Guided Hunts???

[lizard55033]

I'm looking at taking a couple of guided duck and/or goose hunts this fall, as to learn new techiques and take my pops out.

What should I look for in a guide and guide service?

Is there a big difference from going early season, lid season, or late season. Besides limits?

Should one look at the quality of their gear and callers?

Troy

[groundsman3]

braidwood lake hunt club would be a good one

[Dusty Darbin]

Columbia Basin Outfitters if you want to go to Washington Alex does a really good job and if you want to go to colorado; go to tngoutdoors.com either one if there are birds in the area they will get em in front of you!

[Arliss Reed "Cuz"]

When you are looking for any outfitter, be it for waterfowl, turkeys, deer, etc there are many things you should consider..2 good ways to check on your outfitter are to speak with some of his previous clients and ask for some pictures, pictures dont lie...

[Kent Contreras]

When you are looking for any outfitter, be it for waterfowl, turkeys, deer, etc there are many things you should consider..2 good ways to check on your outfitter are to speak with some of his previous clients and ask for some pictures, pictures dont lie...

I agree with calling past clients, they'll be candid and tell them what your plans are. They will give you a straight up answer if that guide is the one for you and your dad.

[Jimimc]

First hand, I can tell you to talk to the outfitter or guides yourself. First impression is very important. If you don't like a tone or attitude simply call someone else. You sound like you want to learn and have a good time, ask questions up front. If they aren't informative over the phone, they probably won't be in the marsh either. I enjoy what I do, it is more of a hobby that pays for itself to be honest. It is a job and we are professional, but it is also a great way to meet life long friends and network with people.

[Can-man]

I would say the first thing to do is to decide what kind of duck/goose you want to hunt. Then you should take into account what part of the country you are looking to hunt. The guys are right that pictures on a guide's website do not lie. Then comes the important part of talking to him on the phone. You should be able to figure out real fast who is for real. Of all of the places I have hunted. I would would say the best all around experience is on the Texas coast with Chris Martin of Bay Flats Lodge. www.bayflatslodge.com

[Jeremy DeVries]

When looking for a good guide, one of the most important things that no one else has mentioned is track record. I'm not talking about kill counts.

I'm talking about a service that has been in business for years. Sure there are brand new businesses out there that might be exceptional, but a guy who has been outfitting for 10+ years has done several things right and has proven his ability to do it right over the long haul. In other words, he's already worked out the "kinks". You will have overall better luck.

Keep in mind every day, every guide, every bird, every field, and every dog are different. Great outfitters can have crappy days just like anyone else. Likewise, a brand new outfitter can luck into a smokin hunt for you just as easily. But a guy who has managed to keep his service going for 10+ years, doesn't do it on kill counts alone. He does it on service, FUN, attitude, organization, price, location and tons of other factors. Notice NONE of these items include: Being a state calling contest winner, having brand x or brand y decoys, having a 7X14 killer trailer, being on the Pro Staff for 15 different companies, having TV shows, etc. NONE of these things mean jack to the actual day to day operation of a business.

The guys make a good point of talking to past clients. It's a great way to check the track record of your guide service. Past clients will always give you the straight story. If your outfitter refers you to his cousin,......well. Jimimc gives great advice too. You will have more fun and learn more in the field if you like your outfitter. You can learn ALOT by a simple phone call.

[Scott Turpen]

He does it on service, FUN, attitude, organization, price, location and tons of other factors. Notice NONE of these items include: Being a state calling contest winner, having brand x or brand y decoys, having a 7X14 killer trailer, being on the Pro Staff for 15 different companies, having TV shows, etc. NONE of these things mean jack to the actual day to day operation of a business.



THat is the best advice I've seen.

[lizard55033]

Thank you guys for all the help.

I was suppose to go on a snow goose hunt for a few days in early March, but 2 of my guys backed out. I was really bummed out and so was my father. We were planning on going through Jagermister Outfitters w/ Lynn. I spent a couple of hours on the phone with him and sounded like a great guy and offered stuff that no other outfitter offered, as well as tend to my dads disablity of a fused lower back. He was able to offer bale blinds or lay outs our choice, as well as money return policy that was outstanding.

Has anyone ever hunting with Jagermister Outfitters?

Troy

[MistsITR]

being from hastings minnesota you've got a TON of guide's close buy in Rochester...check out a few. (i personaly have hunted alot with premier flights) though rochester has a small limit (2 birds) i would look into going on a early or late season hunt around fergus or the cities?

[Can-man]

I have not hunted with that outfitter, but I can tell you that I would be quite worried about hunting out of bale blinds during a late season snow goose hunt. By that time of the year they have been shot at from N Canada down to Texas and are on their way back again. They have gotten awful smart during that migration. There may be a situation where bale blinds may work, but I would not count on it. Snow geese are tough enough to kill without a huge blind sticking out.

[gdahunter]

first question is where are you wanting to hunt? I work for a guide service in minnesota....i am originally form southern illinois and i could tell you about a bunch of the guide services around the southern and northern half of the state....pm me and i can give you some information

[Jeremy DeVries]

Riches of the soul not neccesarily in the hand........ right Scott?

That's what good outfitters provide.

[acg2nd]

I went on my first guided hunt in Canada last year. I did a lot of calling around before I made my choice. I had the time of my life. We didn't shoot our limits every time out or even come close. The gear was average. They were not champion callers. Their dogs were not field trial champions. We actually used my dog the whole time we were there. We called right along with them. The thing that made it a great trip was the fact they were average, normal, easy to talk to,guys that just enjoy waterfowling as much as we do. I actually made a great friendship with the guy that was our guide and that is what will make me go back year after year. Sooner or later in life you will realize it is not about the kill, but about the memories and the people that you meet, that make a great hunt. If you want the name of the outfitter send me a p.m. and I will give you his name.