10 Questions To “Sniff Out” an Outfitter – Mike Eastman (Revised By: Todd Helms)

After listening to hunters tell me (Mike Eastman) about their experiences in trying to select an outfitter, it has become apparent that there is a real need to devise a system to assist you. I sat down with several top-notch outfitters and came up with some pointed questions to ask your prospective outfitters. They will help you narrow down your possibilities and can be made to fit each specific circumstance. After the very first time you talk to an outfitter, you’ll be able to tell if he is a reputable businessman with quality facilities. You will also know about what your chances of success will be and the quality of his hunting camp. The following questions should be asked of any outfitter along with doing some digging on the outfitter’s website or social media. 

 

1. What is the location of his hunting camp? Does he own a ranch, lease private land or use permits to hunt BLM, National Forest, or wilderness?

• This question will give you an indication of where you will be hunting. The perfect location of a camp depends largely on the type of animal you are hunting and your circumstances. 

2. What kind of accommodations does he have? Will you be staying in a tent, cabins, trailers, motels or lodges?

• Most outfitters today have websites that display their accommodations but it never hurts to ask about the details. 

3.   How many days of hunting vs. traveling time will you have? 

• Many times on a ten-day hunt, you have one day to pack into camp and one day to pack out, which leaves only eight days to hunt. It needs to be understood up front so that you are not disappointed when you arrive.

4. What type of transportation will you be using during the hunt? Will it be 4×4 vehicles, ATVs, horses, hunting on foot—or a combination of each?

• The type of transportation needs to match the species of animal and the area you are hunting as well as your capabilities. A good outfitter will accommodate your needs if possible depending on the species being hunted.

5. What animal/s is/are the outfitter’s specialty? Deer, bear, moose, elk, antelope, sheep, etc.

• Ask him if he hunts only one kind of animal or if he has combination hunts. Again, websites and social media can answer this question as well.

7.   How many hunters will be in the camp at the same time?

• This is one of the most important questions of all. It is very important that you have clear expectations about this. Some hunts lend themselves to larger groups of hunters but most should have no more than six other hunters ideally. 

8.   How many hunters per guide?

• Generally, one guide with two hunters is the answer I’m looking for. I feel that if I am paying for the guide’s services I want the benefit of his eyes and experience during the entire hunt.

9.   What is your percentage of success?

• The answer is often misleading. An outfitter can have a high percentage of success, but he only takes small animals. On the other hand he may have only 65% success, but all of the animals are nice trophies. Again, websites and social media can help you make a judgement call here.

10.   After the kill, will the outfitter prepare your game for mounting and/or processing?

• Will he skin and quarter out the animal only? Will he include an extra fee to cape the head for the taxidermist? Is the cutting and wrapping of the meat extra? Is there a processor nearby? Does the outfitter arrange to take it to the plant for you or must you do it yourself? These questions are often overlooked and can ruin a perfect hunt.

 

A Note On References

• Sometimes I find that an outfitter provides references that are outdated. You need references from the previous year only. This will ensure that you have the latest information on his hunting operation. When you converse with these references, ask them the following…
• Were they successful and what type of game did they see? Did they see a lot of does and cows and very few bucks and bulls or was it a good mix of each?
• What dates during the hunting season did they go?
• What were the weather conditions during their hunt?
• How qualified were the guides?
• How was the camp?
• Was the equipment & livestock well cared for?
• How good was the food?
• Would you book a second time with this outfitter?
• In today’s world there are a lot of ways to check out an outfitter: online reviews, social media, forums, etc. To get the most well-rounded impression of an outfitter, perform your due diligence. Coupled with these 10 questions you should be able to discern whether or not the outfitter you’re considering will be worth the money you spend to hunt with them. 

Using “Vetted” Outfitters

All of the above information is why we at Eastmans have created a “vetted” outfitter program called Eastmans Outfitter Finder. We have personally hunted with all of them or personally know folks who have and can attest to their quality. Guided and Outfitted hunts are expensive so using a service to ensure you’re getting a top-tier outfitter or guide pays dividends. For more information just email [email protected] and we will help you find the right fit for your needs.