When researching an outfitter for a hunt, what questions do you ask and what answers are you looking for? How about when questioning references? I am mostly concerned with North America hunts. Thanks. TTS

Wow...it really depends on what you are hunting, how , and where. Outfitters are often/ sometimes different than guides, and the functions/services provided are often different. You will be told what you want to hear generally, just be sure to get it in writing. BEFORE YOU SEND DEPOSIT.
Some general questions include:
1. Private land hunt or public land hunt?
2. Shot opportunity vs. defining success rate. How far is average shot?
3. References provided will probably be glowing reports, (why would you give a bad reference?). ASK on web forums such as this.
4. ASk about how many other people in camp, NOT in your group. Ask about how many camps going on simultaneously to yours. Is he doing quantity or quality hunts in this area?
5. Ask about alternate hunting areas avail. to YOU, if weather gets bad, or no game.
6. ASK about meat and trophy handling.
7. Ask about special camp rules/policies.
The best thing you can do is search and survey websites of outfitters and guides on the web to familiarize yourself w/ the business. The questions will come to you as you compare services that are avail. WRITE them down, as a checklist when you talk w/ potential candidates. Home work done well in advance, often 1-2 years, is cheap insurance. Good Luck....Sparkman

[This message has been edited by Sparkman375 (edited 12-29-2001).]

In addition to the above...

I ask for unsuccesful refernces and I ask to speak to staff...

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MED

The sole purpose of a rifle is to please its owner

Weather conditions
Camp and facility details
Game handling & packing after the kill
How long they've been hunting that area
How long have they been in the business
Guide(s) experience
How long have their guides been with them
License costs
Any additional or hidden costs
References both successful & unsuccessful
Gear/equipment provided
What is not provided
Check with the local governing agency
Actual length of hunt

Hope this helps.

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Good Hunting & Hunt Safe,
David