How much is this expense?
 

Say that I wanted to start my own Outfitter out West for Elk, deer, and black beer. How much does it cost to pay a certified guide with experience to help with my business? Do they get a certain percentage and/or salary?

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RE: How much is this expense?
 

When i work for any other outfitters i'll make $1000 per week

RE: How much is this expense?
 

Yeah, if it would be ok with your friends and your father to share it, than I would not mind looking at the plan at all, thanks. So is that 55-60k annually just for deer and turkey? I do not get it?

I was thinking about starting an outfitter guide service out west preferrably in Western Montana. I would hunt Elk, Mulies, Whitetail, and Black Bear. I need some experience so I figured I would learn while I am out there for a few years while I have dedicated and experienced guides working for me. I would like a 5 bedroom/5 bath ranch to be used during the hunting seasons for 5 day hunting packages. In the off months I would like to use it as a vacation spot for family vacations, horse back rides and trout fishing. I already have a lot more in mind but I think you get the idea. For start up I will probably have to get a loan for over 2,000,000 to buy and take over a prime ranch on a few thousand acres with rights to so many mileson national forest or state land.

RE: How much is this expense?
 

Which seasons, what states, and does that make a percentage or include tips? Thanks

RE: How much is this expense?
 

Personaly I think its a HUGE endeavour and you might be getting in over your head. If you do go ahead with the plans Good Luck! and dont forget to tell us so we get a HNI discount!!! LOL

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RE: How much is this expense?
 

Given today's economy, I'm not sure banks/savings and loans are writing those kinds of checks. What type of equity to you have to back a loan like that?

RE: How much is this expense?
 

I think you will be at a huge disavantage owing that much money and having that kind of overhead. I would plan on doing everything yourself because you like doing it, not hiring people to do what you can do.

RE: How much is this expense?
 

I guide in Manitoba for deer and bear and it doesn't come from a percentage or include tips.Tips should never see the owners hand.If you trying to figure out what it would cost for a wage pay a hourly wage just doesn't work well (imo) base there pay on a daily bases x number of dollars per day for the entire hunt 10 day hunt pay for 10 not just days hunted.
If this is your dream don't let anyone tell you it can't be done, there's lots of ups and downs just look ahead and keep on going.

RE: How much is this expense?
 

Being a lodge owner/outfitter/guide myslef, I may be able to give you a little advice.

First, with the number of outfitters there are I wouldn't recommend starting your own. If you are totally serious about this, I would look for outfitters that are for sale. Personally, I would start small and build the business. The problem with starting a new outfitting business is getting clients, having references, having experience, start up capital, equiptment, etc etc etc.

The biggest challenge would be finding clients, for a number of reasons. First, being a new outfitter, you have no references and you/the business is not established. The biggest challenge to finding new clients is today's economy. People aren't spending money like they were 2 years ago, and if they do, they want to spend it with someone who they know will give them a good hunt.

Like others have said, the $2,000,000 loan figure you threw out there would sink you faster than the Titanic. The less you can borrow, the better. You don't need a ranch with a few thousand acres, in all actuality you don't need to own any land at all.....lease it. As far as accommodations, a 5 br/5 ba won't hold too many people.....and definately not enough to pay back a $2,000,000 loan, plus overhead. By buying an established business you can get by with a lot less money and have a foundation to grow on.

Check out this realtor....I know he's in Canada, but it will give you an idea of what outfitters are going for up there and what equiptment is included.
http://www.harrymccowan.com/index.htm

Hopefully I didn't burst your bubble....but this was just a small insight....I could go on for pages. Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck in your research!