Texas Outfitter Connection
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Booking a hunting or fishing trip with a service in Texas can be a great experience.   As a whole, the outfitters and guides that operate in this state are reputable, trustworthy and will do anything they can to bring you back as a future customer.  These types of outfitters deserve the utmost respect for their loyalty to customer service.  I encourage you to reward them by booking future trips with them and telling all your friends about your experience.

 

Even though the majority of outfitters can be classified as “good guys”, we have to be aware that there are a minority of outfitters out there that want to make money without a concern for the long term.  Let’s face it, hunting and fishing trips are increasing every year in cost and booking a trip can involve a significant amount of money.  This can cause individuals to want to get into the business without the customer’s best interests in mind.  When you start to involve money in the thousands of dollars (or even as little as a few hundred), don’t you want to make sure you are getting the most from your money?

 

Top 5 Tips everyone should know before booking a Hunting or Fishing Trip

 

5.  Understand the expectations of the outfitter/guide

Here are just a few important points that could be expected of you.

·         Safety, safety, safety. If you are not a safe outdoorsman, you will probably be asked to leave.

·         A good attitude.  Please remember that no matter how experienced the outfitter, killing a trophy or catching a limit everyday is not realistic. 

·         Follow instructions.  Most outfitters are in business for a reason, because they know what they are doing.  Listen to them for best success.

·         Respect for their property.  Not respecting the equipment or facilities will probably end the trip very quickly.

·         Ask for a copy of the rules.  Outfitters normally have a set of rules to follow, make sure you understand and comply with them.

·         Your gratitude.  Thank the outfitter and tip them well if you had a great time.  It means a lot to them and rewards them for customer service.

 

4.  Clarify the details of the trip

Here is an excellent list of questions to ask.  Not understanding what is included in the price or the limitations of a trip could turn out to be a disappointment.  Make sure you understand what you are paying for and how a trip will be conducted.  

·         How many animals are allowed?

·         What size limitation exists on the animals?

·         Is there a kill fee involved for certain animals?

·         Is a wounded animal considered a kill?

·         Is this a high or low fence ranch?

·         Will it be guided or unguided?

·         What equipment do you provide?

·         How many stands are on the ranch?

·         Are they bow or rifle stands?

·         Are you hunting over feeders or food plots or other?

·         How long can I hunt each day?

·         Is stalking discouraged?

·         Are stands designated or do you hunt by area?

·         Will I need 4-wheel drive to get around?

·         Are 4 wheelers allowed?

·         Are non-hunters allowed?

·         How many other hunters/parties could be present?

 

3.  Tour the facilities

One of the best ways to ensure you have no surprises is to tour the ranch and/or meet the guide prior to booking the trip.  Most reputable outfitters have no problem with you viewing the facilities before you put down a deposit.  If they object, use caution; there may be a reason for this.   I have learned from experience that despite the great descriptions of a hunt or facilities from an outfitter over the phone, there may be situations where you might be discouraged when you show up to finally see the ranch.  Visiting the property before booking will minimize any surprises.  If you are not able to make time to visit the facilities, here are some excellent questions to clarify over the phone.

·         Is lodging included in the price?

·         How large are the facilities?

·         How far away are the overnight facilities?

·         Are meals/snacks included?

·         Are beds and/or bedding available?

·         Is there heating/cooling?

·         Is there running water/shower/toilet?

·         Does a kitchen/cooking area exist?

·         Will I be sharing the lodging with other parties?

 

2.  Interview the guide

It is important to understand how long the outfitter or guide has had the service available and their experience level.  Is this their first year in business?  Do they care about a long-term reputation?   Outfitters that have been around for 5, 10 years or more can generally be classified as reputable.  In most cases, the reason they have made it that long is due to their service and quality that keeps people coming back.  A reputable outfitter knows the importance of customer service and relies on word of mouth advertising to draw in new clients year after year.  Are all new outfitters untrustworthy?  Absolutely not.   Going on a trip (especially a hunt) with an outfitter who has opened for the first year can be a great opportunity, however, there can be a lot of risk.  Make sure you interview the outfitter well and follow the other steps before booking the trip.

 

1.  Ask for references

And the number one tip…Always ask for references.  Granted, an outfitter is usually going to provide you with a reference that had a great trip and will portray a positive message.  However, a reference can be another information source that you can use to verify the accuracy of information from an outfitter.  If their stories and descriptions of what to expect are identical, you might conclude that the outfitter is trustworthy and gain confidence in his service.  Ask their references what they thought about the facilities?  Did the outfitter provide good customer service?  Did they see any game?  And most importantly, did they have a good time and would they go back?