26 May 2007
Finding The Right Guide or Outfitter - part 3 - Asking The Right Questions
Posted by Darrell under: Guides - Tips, Ideas, & Info .
Now you have already done steps 1 and 2. Step 1 was defining your specific needs. Step 2 was beginning your search.
For the next part, we’ll assume that you’ve found a few outfitters (either by word of mouth or via the internet) that could potentially fill your needs. What questions should you have?
1. How many hunters do you take out each season?
2. How many hunters will be in camp with me?
3. How long have you been doing this?
4. How many hunters is a guide responsible for at any one time?
5. What are the accommodations like?
6. Are there bathrooms with running water?
7. Are a washer and dryer available?
8. Do you have an equipment and gear list that you will provide prior to the hunt?
9. What am I responsible for bringing?
10. What happens once my animal is harvested?
11. Does the guide help with field dressing the game and preparing the cape for transportation?
12. What is the food like?
13. What is the total cost due to the outfitter/guide?
14. What is included and what specifically is not included?
15. How much will the tags cost and where do I get them?
16. What is your payment schedule?
17. What transportation am I responsible for?
18. Can you provide a list of references – providing names of both successful and unsuccessful past hunters? (a recommendation received from an unsuccessful hunter always carries more weight with me than someone that was successful)
You’ll find some of the answers to the questions listed above on the guide/outfitter’s websites. The remainder you will need to ask directly, either by the phone or email or if you have the time - via snail mail. The point is: don’t be afraid to ask your questions. What is the worse thing that can happen? You could be laughed at, ridiculed, or yelled at. Better now than after you’ve booked and paid for a hunt with them!
Our next part in this series will deal with checking references. Stay tuned.
Subscribe to Full RSS 
