Outfitters.... Doing ALL the work

[Gunsmoke]

Long time listener, first time caller. I have a friend of a friend that drew a branched antler tag but is sitting at home waiting for the outfitter to call and tell him when they find the" big one" I have never used an Outfitter, so is this pretty normal? I just don't think I could be proud of an animal that I didn't track or find myself. That's the part I enjoy most. Not trying to step on anyones toes here, just want to know peoples thoughts on this. Thanks

[woodywsu]

Unfortunately there are numerous tag holders waiting for a specific phone call. 

[Curly]

I've never heard of hunting being done that way, except for what I thought were rumors about the governor tag bulls.  That just doesn't seem like hunting to me..........just sounds like being a designated trigger puller.

[h20hunter]

I would expect the outfitter to have scouted, learned, or already know the area. I guess sitting at home/camp waiting for the call to say we are on one and come on up is one way to do it. I could see it for a few reasons.....I guess to each their own.

[Ripper]

I have never heard of an outfitter that had you sit at home waiting for a call! The locating should all be done before the season. Your buddy may have been taken by an unscrupulous outfitter!

[Special T]

Unfortunately it is a scale trying to find the balance between time and $$$.  You can take the time to do it yourself and since time =$ in most cases how much difference is there? THAT is why we as hunters have such a different view on things. Some of us just want to put some meat in the freezer. Some of us WANT to do things that hard way using a bow, or the reallly hard way with a stick bow... That doesn't make any one way better or worse.   I personally feel you get out of ANY activity what you put into it. Just take a look at what Bearhunter has done on his Goat hunt. It has been a life transforming event.

[turbo]

Weak on many levels. Whatever.. To each their own but I don't get it.

[6x6in6]

The friend of a friend should be advised by the friend of the friend  that there are only a couple of days left and that this friend of a friend should have been out there already and not waiting for an outfitter to call.... 

[Griiz]

It is all personal preferance. I personally have too much pride to pay an outfitter or guide to take me hunting. I want to do it myself. That includes scouting, finding, shooting, hauling and butchering. I have a hard time understanding how someone can take pride in harvesting an animals that are in enclosed areas or the above scenerio. Although, some hunters have physical challenges or other things going on where they need help. To each his own.

[MtnMuley]

He better hurry up if he's got one of the eastside rifle tags, lol!

[Gunsmoke]

I heard he did get the call, so hopefully he doesnt have to settle for a measly 6x6  or something 

[RadSav]

I'm all for using outfitters and guides, but some hunters and businesses go a little too far taking much of the enjoyment away.  Years ago one of the guys from a major archery company was bragging about a large cougar he killed. Come to find out he sat at the heloport waiting for a call that they had a big tom treed.  Jumped in the helo and met the guide on the mountain.  Walked down the hill, shot the cat, took some pictures and then flew back to the office.  To each their own I guess.  But, not sure I would be bragging about that one 

Hope your friend has a good time and a successful hunt.  And, hopefully the outfitter shows him a good time and complete adventure.  Wishing him the best of luck.

[Biggerhammer]

Years ago, when hunting bear with hounds was legal. I knew a guy that brought clients in and they sat at the bar in the Cashmere, Peshastin & Dryden areas while he treed a bear of their description. Then he made the call and they would come  up and shoot the bear. He said he didn't mind due to the fact, most of them couldn't keep up him him and the hounds anyway. He said "It all pays the same".

[Special T]

RadSav wa the  cougar in NE wa?

[bearpaw]

Years ago, when hunting bear with hounds was legal. I knew a guy that brought clients in and they sat at the bar in the Cashmere, Peshastin & Dryden areas while he treed a bear of their description. Then he made the call and they would come  up and shoot the bear. He said he didn't mind due to the fact, most of them couldn't keep up him him and the hounds anyway. He said "It all pays the same".

That may have been before there were laws against that and please keep in mind not all outfitters operated that way. Today in most states there are laws that a person must participate in the hunt while searching for the animal. You cannot hold a treed animal for a client to come and shoot.

[RadSav]

RadSav wa the  cougar in NE wa?

This was in the mid eighties.  And I am not sure if it was UT or ID.  I think it was ID.  My memory is not what is used to be.

[Mr Mykiss]

Some people "hunt", some people HUNT!!!

[njc89]

I hired a guide for my elk hunt in the Wenaha last year.  I have been hunting over 30 years, and shot many animals on DIY hunts.  This was my first outfitted hunt of any sort.  I can tell you it was the most challenging, physically demanding hunt I have ever been on - not at all like shooting something out of a farm field which doesn't appeal to me at all.  Lots of walking, climbing, and ultimately packing (I did most of the packing while the guide was boning the meat).  I chose this route because:
1) I didn't know the area
2) I didn't have a partner to go with and didn't want to go in alone (I know I would get bored with my own company)
3) I wanted to spend time hunting instead of cooking and dealing with camp chores - I've done all that and have nothing to prove
4) I have always wanted to do a horseback hunt, and was fortunate enough to be able to afford it at this time
5) I knew this tag was a great one and wanted the best chance I could get, since it's likely to be once in my lifetime

Once I got past the money part, I really enjoyed the entire trip.  In my case, it was like hunting with friends that knew the area and had really nice gear - not like being led around by the nose.  Oh, yeah, the hunt turned out OK too.  I also had great anticipation during the summer, as the outfitter sent me pics of several big bulls from trail cams in his area - even though I ended up getting one he never saw with the camera. 

I respect anyone that wants to go the DIY route.  I prefer that too, but I learned last year there's more than one way to skin the cat (or bull).  Just be sure to ask the outfitter lots of questions, talk to references, etc.  It's your tag.  Make sure before you give someone your money, you know what to expect on the trip, and that the hunting style and other arrangements are what you're looking for.

[Deepinthetrees]

Great post njc89.  Thanks for sharing your experience.  My tendency has always been to DIY, maybe because I am younger and have more to prove    After a post like this I would consider an outfitter if I drew a premium tag.

[Special T]

RadSav wa the  cougar in NE wa?

This was in the mid eighties.  And I am not sure if it was UT or ID.  I think it was ID.  My memory is not what is used to be.

I asked because that story sounded very familuar... I had the houndsman as a customer  a few years ago and herd him tell the story from his point of view... His story was ID, but i do not remeber any of the other details...

[C-Money]

Waiting for a call? I would rather be in camp, and go out hunting.

[RadSav]

RadSav wa the  cougar in NE wa?

This was in the mid eighties.  And I am not sure if it was UT or ID.  I think it was ID.  My memory is not what is used to be.

I asked because that story sounded very familuar... I had the houndsman as a customer  a few years ago and herd him tell the story from his point of view... His story was ID, but i do not remeber any of the other details...

Knowing the so called hunter I would assume it was his idea and not the houndsman's idea.  He was one of those guys that shot animals for the status it brought rather than the hunting experience.  He was a piece of work.

[Special T]

The houndsman did it for the VERY sizeable check! As I recall he left his dogs tied up for a few days so the guy could get in there to shoot it.

[Jonathan_S]

Jeez, for a bull tag that you get drawn for maybe every ten years, I'd prefer to have some memories too.  Not just a mount on the wall.  I don't even think of that as a trophy. 

It'd be like if I bought a Stanley Cup on Craigslist, it wouldn't mean anything to me.

[sirmissalot]

Some of you have pretty interesting views on hiring a guide.

If I ever drew one of the big bull permits in the SE I would hire a guide, unless my buddies in Wyoming with horses were willing to come help. Hunting on horseback in the wilderness is a pretty awesome experience.

[Curly]

Some of you have pretty interesting views on hiring a guide.

If I ever drew one of the big bull permits in the SE I would hire a guide, unless my buddies in Wyoming with horses were willing to come help. Hunting on horseback in the wilderness is a pretty awesome experience.

Nothing wrong with hiring a guide, but you wouldn't wait for him to find a bull and have him give you a call to come on over............would you?  That is not hunting; it is shooting.

[h20hunter]

One of my bucket list hunts is a fully guided and outfitted elk hunt in the backcountry. Just read Phelps thread.....if that doesn't sound like a real hunt then I don't know what to tell you.

[sirmissalot]

Some of you have pretty interesting views on hiring a guide.

If I ever drew one of the big bull permits in the SE I would hire a guide, unless my buddies in Wyoming with horses were willing to come help. Hunting on horseback in the wilderness is a pretty awesome experience.

Nothing wrong with hiring a guide, but you wouldn't wait for him to find a bull and have him give you a call to come on over............would you?  That is not hunting; it is shooting.

No I wouldn't. I guess I was reading into it wrong. I can't see a guide doing that, but I have heard of it a couple times. I hope the guy eats the tag.

[MountainWalk]

Having guided for quite a few seasons, let me tell ya, hunting with horses is waaaay overrated. Unless the hunter REALLY wanted to ride the pretty horsey, I left camp on foot and just had the wrangler tie em up for me round two or three pm  and use them just for getting back to camp. Saves batteries in the ol headlamp, and energy.

[swwaoutdoorsman]

So many opinions ... I like this, it seems to boil down to what "hunting" is defined as. Dyi, guided, rifle, muzzle loader archery... Definitely to each his own. I couldn't let someone else call me to come shoot an animal they spotted "hunted". What about shooting animals around 1000 yds? Is that "hunting"? Not saying it wouldn't be difficult, but honestly is that hunting?  Think its more similar to big game hunter on the wii. The animals can't hear you see you or smell you? Really? Is that hunting?

[Deep Forks]

Years ago, when hunting bear with hounds was legal. I knew a guy that brought clients in and they sat at the bar in the Cashmere, Peshastin & Dryden areas while he treed a bear of their description. Then he made the call and they would come  up and shoot the bear. He said he didn't mind due to the fact, most of them couldn't keep up him him and the hounds anyway. He said "It all pays the same".

Wow, hunted this area for close to 50 yrs. with hounds, without and over bait and never heard of this.  All I can say is wow, cause the clients want to be in on the hunt. IMHO

[Vinomaker]

I hope this outfitter is not out of Forks...  My buddy hunted with this guide for two seasons but both times he was too fat and out of shape to get close to the elk during rifle season,  so he made it his goal to archery hunt 2012 with the outfitter and busted his ass losing over 100lbs and getting into the best shape of his life,  (he is 49 yo).  well as the year went by the outfitter called multiple times asking for more money to by new equipment,  knowing the guy from previous hunts he didn't think twice about sending a total of $2500.  Well Sept. rolled around my buddy got to Forks and found out from the guides family that he was hooked on meth and living in Oregon  ... lost all his money!  He was in contact with the guide the whole time like nothing was ever wrong