Rating an Outfitter

[mxracer317]

I never thought I'd be asking for info on outfitters, as my son and I have always hunted on public land. We have limited time with him, and she is pushing me to take him on a guided elk hunt. She's a keeper for sure!

Anyway, I'm not even sure how to do my own research on which State and which outfitters "score" the best. Is there even a service like that? Something like Google reviews / Trip Advisor type for outfitters?

My concern is that you have these companies like Huntin' Fool, Rolling Bones, etc that can tell you.. but I don't know if they are getting kick backs in referring the outfitters and/or if they have their "go to" only...

Just asking because I don't know where even to begin. Also, it's not going to be a "Joe Rogan" guided hunt price-wise, but it won't be a low-cost one either.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

I know Craig Boddington endorsement means a lot. Interesting concep as I believe they only have 100 spots for outfitter recommendations and once they reach that, no more. The outfitters pay for the endorsement but it does not come easy or just by paying. They are vetted and researched. The idea is that guys with the dough can just see which outfitters have the endorsement and not have to worry.

 

[rjthehunter]

Positive references from people who hunt similarly to you is by far the best.

 

[TheTone]

I know Craig Boddington endorsement means a lot. Interesting concep as I believe they only have 100 spots for outfitter recommendations and once they reach that, no more. The outfitters pay for the endorsement but it does not come easy or just by paying. They are vetted and researched. The idea is that guys with the dough can just see which outfitters have the endorsement and not have to worry.

I’ve seen some super sketchy outfitters that were boddington endorsed. I wouldn’t use that as my barometer

 

[mxracer317]

Positive references from people who hunt similarly to you is by far the best.

It seems like every guy that I know that goes on an outfitted hunt in my circle typically comes back empty-handed with complaints about how inexperienced the younger guide was, how they didn’t go after the animal, etc. etc.

That’s what’s got me worried.

 

[rjthehunter]

It seems like every guy that I know that goes on an outfitted hunt in my circle typically comes back empty-handed with complaints about how inexperienced the younger guy was, how they didn’t go after the animal, etc. etc.

That’s what’s got me worried.

What state are you looking at going to?

Asking the outfitter a bunch of questions can help. Especially with plenty of experience doing it!

 

[mxracer317]

What state are you looking at going to?

Asking the outfitter a bunch of questions can help. Especially with plenty of experience doing it!

I’m good to go wherever is best opportunity. It doesn’t matter what State.

 

[Werty]

Just ask for past year clients that weren't successful, those are the people you want to talk too.

 

[antlerradar]

And I thought you were asking about how some outfitters can score animals so much better than OM's

Good luck on finding a good outfitter. There are some out there.

 

[rjthehunter]

Find someone with really high success rates. Look for an outfitter that has private land to hunt on, or takes you deep into wilderness areas on horses. Taking horses or mules in deep really makes a memorable experience if you haven't done that before. Otherwise if you want to harvest an elk, I'd try the private land thing.

 

[cgasner1]

I know Craig Boddington endorsement means a lot. Interesting concep as I believe they only have 100 spots for outfitter recommendations and once they reach that, no more. The outfitters pay for the endorsement but it does not come easy or just by paying. They are vetted and researched. The idea is that guys with the dough can just see which outfitters have the endorsement and not have to worry.

@EYJONAS!

 

[mxracer317]

And I thought you were asking about how some outfitters can score animals so much better than OM's

Good luck on finding a good outfitter. There are some out there.

Changed the title

 

[Steiny77]

My advice would be to go through one of the top booking agents such as Atcheson's or WTA (Worldwide Trophy Adventures).
You'll pay top price using these outfits but every hunt I've booked through either was 100% successful.

The only other way I'd book a hunt starting from scratch like you are, would be to book with an outfitter that one of your trusted friends used and was successful with.

I'd try to do a private land truck, atv & foot based hunt -vs- horseback. If you're not a horseman, that kind of hunting can be brutal (I've done a couple) and a lot of time gets spent jacking around with livestock.

 

[cgasner1]

First thing I would do is pick a state and a style. Then I’d start looking from there. If you wanna archery hunt rolling hills why waste time looking at guys with horses and late season hunting.

 

[Bob-WY]

Starting from scratch is tough. Booking agents can be a good way, but some of them are scams too.

We had good luck going to large sporting shows, we used the Harrisburg PA show. Visit with LOTS, get info then internet research, then reference checks.

Www.bowsite.com has an outfitter review section that is pretty extensive.

Red flags that sent us running:

- book now pressure
- lots of openings the coming season
- guarantee anything, success, shots etc

Ask success rate, then get a definition of success

Do you have points anywhere?

 

[mxracer317]

Starting from scratch is tough. Booking agents can be a good way, but some of them are scams too.

We had good luck going to large sporting shows, we used the Harrisburg PA show. Visit with LOTS, get info then internet research, then reference checks.

Www.bowsite.com has an outfitter review section that is pretty extensive.

Red flags that sent us running:

- book now pressure
- lots of openings the coming season
- guarantee anything, success, shots etc

Ask success rate, then get a definition of success

Do you have points anywhere?

Yes. Wyoming & Utah, but my kid doesn’t have nearly as many.

 

[cgasner1]

Yes. Wyoming & Utah, but my kid doesn’t have nearly as many.

If you wanted to hunt Wyoming next year I’d be concerned about an outfitter that can get you booked that quick.

 

[mxracer317]

If you wanted to hunt Wyoming next year I’d be concerned about an outfitter that can get you booked that quick.

Agreed. We’re leaning towards Colorado, but not really sure how things are affected with the way Colorado’s change things around.

 

[jpc01101]

If you are considering NM (landowner tags) I have experience with an outfit that has tremendous luck on 280ish bulls. Not going to get a 350” bull but will more than likely have multiple opportunities on bulls. PM if interested.

 

[cgasner1]

Agreed. We’re leaning towards Colorado, but not really sure how things are affected with the way Colorado’s change things around.

Depending on what you wanna spend I’d highly recommend New Mexico jump in the outfitter draw pool and you got pretty decent odds. I’ve only hired one guide we drew tags and decided to go that route I made 3-4 phone calls choice was easy after that