Hey all im planning on booking a hunt this year to hunt in Ohio. This will be my first deer hunt and also first bow hunt. I was wondering what should i ask the outfitter to make sure they are legit. I would appreciate all the input. Thank You

Here are some general questions that I found on the web. It pretty much covers it. Hope this helps


Ladies and Gentlemen,

This topic has been brought up in several posts. I thought I would
consolidate the suggestions from our members and post them here for future
reference. Thanks to all those who posted such good recommendations.

A. Questions to ask the Outfitter or Booking Agent.

1. How long have you hunted this concession?
2. Are you the only outfitter hunting this concession?
3. What is the size of the concession?
4. Is this a private or government concession? Do you (the outfitter) own or
lease the concession?
5. Is the concession fenced?
6. How many [major game you are wanting to hunt, buffalo, kudu, etc.] were
taken from the concession over the last 2 years?
7. What was the largest (also, what was the average) size of [buffalo, kudu,
etc.] taken from this concession over the last 2 years?
8. How is hunting conducted? Walk and stalk? Spot (from a vehicle) and
stalk? From blinds (hides)?
9. What is the maximum (and average) length of shot?
10. What is the topography like on the concession? Open grasslands? Hilly?
Dense bushveldt?
11. If I don't want a "package deal", can you tailor a safari to meet my
time limit, budget and preferred animals?
12. How many hunts are conducted on this concession each year?
13. Describe to me the typical day on safari.
14. If I will be hunting different concessions, is there a lower charge for
changing camps or am I charged the full daily rate?
15. What is the dip and pack cost? Who does your dipping and packing?
16. Are airport transfers included? How far is the airport from the camp?
17. What caliber of rifle and bullets (type and weight) do you recommend?
18. At what distance should I sight-in my rifle?
19. What is the best time of year to hunt? What will the weather be like?
20. Will I be the only client in camp and on the concession? [If you want
camp and concession exclusivity, you need to add it to the contract].
21. What is the camp like (tented, rondavels, thatch over brick, etc.). Does
the camp have electricity?
22. Number and size of beds, en-suite flush toilet, shower and hot and cold
running water. [Add this to the contract].
23. Cancellation and return of deposit policy. [Add this to the contract].
24. Who will be my PH?
25. How long has the PH, tracker, skinner and cook been with you?
26. Is the PH a full time employee or freelance?
27. What activities can be arranged for a non-hunting spouse?
28. Can you provide me with references of people who have hunted with the PH
on the same concession? [Realize that no outfitter/booking agent is going to
give a reference to a dissatisfied former client].
29. Age of the hunting vehicle?
30. What percentage of your clients are repeat clients?
31. What are the Daily Rates and Trophy Fees?
32. Is the cost of alcoholic beverages included?
33. Are arrival and departure days counted as hunting days?
34. Is a visa required for entry into the country?
35. What other expenses, costs and/or fees will I incurr?

Questions for the References

1. How many safaris have you been on and with whom? [Realize that one-timers
have limited knowledge as to what is a good versus bad safari. The best
reference comes from someone who has been on several safaris with different
outfitters. Beware of the reference whose only experience is from several
safaris with the same outfitter. This person has "fallen in love with the
outfitter and/or PH" and won't be able to give an unbiased and well informed
reference.]
2. Was the PH eager to hunt or did he start late in the morning and take
long lunches?
3. Did the PH keep the client informed about what was planned?
4. How many animals did you "pass on", or did the PH have you shoot the
first one you saw?
5. Any problems with the food, camp, equipment or staff?
6. Number and trophy quality of the game you shot?
7. What animals did you fail to take? Why?
8. Would you hunt with this outfitter and/or PH again?
9. Quality of trophy preparation?
10. Describe a typical day on safari with this outfitter/PH.
11. What hunting method(s) were used?
12. What distances were your shots?
13. How long did it take for your trophies to be shipped?
14. Did the PH and staff work together well (did the camp and hunt run
smoothly)?
15. Was the PH easy to get along with?
16. Did the PH seem to mind having a non-hunting spouse in camp?
17. Were there any unexpected fees, costs or expenses?

Forgot to add. check www.huntinfo.com and check outfitter review for any comments. It has worked well for me.

later

The other members brought up some good questions to ask an outfitter. You may also wish to discuss your options with a reliable booking agent that has dealt with the outfitter himself. There are several long standing agents you will place you with the type of hunt and outfitter you are seeking. I even know of 1 booking agent that I have used on many occasssions that offers a good will plan, stateing that if you are unable to get the opportunity for game, they will provide you 1/3 of your outfitter cost toward a future hunt booked thru them, and it does not have to be with the same outfitter or for the same animal. Speaking as both an outfitter and a hunter, be careful when booking. The best surprise is no surprise and the most expensive is not always the best, and you do get what you pay for.

Thanks for all the Information guys.

don't forget to ask for references from unsuccessful as well as successful hunters. You can also generally check with that states fish and game dept for past complaints and to make sure they are properly licensed. Ask for a copy of their liabilty insurance policy. It's tough for the fly by nights to buy/keep decent liability insurance.

I sell a few hunts in Illinois and talk to hunters regularly. A quality outfitter will spend the time with you to make sure everything is clear ahead of the hunt. I encourage my guys to come out in the spring and summer months to see what they have reserved. They can scout and even place stands.

The above list is pretty good. Ask lots of questions and keep notes.

Make sure the business is licensed in a state where that is necessary.

Check with the Better Business Bureau or possibly DNR to see if there have been complaints.

Check public records to see about game violations. Ask 'em if records are not available. A person who has a clean record would have no trouble with the question.

Talk to the owners of the farms they have leased.

Ask specifically how many hunters they have had in past years and ask specifically how many deer were killed.

Ask for pix of deer killed along with names of successful hunters shown. So many of the pix are of deer killed by the guides. Ask about it.

Pix of lodging are helpful.

Ask how many hunters on how much land for how long.

Just a few more suggestions to help you.

Good luck!

I have 4 Outfitter Feedback/Recommendation websites (one was mentioned earlier in this thread) that you may want to visit for additional research into prospective outfitters at this LINK.

Scroll down to section 3.