RE: Whats does a new deer Outfitter say?
I would think first of all he must have experience if expects to be well respected and generate business of an unknown area. That may come from years of area knowledge or guiding at other guys camps. If he lives in an area known to be good deer hunting he has a bonus already, but guys also want to know when they arrive and things don' t go as planned that the guide or outfitter knowns his stuff and can form a game plan on the run. Also the expectation of service will be known to somebody who has been in the business and knows the inside ropes. It ain' t all about harvesting deer, work ethic, business practice, staff, food, lodging and first rate fun.
I have a buddy who started a camp in virgin territory about 5 years ago, he lived there for years with area knowledge, he also put in his time at camps all over NA as a guide and grunt. He knew what to look for in a location for a blind, he has a good business head, set expectations that were true and obtainable, presented a service that was up to standards and above, he knew what was expected from his clients in service & experience of his staff. He charged very reasonable the first year to build up some references and adjusted the prices accordingly. He is honest and up front, nobody arrives in his camp with false expectation. This guys has always been first class and did things the right way with good old fashion nose to the grindstone work ethic. He has a great business, booked solid in advance, he has one of the best outfits in the province and is mentioned with some guys who have been the business for a long time in service and quality of deer.
Point is it can be done in an area that is virgin, but I think you need more than just a good pitch, you must have experience and set expectation with in reach. First and foremost you need to be honest and have work ethic that translates through the camp (yes, that means cook to grunt must be on the same page). It is hunting but this is a service industry that guys save, plan and prepare for(like any holiday, last thing you want is to feel short sticked for your hard earned dollars). Not to mention nothing will bust a outfitter like a unhappy client or false expectations set by triing to fill his tags.