Thought I would put my 2 cents worth into this conversation as well. I have been a booking consultant here in Colorado for the past 14 years and let me tell ya, it took a few years to weed through all of the outfitters out there, but I did manage to put together some of the best. The one thing that stood out the most with all of the ones I work with today was there honesty and professionalism. They aren't the ones you see on TV all the time, even though I do work with a couple of them that you see regularly, but they are ones that work hard, keep it real, and never, ever over sell the hunts they are offering. And please no emails, I am not saying that the ones on TV aren't hardworking or honest, just letting people know that there are others out there that don't do the TV thing. Anyways, if you follow those traits, you will be well on your way to being successful. I guess that is true with any business, but I think it is especially true in the outfitting business. It is hard work, but if you deliver a good product and put forth 110%, your clients will see that and the word will spread and there ya go, on your way. I will end this by saying, Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress. Hell you never know, maybe I will be in one of your treestands in the future. Good hunting!!!

P.S. If anyone is looking for a great Colorado hunt, give me a call or drop me an email. Thought I would throw that in there. We all have to make a living!!


Dennis Hurrell
Colorado Outdoor Adventures
719-390-5509
719-232-0085
[email protected]
www.colorado-adventures.com

I'll add one piece of advice - the number one key to success, at least in the whitetail business is: GOOD CLIENTS - when you find em - do whatever it takes it keep em! Always be honest - and prepare to run into the 80/20 rule - which is 80% of your clients, you will NOT make totally happy (even if you get em a filled tag) - 20% you will - you will get to repeats business out of the 20%. Don't be afraid to fire your bad clients - just don't invite them back. If one guy is having a bad time - try to get him away from your other clients - you'd be amazed at how one bad apple can bring down a camp of happy hunters.

Let your operation grow slowly - it does you no good to sign up 5000ac if you only book 8 guys per year...I've seen many awesome outfitters go under trying to get big too fast.

I've run several successful businesses in my life - I've needed the thickest skin in the outfitting business - most guys you book will expect you have 160" deer behind every tree and are pissed when they show up and don't see one after the second morning. Set the expectation up front - once they arrive - try to do whatever you can to make their stay a vacation!

Good luck!