How to do this? Here's what I did:

1) How much do you want to spend? Outfitter will run, for a 7 day hunt $2500 and up, more money, better chance for a huge bull, less expensive tend to be on public land or private land, but smaller chance for success. I would guess "average" runs around $3500 for a 7 day 2 on 1 hunt (2 hunters 1 guide). That covers the hunt, other costs: airfare, liceneses, butchering, shipping meat/antlers, rental car.

2) Where? Some states are draw, some are OTC, some are bull only, some have point restrictions. Some you can get combination hunts where deer/bear are open at the same time.

3) Hit the outdoor shows and start talking. You will get a feel for the outfitters from several things, like how he treats you, how much info he shares, pay attention, to past hunters stop by and say Hi.

4) Get references and CALL THEM. Make sure to get references of people who did NOT get one.

Questions to ask the outfitter:

- hunting style: calling, stalking, stands.
- success rate: and what is "success", is it a killed animal, a shot chance (and who determines a chance, hunter or guide)
- how long have they been outfitting in this area
- how many of his guides are long term employees/guides FOR him.
- how much of his business is repeat.
- If its a draw state, what happens to your deposit if you don't draw, refunded or rolled to next year.
- camp style? tents, cabin, lodge, hotel, horse ride in for hours, drive your car to the door, how is it setup?

If you get into Feb/Mar and he is NOT booked for this year, something might be up. Most good ones are.

I ended up going with an Outfit in Idaho, my wife and I went in 2002, then I went again this year. Both trips were archery for elk/deer. Tags were good for either sex of both animals, the deer tag is also valid for a cat or bear. First year with my wife we both saw elk, including bugling bulls inside 50 yards 4 times, but no shots. This fall I shot a 4x5 at a distance of 8 yards, called in by the outfitter.

This place was GREAT for what we want. A family oriented style, father/son team run the show. Comfortable lodge with GREAT food, the people who run it are fantastic. You don't see the hundreds of elk you hear about on TV or some other places but the cost is reasonable and this year EVERYONE in camp had shot chances on elk. Some passed due to them being cows, 2 of us took bulls, 1 was hit/lost, 1 was missed. That basically 4 out of 8 people in 7 days that should have taken bulls. I also saw the biggest deer of my life, however he showed why he's so big and I never got to full draw. [X(]

--Bob