Guided hunt experiences?

[Northern Shooter]

I've never done a guided hunt but its something I'm looking into more and more lately, especially for game that isn't available here in Ontario.

If you've done a guided hunt, how did it go?

What game were you after? Length of the hunt? Approximate cost? Did you feel it was worth the price of admission?

Most of the guided hunts I'm interested in would be in Western Canada/Alaska for Brown Bear, Bison, Elk, goat, sheep etc.

I'm also interested in hearing if anyone has hunted internationally. I'm considering a European hunt , possibly a driven boar hunt in eastern Europe.

 

[BlackRam]

I have done a little guiding in the past (my Dad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather guided for over 130 years amongst the three of them). It was a great experience!
Otherwise I have hunted with friends and acquaintances for years, assisting them to hunt in new areas for new species, such as black bear, grizzly, bison, elk, deer, moose, and stones sheep. Lots of great adventures and memories! Including blood, sweat and tears...but also an amazing amount of fun, laughter, jokes and pranks that have added to the memories! Cherished time with friends and family (new and old)! Not to mention many pictures and the odd trophy we can look at and recall as if it was only yesterday.

Definitely required (legally) for certain species in certain areas.
Going guided for a new species in a new area will provide the knowledge of the animal and the area to assist you in your adventure, not to mention providing you with various other logistical advantages (transportation (plane, boat, vehicle, atv, horseback, etc.) to/from and access to the area(s), lodging, provision of supplies and accommodations (of various types), etc.). Then there is the extra help in field dressing your animal and helping get the meat and trophy out of the field to the cooler/freezer and taxidermist and meat cutter.

And now I can say that I have been guided, as my wife and I went with an outfitter in New Zealand this spring for red deer, fallow buck and arapawa rams. Was a great experience and worth the investment (over $30,000 CAD by the time it was all said and done for the hunt, travel, trophies, etc.)! Being there when my wife took her first big game animal (arapawa ram) was a great experience! She wore a big grin for quite awhile afterwards! And I know that I couldn't stop smiling after taking my red stag!
We are going to Africa next May for sable, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, black wildebeest and springbok. Looking forward to it! Should be about $30,000 CAD by the time it is all tallied for everything.
And my daughter and I are doing a father/daughter hunt next August/September for archery antelope and elk in Colorado. Going to be over $20,000 CAD byt the time it is completed.
Having helped her to her first mule deer, moose and stones sheep have been very memorable adventures (not to mention the smile on her face each time!), and am looking forward to seeing her get her first elk with her bow!

These aren't cheap trips...but we only live once and we must take advantage of the opportunities that we can while we are able to, with friends and family.
It isn't the money that will be missed, it is the experiences and memories that will be if we do not take these trips and spend the time afield with friends and loved ones = priceless!

The places that we have been to, or are going to, have been dreams for many years, and having them happen has been a blessing that I wouldn't miss for anything.
The people and places have added to the overall experiience...as do the sights, smells and sounds. Hearing a red stag roar was very memorable...have always loved the bugle of a bull elk, so the roar was a new and wonderful experience. While I have seen many hunts on tv and video, it wasn't the same as hearing it first hand at last light, or the break of dawn. There is no comparison! I look forward to returning to New Zealand to hear the fallow buck croaking! And the New Zealand magpie's call is nothing at all like that of our own magpie!
And hearing the birds and animals of Africa next year.

If you have the means, and are in good health...do it while you can...you'll not regret it!
Pick a reputable outfitter and check their references. Discuss your realistic expectations with the outfitter. Be honest with yourself, and the outfitter. Be prepared to work for your adventure and your trophy. Be prepared to experience heat, cold, rain, fog, snow, bugs, dirt, mud, wind, hiking, climbing, sore muscles, smooth to rough and steep terrain, along with the deep sleep of the tired successful hunter, scenic views, crisp fresh air, fresh smells, warm sunshine, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the autumn colours of forest and tundra or the new green of spring. Not to mention the sounds of nature, birds and animals that you may have never heard before.All memories that will warm your heart and soul for years to come!
Sign with the one that can provide the experience you are looking for.
Make your list of desired species and set your realistic expectations and enjoy the experience.

Just remember, that it is still a hunt, and nothing is guaranteed...except that you will never shoot a brown bear from your couch...only when you get there and experience the adventure first hand! Enjoy the experience, and know that it can still be a worthwhile (and successful) adventure of just being there and seeing the area, the people and the game, even if you do not get to take a shot at your chosen quarry. Cutting your tag and bringing home meat and the trophy is purely a bonus that provides more than just memories!

Look forward to hearing about them!
Best of luck in your quests! May all your shots be true!

 

[Northern Shooter]

I have done a little guiding in the past (my Dad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather guided for over 130 years amongst the three of them). It was a great experience!
Otherwise I have hunted with friends and acquaintances for years, assisting them to hunt in new areas for new species, such as black bear, grizzly, bison, elk, deer, moose, and stones sheep. Lots of great adventures and memories! Including blood, sweat and tears...but also an amazing amount of fun, laughter, jokes and pranks that have added to the memories! Cherished time with friends and family (new and old)! Not to mention many pictures and the odd trophy we can look at and recall as if it was only yesterday.

Definitely required (legally) for certain species in certain areas.
Going guided for a new species in a new area will provide the knowledge of the animal and the area to assist you in your adventure, not to mention providing you with various other logistical advantages (transportation (plane, boat, vehicle, atv, horseback, etc.) to/from and access to the area(s), lodging, provision of supplies and accommodations (of various types), etc.). Then there is the extra help in field dressing your animal and helping get the meat and trophy out of the field to the cooler/freezer and taxidermist and meat cutter.

And now I can say that I have been guided, as my wife and I went with an outfitter in New Zealand this spring for red deer, fallow buck and arapawa rams. Was a great experience and worth the investment (over $30,000 CAD by the time it was all said and done for the hunt, travel, trophies, etc.)! Being there when my wife took her first big game animal (arapawa ram) was a great experience! She wore a big grin for quite awhile afterwards! And I know that I couldn't stop smiling after taking my red stag!
We are going to Africa next May for sable, kudu, nyala, bushbuck, black wildebeest and springbok. Looking forward to it! Should be about $30,000 CAD by the time it is all tallied for everything.
And my daughter and I are doing a father/daughter hunt next August/September for archery antelope and elk in Colorado. Going to be over $20,000 CAD byt the time it is completed.
Having helped her to her first mule deer, moose and stones sheep have been very memorable adventures (not to mention the smile on her face each time!), and am looking forward to seeing her get her first elk with her bow!

These aren't cheap trips...but we only live once and we must take advantage of the opportunities that we can while we are able to, with friends and family.
It isn't the money that will be missed, it is the experiences and memories that will be if we do not take these trips and spend the time afield with friends and loved ones = priceless!

The places that we have been to, or are going to, have been dreams for many years, and having them happen has been a blessing that I wouldn't miss for anything.
The people and places have added to the overall experiience...as do the sights, smells and sounds. Hearing a red stag roar was very memorable...have always loved the bugle of a bull elk, so the roar was a new and wonderful experience. While I have seen many hunts on tv and video, it wasn't the same as hearing it first hand at last light, or the break of dawn. There is no comparison! I look forward to returning to New Zealand to hear the fallow buck croaking! And the New Zealand magpie's call is nothing at all like that of our own magpie!
And hearing the birds and animals of Africa next year.

If you have the means, and are in good health...do it while you can...you'll not regret it!
Pick a reputable outfitter and check their references. Discuss your realistic expectations with the outfitter. Be honest with yourself, and the outfitter. Be prepared to work for your adventure and your trophy. Be prepared to experience heat, cold, rain, fog, snow, bugs, dirt, mud, wind, hiking, climbing, sore muscles, smooth to rough and steep terrain, along with the deep sleep of the tired successful hunter, scenic views, crisp fresh air, fresh smells, warm sunshine, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the autumn colours of forest and tundra or the new green of spring. Not to mention the sounds of nature, birds and animals that you may have never heard before.All memories that will warm your heart and soul for years to come!
Sign with the one that can provide the experience you are looking for.
Make your list of desired species and set your realistic expectations and enjoy the experience.

Just remember, that it is still a hunt, and nothing is guaranteed...except that you will never shoot a brown bear from your couch...only when you get there and experience the adventure first hand! Enjoy the experience, and know that it can still be a worthwhile (and successful) adventure of just being there and seeing the area, the people and the game, even if you do not get to take a shot at your chosen quarry. Cutting your tag and bringing home meat and the trophy is purely a bonus that provides more than just memories!

Look forward to hearing about them!
Best of luck in your quests! May all your shots be true!

Thanks for that detailed account, it sounds like you've had many adventures and still have many more to go.

As someone who is still new to this and trying to plan my first, I'm always taken aback from the prices im seeing for domestic hunts.

I've been looking into a Plains game / Cape Buffalo hunt in South Africa and have seen figures around $10,000. When I see some of these domestic Moose/Elk/Bear hunts in the $20,000-$30,000 range I'm a little shocked. I'm guessing the remoteness if some of the Canadian/Alaskan camps contributed to that cost regarding transportation and access.

If you were to reccomend one one region in Western Canada and one game to hunt domestically on a first guided hunt, what would it be?

 

[BlackRam]

Now that is a difficult question to answer without knowing where your interests lie...
While a less expensive hunt for a lower priority animal may be a good introduction to western guided hunts...picking off a top bucket list animal so that you can achieve a top priority adventure may be the wiser choice. It truly is subjective to your goals and desires. And everyone's goals and desires vary.

Again, be honest about your physical condition, mental preparedness for challenging conditions, and hunting and shooting experience and capability.
It is OK if you are not in "sheep shape". Just make sure that the outfitter and guide know and expect this up font. They can adapt to put you with the right guide, in the right location, for your animal so that it does not kill you (literally; no outfitter wants their client to die from a heart attack because they pushed the client too hard or too fast on an animal in terrain that the client cannot handle safely). Their goal is to assist you in acquiring your sought after animal in a memorable fashion that will make you want to come back for more! (The goal in mountain hunting is to get there in good enough condition to be able to take a calm, collected shot at the animal, not be gasping for breath and cannot hold the rifle steady because your heart is jumping out of your chest.) A good guide will let you gather yourself prior to setting you up in position for the shot so you are ready to take it. A poor guide will rush you up and try to get you to shoot before you are capable of doing so. If the animal has moved on before you arrive in shape to take the shot, it just means that the stalk must go on. Simple as that. Worry about what you can control...and that is you, not the animal.

On our New Zealand trip, my wife was on her first week of walking without a cane after her ankle fusion surgery. We let the outfitter and guide know that this was going to be a physical challenge n the hilly terrain for my wife, and they gave us a very good young woman to guide us, and make sure that we were put in the best locations for my wife's physical limitations. Even for myself, I have an ankle that gives me issues (torn Achilles tendon that won't heal properly and makes steep terrain a challenge...not to mention that I am no longer on my 30's and have sat behind a desk at work for too long...the guide really made a difference by knowing the game and terrain and setting us up to win!

And let them know how experienced you are in hunting and shooting...they will test you at the range when you get there... not just to verify of your rifle is still on after the trip, but to also see how you safely handle a rifle, and can place your bullet on target. Let them know what your comfortable shooting range from field positions is, and what your limit are. This way they will work to get you within those distances of your quarry so you improve your chances of success.

The one area that would make sense would be for a non-dangerous game animal, or less challenging terrain hunt first to help introduce you to the new challenges of hunting in the west, before going straight after your brown bear or mountain goat (if these be your top bucket list animals) if you are not used to extremely remote, tough and/or steep terrain. Or hunting a large and dangerous animal that can soak up punishment and then bite back. (Mtn goats can also soak up the lead...but as with any animal, bullet placement is key...but so is the ability to hunt an animal so that you are shooting at an unwary animal that is jacked full of adrenalin due to being alarmed, threatened or amped up by the rut, prior to the shot.
If bison is your bucket list animal, study its anatomy...it is quite a bit different than any other north american game animal and you need to know where the vitals are for proper bullet placement. And this is an animal that has restrictions as to bullet weight and energy, so make sure you know this so that you select the proper rifle/cartridge combination, and know at what distance you must be within to ensure that you are meeting the legal requirement of energy at the animal. Your outfitter will also help you with this.

And yes, there are many international hunts that are less expensive than our own hunts, but have additional costs that must be included in overall budgets (travel, accommodations, exporting/importing trophies, etc.)
I want to go on guided caribou hunts in various places in Canada, but this would cost about $20,000 or more for one hunter, for one animal...whereas the wife and I can go for a few animals to New Zealand or Africa for the same money and share the adventure...again, it comes down to priorities that you must decide on.
Yes, I have taken caribou in BC, but would like to take some of the other species...and may some day...the hunts planned right now are top priority dream hunts that I have had for decades, and now are becoming reality.
I believe that a guided caribou/muskox hunt would be my first domestic guided hunt, somewhere where I cannot hunt these on my own (NWT?) But this is going to be about $30,000 or more, so may take some time to realize. (Muskox alone is running approx. $20,000USD in the NWT)
And yes, the logistics of running remote hunting camps with airfare (and otherwise) to transport all hunters and supplies into remote camps, and hunters, trophies and meat out, is very expensive. (not to mention horses, boats and motors, atvs, building materials, etc. all required to provide the client with safe, comfortable accommodations, meals and amenities for an enjoyable stay and adventure)
The costs for a stones sheep hunt in BC have spiralled over the past 2 decades!

I have taken antelope with my compound bow and rifle in Alberta, but I have never been to Colorado (where my mother was born) and my daughter wants to do a guided elk hunt other than in Alberta or BC...and as I promised her, her choice of a father/daughter hunt, this was what she chose. Her wish, makes it my priority, as who knows when we will get another chance at a guided hunt together, other than our own DIY adventures here in BC and Alberta.

I realize that these are not short answers...but planning for a guided hunt is not a short, quick endeavour...and you will get out of it what you put into it.
And if you are like me, where money comes hard and goes all too easy, you want to get the most out of your investment, so the pre-planning effort is part of the adventure and the better planned, the better the adventure without the extra surprises that could otherwise taint your trip of a lifetime.

 

[powdermaker]

I can't add anything more to the conversation that BlackRam hasn't covered. I would only say that I don't regret any of the money I've spent on the four guided hunts I've been on. (One to the Yukon and three to Africa). I was also fortunate to be invited to Germany to hunt roe deer and wild boar. European hunting culture is different and interesting to experience.

I was recently asked which trip was my favorite. I thought about it and really couldn't pick one; each was unique and somewhat incomparable. I hope to go on more hunts in the future!
I'm just getting ready for our Saskatchewan resident elk hunt or I would take the time to write more.
Best of luck in your quest.

 

[emerson]

If there is money in the bank for doing guided hunts, spend it before you can’t get around much. Sitting on a big pile of cash after you cannot get out and about is a false economy. I would go overseas, use a locally provided rifle, and hunt multiple species. The doing is the fun part. I believe a particular trophy would be less satisfying.

 

[Longwalker]

BlackRam gave good advice. I've been on two guided hunts in the Yukon, and four in Africa - South Africa, Namibia, and two in Zimbabwe. The hunts I've done in Germany were culturally wonderful, and a worthwhile experience, but not really comparable to a wilderness hunt. I'm very glad I had the chance to hunt Dall sheep and Mountain caribou before they became so expensive. It's actually cheaper and a "better value" to hunt in Africa, but of course it depends on your interests and capabilities. I know I can't hike 25 km in one day over the tundra with a backpack and rifle any more. And I can't climb cliffs to hunt mountain goats any more. But I'm pleased that I chose to try that challenge more than 20 years ago. And Horseback hunts are unique and well worth the expense. Hunting dangerous game in the famous game fields of Zimbabwe, Namibia, or a couple other African countries like Zambia, Tanzania, or Mozambique is beyond compare. Consider what you're passionate about, and go do it. Money does you no good if you have enough but don't spend it.

 

[neev]

Guided hunts offer a great experience for out of country or out of province hunts, especially if you have a busy schedule. My recommendations are do your homework, something that’s worked for me is asking your taxidermy studio if they get an abundance of animals from certain outfitters.

Below are photos of a guided cougar and lynx combo hunt I did in northern BC in January (2023).

https://imgur.com/a/1VrFCdL

Hope this helps,
Cheers and good luck.

 

[MiG25]

Try to find a Guide around your own age. I obviously don't know you, but if you're say 55, a 23 year old Guide likely isn't a good match.

A Mountain Mule Deer hunt would be my advice or a Cat Hunt.

I'd go on a Walrus Hunt if I could swing it.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Try to find a Guide around your own age. I obviously don't know you, but if you're say 55, a 23 year old Guide likely isn't a good match.

A Mountain Mule Deer hunt would be my advice or a Cat Hunt.

I'd go on a Walrus Hunt if I could swing it.

The far north hunts have always intrigued me, especially since watching Jim Shockey do it. I have Muskox on my wishlist.

The elements do seen to be brutal though (-70 days with complete whiteouts).

 

[boxhitch]

If you are at all flexible as to where you live for a couple of years, you might want to consider taking up residency and doing a diy hunt
BC and Yukon have some pretty special species to go after, and with 12 months of residency can be otc hunts, with help from a local packer maybe
Residency rules can be massaged somewhat , just have to be flexible and mobile

 

[MiG25]

The far north hunts have always intrigued me, especially since watching Jim Shockey do it. I have Muskox on my wishlist.

The elements do seen to be brutal though (-70 days with complete whiteouts).

There are spring Muskox hunts and I believe Walrus hunts are exclusive to the Summer.

 

[freddyfour]

I just got back from my first ever guided hunt in the east Kootenays two weeks ago. I'll say one thing, guided mountain hunts are no joke!

 

[MiG25]

I just got back from my first ever guided hunt in the east Kootenays two weeks ago. I'll say one thing, guided mountain hunts are no joke!

Be interested in hearing about it.

 

[freddyfour]

Be interested in hearing about it.

As you know we booked with Ramcreek Outfitters which is just a bit south of Fernie BC. Absolutely beautiful spot they got, tucked away back in the mountains, probably not 45min from the Montana boarder. Both myself and my hunting partner are 41 and in what we would thought in good shape. I was paired with a 23 guide/mountain goat and my buddy was paid with a 27 year old sherpa, both great guys. First morning was a horse back ride from the cabin straight up the mountain and right into the Elk. We had, what sounded like stud of an Elk bugling by 730am and continued to bugle for almost 10hrs straight. Finally got a look at him at about 1900 at 700 yards way on another peak with 6 cows. To late in the day to make a play on him we surmised, so we packed up and headed down to plan for the next morning....this ended up being a mistake! We ended up chasing this same bull for 5 days and never got a better opportunity than that first day. He out smarted us at every move keeping out of sight and out of range. Not to say I didn't see any other Elk but this is the one we had decided to dedicate most of our efforts on. Did have a nice 5x5 at 70yrds but not legal.

We did take 2 days to dedicate to mule deer to break up the frustration of chasing this bull that was apparently smarter than us. Did get to make a great stalk on a legal 4x4 mule but when I got to 200yrds of him I just wasn't impressed size.

Unfortunately we both came home empty handed, but it sure wasn't for a lack of effort or willingness to go anywhere and everywhere the guides asked us to. In our days there I got stung 6 times, my horse 3 times. My buddies guide's horse fell off the trial and ruptured its intestines and had to be put down. I learn I can sleep sitting up with my binos on my eyes, kinda like Homer Simpson in church with his fake glasses on and just because it is a guided hunt doesn't mean it is easy, definitely without question the hardest hunt I have ever done.

The Elk I chased for what seems like an eternity


Ramcreek lodge

 

[Longwalker]

Seems like a proper adventure! Congratulations on your efforts, Waidmannsheil!

 

[freddyfour]

Seems like a proper adventure! Congratulations on your efforts, Waidmannsheil!

It was for sure, more stories then I have the patience to type out.

One of the other hunters in camp was lucky enough to harvest a sheep and graciously allowed everyone in camp to try it. Might just be the best game meat on the planet!!