In today’s world, it is getting more and more difficult to find a place to hunt without booking with an outfitter and being guided by a (hopefully) knowledgeable guide.
When being guided, several things will increase the enjoyment of your hunt, and will make the experience a positive one for both you and your guide.
I have been a guide, and I have also been on the other end, as the hunter.
There are several good, common sense things one can do before hand to ensure that your hunt is successful.
The most important thing is preparation.
First: Make sure you can shoot.
I’ve guided clients who can’t shoot, and it is difficult to get them game if they keep missing. After getting the hunter on a good deer over and over only to have them miss, or, worst yet, wound the deer, you can imagine the frustration. Whether it is a bow or a rifle, make sure you have taken the time to practice. I had one bowhunter that blamed her bow, saying it was too heavy for her. She should have practiced with the bow before coming west.
Second: Be in shape:
Many times to get to the good game, one has to walk, especially when hunting sheep or elk. Walking, often in high altitudes, is a part of the hunt. If you come from the east coast, you might want to take an extra day or two to get accustomed to the higher altitude. I had one hunter get altitude sickness, and it was not fun. If you are not in shape, be sure to tell the outfitter before the hunt, so he can make arrangements and help you have a good hunt regardless. I had one client that told us he had heart problems. We took care not to hike him up and down rough, steep hills. There are special hunting permits if you are handicapped that will allow you to shoot from the pickup. Check with the local game and fish department.
Third: Find out how far you may have to shoot.
If the outfitter says you may have to shoot 300 yards, make sure the rifle is sighted in for that range, (3” high at 100 yards is good.) and get in some practice at the range so you know what the target will look like.
Fourth: Make sure You’re Sighted In.
When you get to the hunting country, sight in your rifle. You never know when a scope might work loose or get joggled in transit.
Fifth: Find out and prepare for weather conditions.
Ask your outfitter what weather conditions you can expect and bring appropriate clothes.
Sixth: Ask and research what size game is expected.
Although most outfitters do exaggerate somewhat the size of the deer and pronghorns they take, and, sometimes they really have taken 28” wide mulies or 16” long pronghorn, but these are more the exception that the rule. Don’t go expecting a Boone and Crockett trophy in areas where there aren’t any. Keep your expectations reasonable, and you won’t be disappointed. If the guide points to a deer and says, “Take him,” he usually knows which deer are large for the area and which ones are too small to shoot. However, a word of caution here: some guides will let you shoot just anything just to get the hunt over with. Don’t be too quick to trigger on the first day. Familiarize yourself with how a large mule deer or pronghorn looks, so you can judge for yourself if the animal is a trophy or not.
Also, ask for references. The former clients can tell you what to expect.
Seventh: Be flexible.
Realize that no matter how good the outfitter and guides are, unexpected weather and other conditions affect the hunt. One year, after the hunters were booked, we had a killing snow storm, that decimated our deer heads. The hunters were planning to come, but we explained that the hunting would be difficult. Sometimes it rains all season, and sometimes the heat makes it hard to find game.
Be understanding. Many times if conditions were bad, the outfitter will give a reduced price hunt the next season, however, don’t count on it. Depends on the outfitter, the weather, and many other factors often beyond our control.
Hopefully, these tips will help to make your hunt more enjoyable. If you have a good hunt, it is customary to tip the guide. Anywhere from $50 to $100 is a good tip. However, if you feel he did not do a good job, don’t feel obligated.
