How to Pick Elk Hunting Outfitters

Choose your game hunting outfitter carefully.

Using the right elk hunting outfitter can make your trip an unforgettable experience. Conversely, the wrong guide or outfitter could ruin your trip, put you in a dangerous situation, or even get you killed. Understanding the importance of your guide, you must determine the criterion of the hunt most important to you. Using the right resources, the search for an elk hunting guide or outfitter may take time, although it is not difficult.

Things You'll Need

• State hunting guidelines

Instructions

1. Choose the state in which you are going to hunt. Hunting for trophy animals requires research to determine the state that provides the quality and conditions you desire. Record-keeping clubs such as Boone and Crockett, Safari Club International and Pope and Young provide record-book entries by state for each big game species.

2. Locate a selection of elk hunting guides and outfitters for the state where you will be hunting. Lists are available on guide and outfitter directories such as HuntGuide.com and Big Game Guides, hunting publication advertisements and Internet advertisements. Additionally, request referrals from friends and your local pro shop for guides and outfitters.

3. Review all guides and outfitters that meet your criteria by searching for negative feedback or complaints on the web. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to start your search for unacceptable business practices.

4. Call the guides that meet your criteria and do not have negative customer responses on the web. Inquire about experience, pricing, availability, hunt quality, hunting camps and procedures. Create a matrix for each guide or outfitter you call in order to help you examine the information.

5. Request a list of references from each guide you call. Contact the references and inquire about their experience with the service, quality and overall value. Add the reference information to the matrix to help you make the final decision. Choose the guide that best meets your location, trophy quality, environmental and service requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Request the guide's or outfitter's license information.

• Tip your guide or outfitter based on performance once the hunt is over.

• Do not put a deposit down on a hunt until you have made your final decision.

References

• Elk Hunting Secrets; From the Members of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; 1999

Resources

• HuntGuide.com
• Biggameoutfittersdirectory.com