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