You do not need to be a beginner hunter to enjoy the perks of a guided hunt. Even veteran hunters benefit from guided hunts. A guide is likely more experienced and knowledgeable in a particular area or about a specific animal that makes things easier. Additionally, a guide takes the pressure and stress off of you. Letting your guide take responsibility for the planning and preparation allows you to enjoy your hunt to its fullest.
Selecting the right guide can help make your hunt more successful. However, it is not always easy finding the guide for you. To learn more about choosing the best hunting guide, keep on reading.
Research Reviews
If you have found a company you are interested in hiring or booking, take a look at the reviews left by their past clients. These reviews will tell you a lot about people’s interactions with the guides and their overall experience on the hunt. Keep an eye out for negative reviews — a website that only has positive reviews could be tampered with. Check out their website, social media pages, the Better Business Bureau, and any Google reviews as well. You can also read about past hunting experiences with specific guides and companies on hunting websites and forums.
Recommended Outfitters
Reach out to your hunting buddies, family, or friends of friends that can recommend a hunting guide. Use your network to find word-of-mouth referrals. Word-of-mouth referrals are typically a lot more legitimate, especially when it comes from first-hand experience of someone you know and trust. You can also talk to the employees at your local hunting shop for additional recommendations.
Conduct an Interview
Before pulling the trigger on selecting a hunting guide, ask them any questions you might have. If you are not sure what to ask, try asking these:
- How long have you been in the business?
- What is your success rate?
- Are you familiar with the animal? The area?
- How often do you guide this hunt?
- Tags and permits — Are they required? Do you help pull them?
- What is included in the package? (Food? Accommodations? Skinning/hauling? etc.)
- Will other people be coming along? Guide-to-hunter ratio?
- What should I expect each day?
- Is the land public or private?
Understand the Fine Print
Before making your purchase, make sure you fully understand the hunting package you are purchasing and what is included and not included. Make sure you know their tag/licensing policy. Make sure you know what their cancellation policy is and if there is any refund on a deposit if necessary. Find out who your guide will be before heading out.
Choose R & K Hunting Company
R & K Hunting Company is dedicated to giving you the experience of a lifetime. Every hunt of ours is guided by our expert big game hunters who are extremely knowledgeable about the animal herds and the hunting areas. To learn more about our hunts, click the “Guided Hunts” tab on our website or call us today.
