Choosing An Outfitter

We get asked from time to time about outfitter referrals, outfitted trips, and things of the like. I've hired a few outfitters over the last few years, and I thought I'd share with you some insights I've learned from each experience.

Now I know that many of you read and never post on this blog, but your thoughts would be valued for sure, because we've all had different experiences.

So here's some of my thoughts if you ever want a guided trip:

1 - The Golden Rule: All Outfitters Are Not Created Equal

Each guide and the outfitter he works for are unique people, and each operation has a different philosophy. Just know this going in.

2 - It's up to you to ask the questions. And you better ask a ton of them.

I'd really suggest making a long list of questions, as specific as you can, to go over with your outfitter. If they seem put out, or bothered by your inquisition, then move to another group.

Remember ... you are hiring them. They work for you during this outing. They are by no means slave labor or to be treated as hirlings. Yet if they can't handle some questions on the front end, then they are not going to work for you in the end. If they don't understand that simple concept, then you don't want them anyway.

3 - Really think through what your goal is and what you are really after from the experience.

Take fishing for instance. If you are wanting a fun day on the river catching fish, then that's one thing. If you are wanting a hard core, big fish experience, that's another. Your guide & outfitter needs to know this! It makes a massive difference in how they go about the day.

Trophy trout fishing and a good day of trout fishing are not the same thing. And the same goes with hunting. You have to be clear with you outfitter as to what you are after.

When it comes to fishing, I am a devoted believer in getting a guide if you are on new waters in a new state. A half day may cost you $250, but man, if that puts you in fish for the next 3 days, it's a no brainer for me. "Local knowledge" is EVERYTHING when it comes to fishing.

4 - Ask your outfitter to define the word "success."

Any good outfitter will be very specific on what he calls a "successful hunt." A classy outfitter will tell you that he defines success as "I got my client within bow range of a legal animal." What happens after that he has no control over.

Many good outfitters will break it down for you.

95% of my clients were within bow range of a legal animal
75% of my clients took a shot
70% of my clients killed the animal

Randy & Jeannie Horne of Bar H Outfitters in Colorado do a super job of this. And they are amazing outfitters in general. They want you to have all the knowledge possible on the front end.

Which leads me to another thing: a good outfitter doesn't want you to have surprises when you walk into camp. Like when arriving you find out that you were supposed to bring a sleeping bag! Now you have no bedding. It's going to be a long week!

5 - Ask for recent pictures

A quality oufitter will have pictures every single year from their hunts. If they don't, move on.

6 - How experienced are his guides.

The outfitter always has a few guides in training. You don't want this fella. He may be a good hunter, but he's not guided much. Ask about the guide you are going with. If the outfitter tells you he has not assigned a guide to you yet, tell him to call you back when he makes his decision, and then you will make yours!

Remember ... you drive the ship. It doesn't give you the right to be a jerk or overly demanding. You do have every right to be in control of your decision, however.

7 - Never. And I mean never, negotiate with an outfitter.

If you ask for a "special deal" that's what you'll get. A special deal. Most likely you'll get a guide in training who has limited experience, and in some cases, you simply won't get the best he has to offer. Why? Because you asked for it!

When I talk with an oufitter, I ususally discuss special options for my camera man. But not for me. I want to pay the full price, and then ask my outfitter if I do tag out, what would it cost my camera man to hunt.

Which brings up the point ... what does your "package" include. You'd better know on the front end!!!

Is there a trophy fee? (fee for actually killing an animal)
Is my tag included?
Does this cover processing the meat?

* You can almost always factor in the truth that your package does not cover a tip for your guide. I'd say be sure to tip your guide $200 or more, regardless of whether or not you drag something out of the woods.

A fishing guide can live with a $50 tip. Big game guides do more because of the nature of the trip.

8 - Will the outfitter himself be in camp?

Lots of times they are not. Sometimes they are. I can tell you this from personal experience: when the boss is around, things are different! It's just like your office ... people shape up when the boss is around. Guide are no different.

9 - Are there assigned areas for each hunter?

Recently I was on an elk hunt where we had a billion acres to hunt, with elk sign all over the place, and during a hunt on day 2, all 3 guides and their hunters were in the canyon I had been hunting (and seeing elk in). This is absolutely uncalled for, and totally unprofessional. My guide had been scouting for us, on his own dime, for months. When the hunt came, the others rode in to town on his hard work. Honestly, I believe this is what cost me a shot at a bull. I saw 5 bulls in the canyon I was going to hunt the night before the season opener. By day 2, we were not seeing them anymore. They'd been far too pushed.

I don't believe that hunters should never move from an area. If the animals have moved out, then you need freedom to move, too. However, there should be some clarity between the guides as to how this should play out.

10 - Will you be sharing a guide with other hunters.

Most hunting outfitters will have a 2:1 ratio. 1 guide per 2 hunters. If it's you and your buddy, then you've got to decide who the shooter is. If you are by yourself, then I'd highly suggest you offer the outfitter more money for a 1:1. I'd be more than willing to pay an extra $300 on a trip where I'm already spending $3500 if it means I am guaranteed the spot of the "shooter" when game time comes around.

11 - Always remember that it's hunting, not killing.

If you come back with an empty tag, remember, that's life! It just happened to me on a big elk hunt where I had high expectations.

I was disappointed in some of my experience, but there were some good things about the hunt that I did enjoy.

Guides and outfitters are not superman. Yet they get blamed if the trip doesn't turn out perfect. It's fishing, not catching. Hunting, not killing.

And the last thing I'd say is ... go for the total experience and you'll love it all. If you are wanting to come home with a kill, then you'll be paying big $$$$ for a high fenced hunt. That's about the only way to insure a kill. And then I have to ask ... is that even allowed to be called "hunting" anyway?

Go for the whole experience, and you'll have a good time.