Hunting is a complicated skill set that takes a lifetime to master. When you are just starting the long journey to becoming a master hunter, a hunting guide is a powerful ally to have in your corner. From each hunting guide, you will learn lessons that you will use to build your own methods. For a novice, there is nothing better than having the mentorship of a hunting guide. A hunting guide is a surefire way to increase the likelihood of success on your first trips to the backcountry.
Yet how do you choose a hunting guide? Not every hunting guide and outfitter is the right fit for your personality, aspirations, and ability. Choosing the right hunting guide is just as important as selecting the right animal to pursue or the right gear to carry. Here are five tips for selecting a hunting guide that will help you make the proper selection.
The appropriate ethics are fundamental to hunting. One of your first questions when looking for a guide should be one of ethics. Do they follow the law? What do they believe "fair chase" means? What is their attitude toward conserving the resource for the next generation? Remember, when you select a hunting guide, you are selecting a teacher and a mentor to shape the hunter you become. Choose wisely.
Most people are not wealthy and without responsibilities. Yet, they can still afford a great hunting experience that fits their time constraints. If you know how much you can spend and how much time you can commit to a hunt, you will be able to clearly articulate that in your search. This sets realistic expectations for both yourself and the outfitter. If you can't find what you're looking for, wait and save for the hunt of your dreams. However, many people can discover the hunt they want for less than what they budgeted.
One of the best things you can do to learn about a guide is to call their references. No guide will give you bad references, so you must filter through a fair amount of fluff and enthusiasm to get the necessary information. One of the biggest giveaways when you have a good guide on your hands is when they give you an unsuccessful customer. This indicates that the guide is confident enough in his services that you will be happy even if you fail to harvest the animal you were pursuing.
A guide can teach you, equip you, and put you in a position to be successful, but they can't prepare you for the hunt. You must book a hunting trip far enough in advance to give you plenty of time to physically prepare for chasing animals through the forests, tundra, or desert. If you show up to the hunt slow, out of shape, and ill-prepared, your chances for success are slim. This is especially true for backcountry hunting. So book your hunt at least a year in advance, then begin a diet and exercise regimen that will allow you to get the most out of the experience.
Good guides in high-demand areas are hard to book. So don't expect to be able to pick up the phone and get a reservation with a guide the way you would get a reservation at a middle-of-the-row restaurant. Instead, look two to five years in advance and book the hunt you want with a guide that impresses you. Do yourself a favor by being patient and playing the long game.
Another option is to use an agent or another trusted resource to book your next hunt. A good agent will get to know you and pair you with a guide they feel is best for you. This can save you the time and hassle of attempting to find niche hunting guides. They are also an excellent insurance policy against booking less than stellar hunting guides.
The Wild is another great option that takes the guesswork out of picking the best guides and outfitters in the industry. They partner with only the best, so you know you're getting a pre-vetted hunting experience that's sure to impress. Their website makes it easy to be confident that you're booking a world-class experience for your next deer hunt, duck hunt, bear hunt, and more. You can find them at www.thewildhq.com.
.svg)
Brandon is a freelance writer that enjoys hunting and fishing across the world. He grew up fishing and hunting in southern Arkansas. He lives in east Texas in a small cabin with his wife and two dogs. You can contact him at bbsanders.com
