RE: Why pay alot for an Outfitter?
 

Lrac - I'm new to hunting, getting myself set up for next fall. Unfortunately I live near Los Angeles. Hope I don't make the type of blunders that you've seens other LA people make. Regarding the hunter saftey course, I'm sure it helps a little. What's really needed is an intelligence test.

RE: Why pay alot for an Outfitter?
 

Cal,
BJ hit it just about right - it is sooooo easy to be in danger and not know it or at a minimum be screwing up your hunt and not know it. LA, Colorado, Wyoming, or Alaska, it don't matter where you're from, blunders aren't limited to folks from Southern California. Smarts is part of it (and always welcome) but without experience it is still way easy to get into trouble. Good training is most often handed down generation to generation, friend to friend, or sometimes even for hire! Get in with a good group of hunters or learn from an outfitter first. If you're a good student of the hunt you'll pick it up quick especially if you strike the right understanding with those you're hunting with. I prefer hunting with someone with experience and toughness (i.e willingness to spend time, work hard, and put up with discomfort) over a high IQ. Of course, all that AND smart is a plus.

There is nothing wrong with being a new hunter; however, to quote Dirty Harry, "....a man's got to know his limitations." I've had greenhorns in camp who knew their station and who after one season went home light years ahead of where they started - seasoned veterans? No, but off to a good start. A basic rule: the more remote the camp the more skills that are required.
Good luck!

EKM

Good judgment comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!

Edited by - ELKampMaster on 01/20/2003 01:19:49

RE: Why pay alot for an Outfitter?
 

USA,
You are right and wrong at the same time. There are two types of guide licenses in Wyoming, a professional guide license and a resident guide license. Both are licenses with restrictions and penalties for violating the terms. A resident license entitles a person to guide TWO non-residents, but you have to apply for the license and possess a big game tag of yer own. You cannot take a dime for guiding your friends or family from out of state, and it is only good for 14 days. A professional guide must be employed by a licensed outfitter and must comply with a whole bunch of laws and terms. The test involves many safety related questions and first aid as well. Two distinct licenses, but licenses all the same. I'm guidin' two friends from the internet next year. If it works out ok, I may do it again. The bad part about guiding for money is you cain't pick your clients. That creates a lot of negative feelings and guides get burnt out quickly. The money really isn't the reason people do it. Think about it. Its not that much, and only lasts for a few weeks a year. You have to buy yer own gear, and take time off a real job to do it. What is fun about guiding is seein' dedicated outdoorsmen have the time of their lives. Despite all my talk about PAMBs, I really enjoy helping a guy get that once-in-a-life trophy. The problem is that workin' class fellers raisin' a family cain't afford a guided elk hunt, an they're the ones that get the most outta it. Its a lot of trouble organizing a elk camp for guests, but I think resident hunters on these boards outta try it, jus' to give deservin' sportsmen with families a chance. You cain't explain some things, they're best left for people to know first hand.

BJ

RE: Why pay alot for an Outfitter?
 

If the Wyoming wilderness is so filled with danger that
non residents arent aware of, why do they not need a
guide when they want to hike, camp, or fish in it?
Could this law be in effect soley to make money for
guides?

RE: Why pay alot for an Outfitter?
 

Fair enuff question fer a greenhorn to ask.
1. Fall weather is worse than summer weather. Unpredictable.
2. Horses are needed for huntin'. Only thing worse than a green hunter is a green hunter with a horse.
3. Bears are fattenin' up for winter sleep. Mos' deadly encounters occur with hunters over down game.
4. Hunters don't stay on trails. They also git lost a lot. Hikers an' fishermen git in trouble too, but at least the rescue choppers can find 'em, most the time.
5. Huntin' is strenuous. Fishin' is not. More than one person I know has had a heart attack in hunting camp.
6. Non-residents always underestimate the effects of altitude on their bodies. It can be deadly.
7. Wilderness and game laws. Lettin' folks unfamiliar with the species an' game laws loose with a firearm is askin' for trouble. Someday I'll tell you the story of a outfitter I know who lost a mule to a non-resident moose hunter.

These are a few reasons why huntin' season is more deadly than summer jaunts into the wilderness. I've helped search for hikers thet were later found dead. It ain't a walk in the park even in summertime.

BJ