Ready to get the most out of your guided hunting trip? Here are some tips to help you out.
Get in Shape
Hunts are physically challenging, especially hunts in the mountains at altitude. If you want to get the most out of your guided hunting trip, it pays to show up ready to be active. Being in good physical condition doesn’t just mean you’ll be more agile for your hunt, but it will also mean you’ll have a more enjoyable experience as you won’t be as exhausted at the end of the day.
You don’t have to get into Olympic athlete shape for your hunting trip, but you do have to put in some effort in the off-season. Before your trip, discuss the hunt in detail with your outfitter and find out what the physical demands will be. Then, make it a goal to keep a regular fitness routine leading into the hunt. Start hiking and lifting weights to build up your cardio and core strength. Staying limber is important as well, so don’t forget to include stretches before and after your workouts.
Be Prepared with the Right Clothes
If you don’t wear the right hunting clothes, you will be uncomfortable throughout your hunt and won’t enjoy the experience. To get the most out of your hunt, take being uncomfortable out of the equation and come prepared.
Research the environment where you’re hunting and understand the average weather conditions. Colorado weather is notoriously moody and can change quickly. Especially during hunting season, it can be a mixed bag. It’s best to bring lots of layers, waterproof clothing, and warmer items in case of snow. If you need more guidance, there’s no better person to ask than your hunting guide.
And don’t forget about your shoes. You won’t get anywhere without a pair of quality hunting boots and good socks. Make sure to break your boots in before your hunt, as it’s crucial to help you avoid blisters that will last for weeks after your trip ends.
Practice Shooting
On a hunting trip, nothing is more frustrating than a missed shot. So make sure you take the time to practice your shot so you feel comfortable and confident. Practice hitting standstill targets and moving marks in different positions and angles. This is also the time to ensure your rifle optics are sized and adjusted properly. Any practice will help you prepare for your trip, and it will also lend a hand when you spot a trophy bull.
Communicate Clearly
If you have a specific goal in mind on your hunting trip, it’s in your best interest to communicate that to your guide. While you know the goal, your guide can’t read your mind. Be clear and communicate your goal as soon as possible so the guide can adjust plans and build a strategy. Whether broad or specific, make it known.
Learn to Take Directions
If you’re taking a guided hunting trip, you must know how to take directions well. If you’re used to taking control, this will put you in a very different position. You very likely will be a stranger on the land and need a helping hand. Guides know the land, the game, and the potential challenges like the back of their hand. They are there to help, which means you need to receive direction.
Your guide wants your hunt to be successful and for you to have a great experience. So trust them even if they ask you to do something unfamiliar or unexpected during the experience. If you learn to take your guide’s direction, you will probably have a higher success rate and a more enjoyable time.
Have a Positive Attitude
Probably the most important aspect of getting the most out of your hunt is your attitude. Things go wrong on hunts, even when you’re using the best guide or outfitter. Sometimes the weather is bad. Sometimes the animals won’t cooperate. Sometimes the wildest little thing that you wouldn’t think could go wrong does. And when these things happen, it’s best to just roll with the punches.
A good outfitter will work hard to make sure you have a successful hunt, but they aren’t miracle workers. When things don’t go according to plan, make sure you maintain a positive attitude. You’re on a hunting trip because this is an activity you enjoy doing. Even a bad day hunting is better than a good day at the office. Make the most of it.
Your exceptional guided hunting trip awaits!
Ready to Book Your Guided Hunting Trip?
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 are dedicated to giving you the experience of a lifetime. Let us show you what you’ve been missing.
