ORIGINAL: LKNCHOPPERS
ORIGINAL: tsoc
I have hunted with outfitters twice many years ago and unfortunately both experiences were not favorable.It is possible I will hunt with an outfitter again in the future but pretty unlikely.I prefer to do it myself on out of state hunts.
I believe it is especially difficult to find relatively reasonably priced guided hunts that are actually good ones.I do think you can find good hunts on the high end of the price spectrum,but I can do it myself for 25% of those kind of expenses.
The one thing that a lot of hunters forget,myself included in the past is that there is good and bad in all walks of life including us hunters,we feel especially violated when a member of the hunting "community" deceives us.
These outfitters need to make a living regardless of winter kill or other conditions that influence the hunting in their area.
In general I would say that I don't like the proliferation of outfitters but I don't know what can be done to reverse the trend.
I have to agree with TSOC. I have done an outfitter once and was not satisfied. I guess I didn't pay enough money. I prefer DIY anyway. I may lease property for an out of state hunt but I would rather scout and hang my own stands.
You guys really have to do your homework more complete. Check references, then check them again, then check them even 3 and 4 times. An outfitter is not that important to me, but I want a good place to hunt and a warm, dry place to lay my head at night. To me an outfitter is someone who provides that when I am out of state. I don't need someone to hold my hand and tell me when to shoot. Just give me a spot and turn me loose. I hunted Dec. this past year in NE. and the guy charged me $300 I stayed at the ranch house 5 nights. No one lives there full time and it's not that fancy, but warm and dry it is and a stocked kitchen where you can cook, etc. Shoot there was even Direct TV

It's kind of a weekend getaway for him and he lives in WY. Plus there is 1,000 acres I have to myself to Bowhunt. I think I did Ok for 4 days
Dan