I want to go out west to hunt either elk or mule deer. Do any of you guys know of a good outfitter. I have heard a lot of bad things about some of the outfitters in the west. Don't get me wrong I know there not all bad but I don't want to drop a bunch of $$$ on one of them. If someone can recomend one of the good ones I would be apprieciative.

Matt,

I used to work with Rich LaRocco at Associated Hunting Consultants, and he has a lot of good western outfitters. His website is www.hunts.net, and you can check out some of the hunts and then call Rich and talk.

If you call him tell him I sent you!

jim dodd

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"if you are to busy to
hunt, you are too busy."

Rich is a straight up guy. Haven't hunted with one of his outfitters, but have met him and talked with him on the phone several times.

My favorite Outfitter for mulies is "Powder River" out of Broadus, MT. Doug Gardner runs a first class operation. The hunt is delivered as advertised, with the bonus of scads of ringnecks. And there's some fine whiltetails along the river bottom. A few years ago 13 hunters scored on 12 respectable deer during a four day hunt. One declincd a decent 5X5 his son shot. "American Hunter" ran a feature on Powder River last fall I think it was, with high ratings. The hunter killed a 14 or 17 pt non-typical mulie as I recall.

Powder River Outfitters
Box 678
Broadus, MT 59317 406-427-5721

Good luck and berofe you decide, ckeck out several of their referrences.

If you want to go on a memorable experience as well as a 50-60% success rate (on Elk)fair chase hunt, call Dellis Ferrier of Hotchkiss/Paonia CO. 970-527-3010. He takes hunters up into the West Elk Wilderness area for week-long horseback/horsepack hunts way up in the high-ups. You will also see sheep, but can't hunt them. Higher success rate on mulies. Wish I could go again!

Don

Try Si Woodruff in Meeker, Colorado (970-878-4592). He hunts mostly on private ranches. This year elk hunting was slow due to weather, but they took some really nice bucks. He has good elk country, but it was just too warm and dry this year.I have never met an outfitter who works as hard to ensure his hunters have a good time. I have known him almost 20 years.

Contact the DNR for the state(s) you want to hunt in. They usually maintain a list of liscensed outfitters. Then contact some of the outfitters and ask for names and phone numbers of recent hunters. Call them up and chat. Another good point is to have a complete understanding with the outfitter of your choice as to what you can expect from him and what he expects from you. (surprise him and be in shape ). Get it in writing. Be very leery of "guarenteed" hunts.