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 Choosing an outfitter for a hunt is never easy and when that hunt just happens to be a bowhunt with traditional archery gear, it can be even more of a challenge. Still, finding an outfitter who caters to the unique needs of traditional bow enthusiasts is not an impossibility. It simply requires a measure of additional planning and exploration to find just the right outfit before handing over that hard earned cash.
So what exactly is the right outfit? Well, in part, that determination is made by the specific needs or desires that each traditional bowhunter develops on her or his own. However, there are definitely some common threads shared by most individuals who shoot traditional equipment and those should be included as standard questions to prospective outfitters.
First is to ask the distance of most shot opportunities. Most outfitters who hunt from tree stands or ground blinds have set up their positions so that shots average a particular distance. An outfitter who understands the needs of most traditional bowhunters, will have those shot distances at less than 20 yards, and often in the 10 to 15 yard range.
Another important consideration relative to assessing the adequacy of tree stands and ground blinds to handle traditional equipment, is to ask outfitters if their set up will accommodate a bow that will likely be 58 to 66 inches in length. Recall that even the longest of compound bows are typically 46 inches, with most having lengths of 32 to 38 inches. Unless stands and blinds are specifically set to allow for the extra length of the longbow and recurve, shooting could be almost impossible.
Another question that should be asked of outfitters who use tree stands and ground blinds is how much cover the stand or blind affords the traditional bowhunter. Since traditional bowhunters do not typically have the luxury of drawing their bow at some point when an animal’s vision is obscured and holding that draw until the shot presents, having adequate cover to help conceal the motion of the draw and release is vital. In my experience, it is best to have only one or two small to moderate sized shooting windows with plenty of back and side cover to help confound the visual acuity of game.
When considering a spot and stalk hunt, most of the questions revolve around the experience of the guides. It is important that guides who are assigned to traditional bowhunters have an understanding of the limitations of the equipment. Although there are those individuals who are quite capable at distances in the 40 yard range, most are not. As a result, guides need to be experienced in getting their hunters close.
Other questions to ask outfitters should focus on hunting pressure, game densities, success rates, the size of the hunting area, how many hunters are in camp at one time, the type of accommodations offered, fees, services, and last but not least, for a list of successful and unsuccessful traditional bowhunters who hunted with the outfitter the previous season.
For traditional bowhunters who are women, in addition to asking the questions previously indicated, it is important to understand your individual needs and expectations and to ask questions accordingly. For example, some questions might be whether or not separate rest room or shower facilities are available for men and women. It is probably also worthwhile to clarify whether bunking arrangements are private or coed. Knowing these things in advance can help to make an appropriate decision about an outfitter as well as eliminate surprises and needless misunderstandings well in advance of arrival at camp.
Going on a hunt with an outfitter who understands the needs of traditional bowhunters can be an outstanding experience. Take the time to ask the right questions, speak to the references, and clarify your expectations before you book . You could be about to embark on the hunt of a lifetime!
Claudia A. Eisenmann
October 13, 2003
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