Things to ask an outfitter for Elk Hutiin(Opinions Needed)

[Kamil]

Ok guys...I'm starting to call up outfitters with a list of questions. eg( hunter success rate? how many huinters in camp at once?) What would be the the question you would want to ask?I want this to be an acrhery only hunt in an archery only camp. Please help me out on this since I've never hunted with an outfitter and I've never hunted for Elk.

[racewayking]

Make sure you check the success ration of the headgear you want. I was taken on a hunt with ex father in law and the dang guide pressured me into shooting a smaller bull than I wanted, seems he had other clients to help fill tags. Make sure they will let you shoot the animal you are after and not what they feel is good enough for you to shoot.

[Matt / PA]

Get references ........successful clients as well as those who DIDN'T take an animal from LAST YEAR.

[Bob H in NH]

Here's some things I've learned and asked, try to ask open ended questions when possible:

- what is the success rate? Then MORE IMPORTANT: What is "success"? This could be anything from a dead elk, to a shot chance (and who decides what a shot chance is), to an arrow shot.

- Get a break down of "success": so many cows/bulls, how many are 5pt or bigger? Any restrictions in the area you hunt

- Describe a typical "hunt" day? Do they come back for lunch, stay out all day? Stands over wallows/trails or hiking and calling.

- How do the guides work? Same guide for the week, rotate by area or day?

- How long have the guides been there?

- Do the guides bow hunt?

- Describe the lodge/base camp including food and sleeping

- Horses, trucks, ATV or on foot? If on foot, what's the terrain like (hills, flat, lots of walking etc).

- How are guides paid? Per animal shot, day worked, etc.

- What happens if you decide to pass on a shot the guide wants you to take?

- What happens if you hit an elk and can't find it? Are you done hunting? How long will guides look? Do they have access to a tracking dog?

- What's not included in the price: transport to/from lodge/camp? license/tags? taxidermy? butcher? Field care of trophy?

- What happens to the dead elk? Do they have an onsight butcher, local butcher, you bring it home quartered?

- What happens after you shoot an elk? Do you sit at the lodge? Are there other animals to hunt? Other things to do?

- Ask about guide tipping.

If they hesitate on any of these questions, bail out. If they argue, bail out. If they won't give you MORE references, including people who did NOT get an animal, bail out.

[Kamil]

Thanks great questions... stuff I didn't even think about.

[huntingson]

Ask about the acreage, i.e. how big it is and whether it is contiguous or numerous broken tracts.

Some outfitters do not supply guides so make sure you askwhether it is guided or unguided. Unguided is a wholelot of fun and usually much cheaper.

Ask aboutshelter. Are you in a tent, trailer, old building, etc. Should you bring traps for mice, rats, pack rats, etc?A pack rat can ruin your day. Don't leave yourwedding ring off and nextto your bunk or it may be gone in the morning. I kid you not.

This is also just a suggestion, but don't expect to go out there and shoot a 300"+ bull. Just enjoy it and take what you can get... if you can get anything at all. I hate to sound negative, but some of the above posts would makeyou think it is shootingelk in a barrel and it is far from that. It is bowhuntingafterall.

[MeanV2]

ORIGINAL: Matt / PA

Get references ........successful clients as well as those who DIDN'T take an animal from LAST YEAR.

This is absolutely necessary!! Get a complete list, check'em, check some more, Ah heck check'em all. See how all their stories line up. Never just talk to one reference!

Another thing if the outfitter hesitates on giving you a complete list or is too busy blowing his own horn. Mark him off.

Do you research on areas. Find the area that consistently produces the kind of Bulls you are interested then check the outfitters in that area.

Dan

[NYBowhunter71]

Is it Fair chase or elaborate Game farm

[BobCo19-65]

Don't forget to ask if you'll be hunting on cattle grazing areas.

[Kamil]

I want this to be Fair chase... I wouldn't go on a fenced hunt