Not all hunting outfitters are created equal. To find the right hunting outfitter, you need to ask the right questions. To help, here are questions you should ask.
What are Your Primary Species?
Many hunting outfitters offer guided trips for multiple species of game. And while that’s fine, usually, they only have one or two species that are what they’re truly best. You always want to book with a guide that specializes in what you are most interested in. This way, you’ll be sure to get the best bang for your buck because you can be sure they have the necessary knowledge, equipment, area, and dedication for the animal.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
It’s not that a newer outfitter is bad. But you can be sure if an outfitter has been in the business a long time, they are guaranteed to have a lot of experience. And more experience can translate to a more successful hunt. So, ask how long they’ve been in business and what experience they have.
Is The Land Public or Private, and How Much Land Do You Hunt?
The first part of this question is purely for your preference. You don’t want to drop money on a guided hunt you think is on private land and it turns out to be public. But the second part of this question gives you a sense of how much land they actually utilize during the hunt. You’re not asking how much land they’re permitted to hunt, but how much land they actually utilize.
How Experienced are The Guides and How Many People Per Guide?
You’ll also want to ask about the experience level of the hunting guides. Most of the time, there’s nothing to worry about. Most hunting guides are experienced professionals who know how to keep things fun and safe. But this is still a good question so you can know what you’re getting into (and see if you can sniff out any red flags).
The second part of this question is group size. This is big because you don’t want to be with a large group. The smaller the group, the more attention and guidance each person gets. And that helps to make for a great hunting experience. So make sure the hunting outfitter in question has a small maximum group per guide so you can ensure you’re able to enjoy an intimate hunting experience that’s tailored to your needs and interests.
What Will a Normal Day Hunting Be Like?
Asking this question can help you decide if hunting with their guide sounds like the right fit for you. After all, you want to get a sense of what the hunt will be like with them before you put a deposit down. They should be able to tell you how long you’ll be hunting, at what point they take a break for lunch, what the terrain will be, how far you’ll travel, and if there will be transportation (and if it will be horse, ATV, or truck). Knowing the details can help you narrow down your hunting guide choices so you find the best one.
What are the Lodging Options?
When planning a hunting trip, it’s important to find a hunting outfitter who can help you make the most of your experience. One thing to consider is whether or not they offer lodging options for you.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, an outfitter that offers cabin lodging might be what you want. Not only is a comfy bed and hot shower amazing after a long day of hunting, but having on-site accommodations is nice if you’re looking for a hassle-free experience. Some hunting outfitters may not have lodging on-site, but they can provide suggestions for nearby accommodations to suit your needs. If you’re more into roughing it, other guides will offer a true rugged experience. Be sure to know what you want in your experience, and the right guide will be able to accommodate you and help you focus on the thrill of the hunt.
Are There Additional Amenities?
If you’re looking for additional perks when you go on your hunting trip, make sure to ask your guide what they’ve got covered for you. These can include meat processing, cold storage, transportation, and meals. Making sure you have the amenities you want before you book your guided hunting trip will ensure you’re not disappointed when you roll up to camp. When you do your due diligence to ask this question, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable trip that you were excited to book.
Let us show you what you’ve been missing.
Let Us Be Your Southwestern Colorado Outfitter
With a little research and asking all the right questions of your hunting outfitter, you can rest assured your guided trip will be an enjoyable one.
If you’re looking to hunt elk or mule deer with professional guides in the mountains of Southwest Colorado, we’d love to be an option you consider. At Soap Mesa Outfitters, we offer quality guided hunts on our 3500-acre private ranch that overlooks Blue Mesa Reservoir. Not to mention we also have a National Forest Permit, which provides an additional 8000+ acres with utter seclusion due to its limited access. Let us show you what you’ve been missing.
