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New to outfitting, looking for your advice.
I have been guiding for almost 14 years and decided I want to make it my life and living. I am trying to build a bigger client base and I am looking for opinions from hunters on the best way to build that client base. Any advice or opinion would be appreciated.
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Be honest and don't exagerate. Under promise, over deliver. If you treat your clients fair word will get around on sites like this. It also helps to guide in a target rich environment. What will you be guiding for in NB?
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Social media would build a bigger client base. Have someone build you a website or use face-book and instagram. Create a page on face-book share that page and on instagram there are PLENTY of hunting pages that will throw shotouts other pages. Social media will be your best friend. Also If you don't have a small video camera get one and try to take it along and get short clips of hunts, take lots a pictures, find a way for hunters to leave feedback for you.
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I will be guiding hunts for black bear, whitetail deer, moose(by draw) and fishing for atlatic salmon.
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Yes, pictures are important. You need a website that potential clients can go to and see what you are all about. Include pictures not only of successful hunts, but lodging, terrain, trail cam pics, spring sheds found, and the area in general. Also be responsive to questions. Nothing worse than requesting info from an outfitter and not hearing back for several weeks.
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Do you think giving away a few hunts would help me out or just look desperate.
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Maybe donating a hunt to one of the many banquets such as the RMEF, NWTF, DU, Friends of the NRA, etc. Going to sportsman shows is also a way to get in front of a lot of potential clients.
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Thanks for the great info.
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Best of luck to you. If you can score two bull moose tags let me know, I'll be your first client :-) Looking to take my daughter of a moose hunt in a couple of years once we find the right hunt. I hear NB has good Bulls.
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Interesting question. What price range(s) are you running your hunts and how competitive are you compared to other outfitters in NB or other provinces?
Something to consider is which group of hunters you want to target? If it's wealthier hunters, put together a package that would appeal to them at the sports shows that wealthy hunters attend. If it's the working man group of hunters, maybe offer something that would appeal to them such as some kind of group discount, no extra charge for filling a wolf tag (if applicable), etc. If you're targeting HuntingNet hunters, maybe some kind of discount to HuntingNet members. Maybe advertise in certain hunting magazines and offer some kind of deal to subscribers. Something else you might consider is some kind of reward/discount for referrals and/or returning hunters. Refer a buddy and you can come back at XX% discount and hunt with your buddy. Come back for a 2nd hunt and get whatever reward. There's lots of possibilities. It would depend on who you're trying to attract to your business. |
Originally Posted by Rob in VT
(Post 4185938)
Best of luck to you. If you can score two bull moose tags let me know, I'll be your first client :-) Looking to take my daughter of a moose hunt in a couple of years once we find the right hunt. I hear NB has good Bulls.
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Originally Posted by CalHunter
(Post 4185945)
Interesting question. What price range(s) are you running your hunts and how competitive are you compared to other outfitters in NB or other provinces?
Something to consider is which group of hunters you want to target? If it's wealthier hunters, put together a package that would appeal to them at the sports shows that wealthy hunters attend. If it's the working man group of hunters, maybe offer something that would appeal to them such as some kind of group discount, no extra charge for filling a wolf tag (if applicable), etc. If you're targeting HuntingNet hunters, maybe some kind of discount to HuntingNet members. Maybe advertise in certain hunting magazines and offer some kind of deal to subscribers. Something else you might consider is some kind of reward/discount for referrals and/or returning hunters. Refer a buddy and you can come back at XX% discount and hunt with your buddy. Come back for a 2nd hunt and get whatever reward. There's lots of possibilities. It would depend on who you're trying to attract to your business. |
Munna, some advice. In the long run you are doing no service giving away hunts. To me, the biggest problem by far and away that outfitters are too often cash strapped. This leads to two problems: outfitters that make promises they can't keep, and overbooking/under staffed. Never promise anything you cannot absolutely deliver, and don't try to book every person that wants to do a hunt. Some people may not fit with what you offer, and that is ok. Spend your money on things you can control, staff, accommodations, food etc as you cannot control the weather and animals.
It is imperative to be honest with people, not just in outfitting but in life in general. Just tell it like it is. I believe if you work hard and be honest, you can be successful at any occupation. I would certainly look at additional revenue streams and not get yourself in a position financially that forces you to make improper business decisions. Outfitting is a very expensive business with large associated cost. One year the USFS didn't grade and a late frost heaved many jagged rocks in the road to the trailhead. We blew 11 tires on horse trailers/trucks through the season, the down time with paid staff plus tire cost added up quick, things happen. You want to expand your client base, but think in terms of controlled expansion. Always have a plan in place to put money back into the business in equipment, staff, upgrades etc. |
Originally Posted by TwoBear
(Post 4185967)
Munna, some advice. In the long run you are doing no service giving away hunts. To me, the biggest problem by far and away that outfitters are too often cash strapped. This leads to two problems: outfitters that make promises they can't keep, and overbooking/under staffed. Never promise anything you cannot absolutely deliver, and don't try to book every person that wants to do a hunt. Some people may not fit with what you offer, and that is ok. Spend your money on things you can control, staff, accommodations, food etc as you cannot control the weather and animals.
It is imperative to be honest with people, not just in outfitting but in life in general. Just tell it like it is. I believe if you work hard and be honest, you can be successful at any occupation. I would certainly look at additional revenue streams and not get yourself in a position financially that forces you to make improper business decisions. Outfitting is a very expensive business with large associated cost. One year the USFS didn't grade and a late frost heaved many jagged rocks in the road to the trailhead. We blew 11 tires on horse trailers/trucks through the season, the down time with paid staff plus tire cost added up quick, things happen. You want to expand your client base, but think in terms of controlled expansion. Always have a plan in place to put money back into the business in equipment, staff, upgrades etc. I appreciate all advice and I am always looking to learn more. |
I am not an outfitter, nor am I a guide. However, I am a guy that takes guided hunts and have some insight from that point of view.
You have been given some excellent advice. Understand your target market. Do your best to understand the nature of prospective hunters. Some guys want a higher quality hunting experience, some do not care about anything but a trophy to display, a very few want high-end accommodations, some guys just want a cheap hunt. Everyone wants a clean safe camp, and good food. Be very clear about what you actually have to offer and avoid "wishful thinking". Giving away a hunt probably will not impress anyone except the individual that takes your offer. I have seen fellows that become "regulars" on some hunting boards that have done well at starting their outfitting services (most notably on African hunting sites). After they are known for a while and exhibit some common sense and good manners they entice some with a discounted hunt or a group hunt. A few happy hunters that spend a lot of time on the internet can spread the word of mouth quickly. An example would be Tootabi Safaris on Africahunting.com and accuratereloading.com. He has not been around long at all but he got the right guys talking. Work hard and good fortune may just find you. |
A lot of great advice. Just to second, "In the long run you are doing no service giving away hunts." Don't undersell yourself. A mistake many make, starting out in many businesses, is that they under sell to try to keep the hunt cheaper, hoping to get more people. Your many years of experience as a guide stands on its own and there is no use starting a business if you aren't going to work toward maintaining solvency from the beginning. As stated above, donating a hunt to a reputable organization is one thing, don't just give them away to whomever to just be a nice guy. Be service oriented AND a business man at the same time.
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Originally Posted by wyomingtrapper
(Post 4186386)
A lot of great advice. Just to second, "In the long run you are doing no service giving away hunts." Don't undersell yourself. A mistake many make, starting out in many businesses, is that they under sell to try to keep the hunt cheaper, hoping to get more people. Your many years of experience as a guide stands on its own and there is no use starting a business if you aren't going to work toward maintaining solvency from the beginning. As stated above, donating a hunt to a reputable organization is one thing, don't just give them away to whomever to just be a nice guy. Be service oriented AND a business man at the same time.
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Originally Posted by TwoBear
(Post 4185967)
Munna, some advice. In the long run you are doing no service giving away hunts. To me, the biggest problem by far and away that outfitters are too often cash strapped. This leads to two problems: outfitters that make promises they can't keep, and overbooking/under staffed. Never promise anything you cannot absolutely deliver, and don't try to book every person that wants to do a hunt. Some people may not fit with what you offer, and that is ok. Spend your money on things you can control, staff, accommodations, food etc as you cannot control the weather and animals.
It is imperative to be honest with people, not just in outfitting but in life in general. Just tell it like it is. I believe if you work hard and be honest, you can be successful at any occupation. I would certainly look at additional revenue streams and not get yourself in a position financially that forces you to make improper business decisions. Outfitting is a very expensive business with large associated cost. One year the USFS didn't grade and a late frost heaved many jagged rocks in the road to the trailhead. We blew 11 tires on horse trailers/trucks through the season, the down time with paid staff plus tire cost added up quick, things happen. You want to expand your client base, but think in terms of controlled expansion. Always have a plan in place to put money back into the business in equipment, staff, upgrades etc. |
I agree with what everyone else has been saying, don't give away hunts with the intent of gaining repeat clientele. It's a different story if it's to a charity and you're doing it for the right reasons.
The other thing I would STRONGLY recommend is keeping updated with pictures. There are very few businesses where pictures are more telling of what to expect. When websites fail to update their picture section for a more than a year it looks like they are hiding something. This is for your website, facebook, instagram, etc. You can't have too many pictures. |
Not an outfitter either but I have been in business. What TwoBear & b stricker said IMO applies to any business. Once a price structure is established do not "beat it up".
Good luck on your venture. |
I am glad I found this site, it has been more of a help then ever expected. I appreciate how much input I have been recieving and hope to recieve much, much more advice.
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Social media---Definitely pics of taken game/success rate etc. Price it accordingly. --show camping/sleeping conditions etc.
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Call Mark Werner at Kamaloops, BC. He is the past president of the Guide Association for the Western providences. He has bought worked and sold several concessions. He has always been successful. He will guide you in the right direction, but he is also a very busy man.
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Originally Posted by dlmac
(Post 4190941)
Call Mark Werner at Kamaloops, BC. He is the past president of the Guide Association for the Western providences. He has bought worked and sold several concessions. He has always been successful. He will guide you in the right direction, but he is also a very busy man.
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ALWAYS answer EVERY question a potential client asks. This never fails: I send an e-mail asking five SHORT questions (i.e., "When does the season start?" or "Do I need to bring my own sleeping pad"). The outfitter responds (sort-of) to questions 1, 3, and 5, so I re-send asking questions 2 and 4, and he responds to only question 4. This ALWAYS happens. Drives me nuts!
(Lest you think I'm some sort of "grazer" who asks a billion questions and never books, the aforementioned problem usually happens AFTER I've already booked and I'm just trying to iron out logistics.) Also, if you're going to have your daughter or wife answer the phone, make sure they know what they're talking about (or make sure they have YOU call the client back). As others have said, be a straight shooter. No BS. Keep track of client requests and HONOR them. If you say you'll provide a sleeping pad, a non-smoking guide, beds without a tailboard (News Flash: Some hunters are over 6'), a non-psycho horse, decaf, etc., make sure you follow through. |
BTM, just a small hint here, 99% of ALL horses that are breathing are freaking PSYCHO! Or they are the walking dead.
Munna07, Most have given you pretty much all that can be given on a site. I've used many outfitters in my years of hunting though I am fairly self sufficient. I just find it a little easier as well as safer to use someone familiar to the land if it is somewhere I have never been. What I look for in a guide/outfitter are three things: 1) First and foremost is SAFE! I really hate being in the woods with an unsafe individual. 2) Knowledgeable. Knows his equipment as well as the game that is being hunted. 3) Honesty! Don't try to BS me. If you don't know about something then be honest and say you haven't learned about whatever it is. Don't attempt to "con" your way through it. You may end up with a client such as myself that has seen pretty much all of it and will call you out on the "con" and you will not only lose that client but several more when he makes a few phone calls or hit's a few sites such as this. If I were to call a "New" outfitter/guide such as yourself and I asked you something that you didn't really have much knowledge about and were honest with me, it might very well be that I could help you learn it and I would also be mentally giving you "cudo" points for your honesty. Lots of old farts like me out there that appreciate an honest person more than much of anything else. I wish you well in your endeavors. |
Originally Posted by BTM
(Post 4191724)
ALWAYS answer EVERY question a potential client asks. This never fails: I send an e-mail asking five SHORT questions (i.e., "When does the season start?" or "Do I need to bring my own sleeping pad"). The outfitter responds (sort-of) to questions 1, 3, and 5, so I re-send asking questions 2 and 4, and he responds to only question 4. This ALWAYS happens. Drives me nuts!
(Lest you think I'm some sort of "grazer" who asks a billion questions and never books, the aforementioned problem usually happens AFTER I've already booked and I'm just trying to iron out logistics.) Also, if you're going to have your daughter or wife answer the phone, make sure they know what they're talking about (or make sure they have YOU call the client back). As others have said, be a straight shooter. No BS. Keep track of client requests and HONOR them. If you say you'll provide a sleeping pad, a non-smoking guide, beds without a tailboard (News Flash: Some hunters are over 6'), a non-psycho horse, decaf, etc., make sure you follow through. |
Originally Posted by super_hunt54
(Post 4191745)
BTM, just a small hint here, 99% of ALL horses that are breathing are freaking PSYCHO! Or they are the walking dead.
Munna07, Most have given you pretty much all that can be given on a site. I've used many outfitters in my years of hunting though I am fairly self sufficient. I just find it a little easier as well as safer to use someone familiar to the land if it is somewhere I have never been. What I look for in a guide/outfitter are three things: 1) First and foremost is SAFE! I really hate being in the woods with an unsafe individual. 2) Knowledgeable. Knows his equipment as well as the game that is being hunted. 3) Honesty! Don't try to BS me. If you don't know about something then be honest and say you haven't learned about whatever it is. Don't attempt to "con" your way through it. You may end up with a client such as myself that has seen pretty much all of it and will call you out on the "con" and you will not only lose that client but several more when he makes a few phone calls or hit's a few sites such as this. If I were to call a "New" outfitter/guide such as yourself and I asked you something that you didn't really have much knowledge about and were honest with me, it might very well be that I could help you learn it and I would also be mentally giving you "cudo" points for your honesty. Lots of old farts like me out there that appreciate an honest person more than much of anything else. I wish you well in your endeavors. |
Originally Posted by super_hunt54
(Post 4191745)
BTM, just a small hint here, 99% of ALL horses that are breathing are freaking PSYCHO! Or they are the walking dead.
Munna07, Most have given you pretty much all that can be given on a site. I've used many outfitters in my years of hunting though I am fairly self sufficient. I just find it a little easier as well as safer to use someone familiar to the land if it is somewhere I have never been. What I look for in a guide/outfitter are three things: 1) First and foremost is SAFE! I really hate being in the woods with an unsafe individual. 2) Knowledgeable. Knows his equipment as well as the game that is being hunted. 3) Honesty! Don't try to BS me. If you don't know about something then be honest and say you haven't learned about whatever it is. Don't attempt to "con" your way through it. You may end up with a client such as myself that has seen pretty much all of it and will call you out on the "con" and you will not only lose that client but several more when he makes a few phone calls or hit's a few sites such as this. If I were to call a "New" outfitter/guide such as yourself and I asked you something that you didn't really have much knowledge about and were honest with me, it might very well be that I could help you learn it and I would also be mentally giving you "cudo" points for your honesty. Lots of old farts like me out there that appreciate an honest person more than much of anything else. I wish you well in your endeavors. Yep, which is why I don't book horseback hunts any more! Had my fill of them. |
Regarding giving away some hunts.....from a marketing perspective, that is a great idea.....best way to really break out is in social media.....have a contest......"like my page on face book for chance to enter for free ________hunt......and/or a fishing trip......if you are really serious about growing a business, I'd offer some deals like that annually.....create a buzz around a marketing campaign like that.....post the winners entire hunting experience with you online
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I've been on a few guided hunts. For me, the quality of the hunting and the attitude/personality of the outfitter is by far the most important.. Nice facilities, great food, etc. will not make up for poor hunting and/or a guide that is lazy, sarcastic, etc... Fortunately, I've never had a bad experience but I've read enough bad reviews to know that it happens.
Being where you are, I'd concentrate on attracting hunters from New England and the east coast. I don't think you're going to get much interest from people in the Western U.S. Some well placed advertisements in publications back there might pay off. I don't know if working with a booking agent is of any interest, but they might be a consideration until you get your reputation established. It's going to take some time...all new businesses do, but word of mouth is going to be either your best friend or your worst enemy. I have bred dogs for going on 30 years now... The first few years were tough as no one knew who I was, but in time the word got out and these days I never have to advertise.. My pups are sold before they're born pretty much all from word of mouth.. New travels like wild fire over the internet these days....both good and bad... Good luck. |
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