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Before booking
Posted by Alasken on Mar 04 2006
Good comments so far. I thought I'd add my thoughts from a guide's perspective.
Info from the hunter and questions you should ask before booking (not in any specific order):
Your physical condition and general health, including any special needs.
I've had two diabetics in my camp who told me that during our first converstaion. I was able to have proper food in camp while they were there.
I also had an ederly gentleman who told me he couldn't walk 1/2 mile on a sidewalk who booked a moose hunt with me. I told him we'd be limited to hunting out of the boat which would decrease our chances. He understood and booked the hunt. We saw 11 bulls within 100 yards on his hunt including a mid 40" wanting to join us in the boat, but not one big enough to shoot. He had a great hunt and went home happy. One of my best references. (Sorry, got off topic. Man I need to go hunting)
Speaking of references, be sure to ask for references from the last couple of seasons. This can't be emphasized enough. In my opinion the best references you can talk to are guys who didn't kill anything on their hunt. Call the state licensing agency to check on the guide to make sure he's properly licensed and a clean record. I had only a couple of hunters ask for a copy of my guide llicense. I was glad they asked and thought it was odd only a couple of guys did.
Ask what kind of terrain you'll be hunting and be ready for it.
Get information from the guide about the game population, both numbers and trophy quality. I doesn't hurt to ask to see photos from the last couple of seasons. Also ask what the chances of getting a shot at the animal you're after are.
Be honest about your shooting ability. If your'e limited to a certain range tell the guide up front. I used to have hunters shoot there weapons the day they arrived in my camp for two reasons: One was to make sure things didn't get knocked out of wack while travelling, and the other was to see how everyone could shoot.
Ask about the type of food that's provided. I've heard some real horror stories from hunters who've paid the big bucks for a guided hunt and eat ramen and spam on their hunt. Food is a small piece of the expense pie for the guide. It' real easy for a guide to have good quality groceries.
What type of camp you'll be staying in and the condition/quality of the guides equipment is another important question you should ask.
Find out if there are any added costs above what you're paying for the hunt. Transportation in and out of camp, meat and trophy transportation, license and tags, etc.
I feel most of these questions don't need to asked. The guide should be providing you with all the info I listed. There are probably other things i can't think of right now. Did I say I need to go hunting?
Man this looks like a Strahan post! :-D
Ken
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