Western Kentucky Outdoors

Questions You Should Ask Every Outfitter

After you have decided where you want to go and have established some expectations yourself for your hunt the next task is educating yourself about where you plan to hunt and what it has to offer. If you want to hunt with a rifle, don't pick a state that only allows shotgun hunts. Same goes for terrain. If you are an open range hunter and like hunting fields you may want to avoid states where this isn't likely to be the style of hunting for the Outfitter.

Next, choosing who to hunt with will be the task at hand. My advice is to ask questions, on top of questions. After all, asking questions doesn't cost anything.

Below I will list questions I believe to be important in any conversation with an Outfitter. I will also list some points that I believe are important in insuring your hunt goes as described by the Outfitter and as you expect.

1. How long have you been guiding (whitetail/turkey,etc) hunters? Try to learn if this is someone that at least knows as much if not more than you do about the species to be hunted.

2. How many hunters do they take? Use this to determine if their properties are being over hunted.

3. How many guides do you have? Determine if there will be issues with being accommodated in the field. 2 hunters to 1 guide is not uncommon and managable. 3 hunters to 1 guide can be a stretch.

4. How much acreage or how big are the areas hunted? Use this to understand how much is hunted and if from #2 or #3 above if it's over hunted and if proper scouting is being performed.

5. Are all areas hunted with all weapons? Any archery only, etc. If you are an archery hunter this may be important in regards to when you will be there hunting and pressure.

6. How do you hunt your hunters? Ask the Outfitter to explain a day afield with you.

7. What are success rates of your hunters on bucks (no does kills)? This can be misleading in a number of ways depending how it is reported. Ask them to not include antlerless kills and break down by weapon. Most Outfitters should be able to answer this question.

8. What is the average buck being harvested? Use this to guage whether an Outfitter is going to be able to meet your expectations.

9. What, if any, size restrictions are in place? You should know this up front and not have it sprung on you after arrival.

10. Is there any penalties for shooting an undersized buck if restrtictions are in place? You should know this up front and not have it sprung on you after arrival.

11. Ask if Outfitting is 365 days a year for the operation? Most Outfitters on top of their game scout 365 days a year and have a number of guides assisting in information gathering, stand placement, etc. Don't end up booking a hunt with a farmer trying to sell hunts, hunters trying to cover lease expenses or fly by night operations trying to make a buck. This also goes back to #1 above.

12. Ask if the Outfitter has exclusive rights for the hunting on the properties he guides. Very important question and one that if unanswered could lead to a bad experience.

13. Ask how many hunters are taken per week, per month or per season. This will give you a feel for pressure. It will aslo guage how many may be in camp with you and how success could play out while there.

14. Ask what types of stands are used and how many. Unless you are restricted to 1 stand and 1 property during your hunt, ask how many stand sets are in place to accommodate your hunt. If you are hunting 5 days along with 5 other hunters we feel there should be 25 stands at a minimum to accommodate this hunt.

15. Ask if you will be allowed to hunt different properties or stands while there. Often you will arrive and this restriction imposed. Get it out in the open and part of your hunt contract or confirmation.

16. Ask about accommodations if they are to be provided. Have this spelled out in your hunt contract or confirmation when booking. Don't pay for a lodge atmosphere and end up bunked in a hotel. Know what you are getting into.

17. Ask about Food if it is to be provided and have this spelled out in your hunt contract or confirmation when booking. Pretty much as in #16. Don't pay for 3 meals per day if you don't see them or what was defined. Is Breakfast eggs and toast or pop tarts. Is lunch a sandwich in chips in a bag. Is dinner a can of soup and sandwich or is it a prepared, sit down type meal. Know what you are paying for.

18. Define the hunt cost. This is what you will be paying to the Outfitter. Does not include licenses, travel, etc. But could include food and lodging.

19. Ask if there are any trophy fees or hidden costs and have any defined in your hunt contract or confirmation when booking. (airport pickup, butchering, etc) Know if you are required to pay any amount above what is defined in #18. Are tips expected is another one you should ask about or know what you are willing to do.

20. Define the hunt. If it's a 3-day hunt, insure you are talking about 3 morning and 3 evening hunts and none are being sacrificed due to being returned to an airport or having been picked up. Don't book a hunt and find out your arrival day is day 1 or 1/2 a day. Define an arrival day, day your hunt starts, day your hunt ends and a departure date.

21. Try to talk with the Outfitter himself. Don't settle for someone working his booth at a show or someone answering his phone. You are not looking for someone to sell you something. You are looking for someone who provides answers to your questions so you have something to base your decision from.

22. Last but not least, ask for a list of references with at least half being unsuccessful hunters. Now call that list and find out if the Outfitter at lease delivered on what had been told to them. Hunting being hunting, not everyone will be successful and every year Outfitters see clients in camp that are not the hunters the hunter made themselves out to be.

Hopefully you will find some of the 22 points above useful in your search.

l have two firm beliefs regarding any hunt to help insure a positive experience.

1. Good communication is vital between both hunter and Outfitter.

2. Be honest with your Outfitter about your capabilities, physical condition and expectations.