Well I might get hung by my shorts for this one but here goes. I have guided now for 8 years, all the other advice posted definantly holds true.

One piece that I would add is, be wary of booking agents. I know that there are lots of very reputable ones out there, but there are some that gives the hole industry a bad name.

They just wanna book the hunt and make the commision, they will do damn near anything too book. It is a very competitive market out there for guided hunts.

Just an opinion.

Model88.............I don't know why you should catch flack on that, it is true. There are lots of crappy booking agents out there doing just as you say. They will say anything they need to if it will sell a hunt. There are lots who have never even been to the area they are talking about, etc, etc. Hunters need to be careful who they decide to book through.

On the other hand much of what you have said applies to outfitters to. There are lots of good ones but there are those that will say what ever they have to to sell a hunt.......cause it is getting harder for all of them.

After having guided and outfitted for 30 years I have met some great people but I have also met some rather unscrupulous people acting as booking agents and holding outfitter and guide licences. Mind you, I have met lots of resident hunters that were lying, thieving, poaching scoundrels as well.

There is a percentage of bad apples in everything and everywhere.

Makwa, yes you are correct, there are lots of outfitters who will do damn near anything too book a hunt.

Not sure if its been said or not, but refernces are very valuable. Both succcsessful and not.