Greetings,
Is there such a thing as a good website for recommending and reviewing outfitters?
I never gave using a guide service much thought over the years, but it's staring to look more interesting as I get older for an out of state hunt.
The reason I ask, is a few years ago there was an "Outfitter" who ran an elk camp just off of Cinebar Road on some Manke Lumber land and was charging top dollar to be there. Those ignorant folks had no idea that very little heard was long moved out onto public and farmer's land. He was driving around the woods in his bright yellow truck and dropping people off on his "private stands" that were in the middle of public grounds.
I'd sure like to avoid such a rip off artist if possible.
If his clients were happy, it might not have been a "rip off" artist.
A lot of outfitters operate on public land, the service is what they offer.
As long as they are honest and don't get complaints like (SB, BL, OMO, and others) then they might be legit.
I personally know a few that operate on the coast that hunt public access and do very well, Roosevelt Elk Outfitters and Upfront Outfitters, to name a couple reputable companies that provide food/ lodging/guide services for top dollar with nothing but good reports.
Its pretty easy to avoid being ripped off, get the guides name and business, ask questions and don't commit if not comfortable.
If they won't answer your questions, provide referrals, or provide a clear contract outlining services, don't pay them.
