first class accommodations and conveniences.
If you are looking for a different experience than your friends then you may not enjoy the same trip or outfitter.
First off, the outfitter should be able to provide assistance in obtaining all the necessary licenses and permits required to hunt in their area.
They may be able to provide advice to help ensure you get the tags you need, or at the very least be able to provide you with all the necessary application forms for you to fill out.
Experience is very important when choosing an outfitter since you want to ensure they are able to find the game you want to hunt.
How long have they been in business and how long have they been running hunting trips in their area? Local hunting regulators may be able to help you verify this information.
What type of accommodations are provided? If you are paying top dollar you want to make sure you are being treated to first class accommodations and food.
Make sure you know what is included in the cost of the trip and find out if there are any extra fees.
Ask for references from both successful hunters and those that were not successful.
Call them and find out what they thought of the outfitter.
Calling hunters that were not successful can be very enlightening.
Find out if they still had a good time and if the outfitter provided everything they promised they would.
Here is a list of questions you might want to ask when you contact the references provided by the outfitter: 1.
Would they book a hunting trip with this outfitter again? (If the answer is "No" then you don't need to ask any more questions.
) 2.
If the outfitter provided transportation to the camp, how was the service? Was everything on time and was the trip enjoyable? 3.
Were the accommodations clean and as expected from the description provided by the outfitter? 4.
Were there suitable toilets, showers, etc.
provided? 5.
Did the outfitter provide adequate, good quality food? 6.
Was the outfitter ready to take them to their hunting site on the first morning of their hunt? 7.
Did the outfitter pick them up promptly from the hunting site? 8.
Did the game population and quality meet the expectations as described by the outfitter? 9.
Were the guides knowledgeable hunters with good knowledge of the hunting sites? 10.
Did the outfitter observe all necessary safety precautions and laws? 11.
What was the success rate while they were at the camp? 12.
Do they know any other hunters at the camp that you might call? Avoid paying for your trip before you have a chance to check out the outfitter's answers to all your questions.
Great deals offered at outdoor shows may not be worth it if you haven't already verified the reputation of the outfitter.