I have been with an outfitter in ID twice, in 2002 and again last year. 2002 my wife and I went, neither got a shot, we both saw elk, though my wife never had them in range, I had 3 bulls called into range, but never present a shot. This year I had one MONSTER bull called within 15 yards, no shot (hard to believe, but its THICK in some areas) and shot a 4x5 on that afternoon at 8 yards (in the wide open just at dusk, AWESOME experience.).

We spent lots of time checking outfitters, talking to them etc. Hunting shows like they hold in Harrisburg PA are a great place. We met our outfitter at a show in Springfield MA, and talked with him over a couple years, had one booked hunt fall apart at no fault of the outfitter, then booked with him for a 7 day archery hunt 2 years in advance.

Here's what I found:

- costs run anywhere from $3000 up to WAY lots of money. The more you pay the better chance you have at a big bull, the upper end hunts $10K+/person will put you on private ranches where you have a VERY good chance at a monster bull. We went with a lower, but not bottom dollar hunt, I believe he runs around $3800/7 day guided 2 on 1 right now.

- some states have point restrictions in some areas, some are either sex. In ID where we were the elk tag was for either sex and OTC. Talked to a Montana outfit which was draw only, and a CO outfit that was 4 pt or better. If you go with a draw area find out what happens to your deposit if you don't draw, refunded or rolled to next year?

- There will be other costs that are not included, what's included: room and board, food, guide, transportation during the hunt, field care of animal. What's NOT included: tags (can run up towards $1000), airfare, tips, car rental if you need one (some outfitters include airport pickup), butchering, taxidermy, getting your meat home.

Questions you need to ask:

- success rate, find out what it is FOR archery only (if that's what you're doing). Then find out what success means. Many times its a shot chance, if so, find out who determines a shot chance the guide or the hunter.

- If archery: how long has he outfitted archers? Do the guides bow hunt? Does he bowhunt? VERY different to call a bull inside 30-40 yds, its pretty easy to call them into 100 yards, heck even I did it the morning after I got a bugle.

- What's the hunt style: calling, stalking, stands. Stands are becoming more popular and some outfitters love to elk hunt from them (mine did) because of higher success with a stand over a wallow, food, trails, easier for the hunter to get a good shot, even footing, already range find the distances etc. With calling/stalking, you will probably shoot off your knees after QUICKLY setting up on uneven terrain and have to thread the arrow through brush. Stand hunting is more successfull, calling is absolutely a BLAST!! Nothign like a bugling bull screaming his head off at 30 yards trying to find YOU!!

- Do you hunt all day or come back in for lunch?

- What else can you hunt beside elk? I had a deer tag that was good for either sex, a bear or mtn lion. Had a great chance at a 150 class whitetail, but, well.... ESP on his part kept him alive, [&:]

- Get references BEYOND what he lists, get others, make sure they archery hunted RECENTLY get some that were unsuccessfull. why were they unsuccessfull, will they go back etc etc etc. Note he will NOT give you a name that wasn't happy, so ask LOTS of questions. I spent at least 30 minutes on the phone with several references.

- Find out how much of his business is repeat business. The more the better.

I liked being able to meet the outfitter face to face at the show. gives you a chance to get a feel for his honesty and nature. You will be spending time with them and their guides, this lets you see if he's a personality match for you.

--Bob