Outfitter Recommendations

[jlorensen]

Good Morning!

I've been thinking about a guided hunt in 2026 or 2027, but don't really know where to start. I'm thinking whitetail, mule deer or pronghorn, and I live in KC so I'd like to drive rather than fly. Wondering if anyone can recommend an outfitter they've had good experience with?

Im not sure what additional info might be helpful, but I'd say my budget is around $5k or less, I'm thinking something like 3-4 days, and I shoot comfortably out to about 400 yrs (which makes me think a western hunt might not be right for me). I'm decently fit, so could hike, and my current deer hunting experience basically involves box blinds over large ag fields......kinda looking to try something a little different that won't crush the bank account too bad.

Thanks!
J

 

[Simonsza1]

I know this is no help to your question, or maybe it is. However my two take away from your post that are kinda sad these days imo. Finding a decent guided hunt for $5k or less is about impossible fyi. Also that someone thinks that a western hunt involves having to shoot past 400yds or you can’t go. If a guide in any region can’t get you closer then 400yds please find a new outfitter. Please!

 

[Ronin22]

The guided hunting industry is rife with scamming and shady shit practices. You will want an outfit that owns or has access to private land. There are guides that just take you to public land and you have to compete with other hunters and other guide services. Also make sure the guide you speak to on the phone and email a few times before the hunt is the guide that will be taking you under their wing. They should be asking you questions to cater to you. They should be telling you how to prepare, what to bring, etc. What makes or breaks the hunt is the character, attitude, demeanor of the guide. You gotta at least get a good feeling from one talking on the phone or emailing with them. Get feedback from the hunting forums, and PM the guys who respond as hunters. A lot of people will be reluctant to tell you the truth about their experience on an open forum if it went bad. It seems one can get better intel this way. I almost booked an African Safari with an outfit and I had two guys PM me about their experience with the place and turns out the guide is a dick, they brought game onto the property the day after the hunters chose the species, and when they were done with the hunt that morning or evening, the guide just disappeared. This place also had "great reviews" from people who just didn't want to admit they got fucked.

Also, 400yds is the farthest you want to shoot. Maximum terminal performance and wind fudge factor. You are going to be shooting at an animal for the first time, in a new environment, and from a field shooting position, and tired as fuck as a flatlander hiking in altitude. If a guide can't get you within 400yds they aren't worth the money. If you wound/draw blood, and you don't retrieve the animal, your tag is ate up with them too. They are not gonna take you around wounding game in the field.

 

[Simonsza1]

One thing you could do is join the SCI. Then in February drive to Nashville and spend a few days walking the SCI convention and talk to more outfitters then you can talk to in three days. This will gain you tons of knowledge, a direction to head and the possibility of a show special hunt price. Also the banquet dinners/live auctions are loaded with steal of a deal on guided hunts at those auctions. I’ll be there, find me and I’ll introduce you to some very reputable companies. They’re not under $5k though.

 

[powdahound76]

A good friend of mine was gifted a guided hunt in another state by his dad.

Hike in the AM, glass, go back to camp.
Same in evening.
For elk.

And said the guides were smoking reefer every night post hunt.

Never saw an elk. Not a one.


I also have another friend who loves to shoot and eat stuff, but doesnt like the “pre-work” of the hunt and likes a much lesser chance of tag soup than a DIY hunt.
Always a great experience for him, same outfitter, in WY vs CO.

SNS Outfitters is who he has went with a few times.



I put in for a lot of tags.
Im a DIY guy all the way though.
Part because Im poor (and cheap) and more because all of it is part of the joy for me.

 

[RedTimber]

Look it up on bookyourhunt or WTA. super quick way to get a general idea of pricing and hunt options.