How to Know if a Guided Hunt Is for You

People enjoy hunting for a myriad of reasons.

Most are in it for the thrill of stalking and taking down otherwise elusive prey.

Others are into the idea of taking responsibility for their own food.

Hunting also provides plenty of exercise, as going on a hunt requires being physically on the move for days.

Then there are those who see hunting as a spiritual activity where they can experience nature not only as a watcher but also as a participant. Hunting makes them feel a kinship with wildlife and nature, in general.

Whatever your reasons, you can be sure that going on a hunting trip will be an experience you will never forget, whether you’re a veteran hunter or it’s your first time heading on out.

People generally have two options when going hunting: do it DIY style, or go on a professionally guided hunt. Here are some of the reasons the latter is your best option.

It’s Your First Hunt

If there’s one person who can certainly use the expertise of a professional hunting guide, it would have to be the hunting newbie.

Hunting guides are expected to help clients hunting for the first time every step of the way, from planning and organizing the entire trip to locating the game for them.

Professional hunting guides are also a rich source of hunting advice. They can give you tips on the proper use of hunting gear, teach you the right way to field dress and quarter your animal, and demonstrate hunting tricks you can use in your subsequent hunting trips.

You Don’t Know The Area That Well

You can be an experienced hunter, but you will surely have a hard time if you’re hunting in an area you’ve never set foot on before.

While maps and GPS devices can help, nothing compares to having professional hunting guides who know the area like the back of their hand.

Your risk of getting lost or accidentally trespassing onto private property is significantly reduced on a guided hunt.

You Want A Higher Degree of Safety During The Hunt

Hunts are fun, but they have their own set of hazards. It’s not uncommon for hunters to suffer an injury, or worse, get shot by other hunters during a trip.

For a professional hunting guide, a client’s safety is their top priority.

Hunting guides will use their knowledge of the hunting grounds to steer their clients clear of other hunting parties to reduce the risk of accidental shootings.

A professional hunting guide would also be in a position to advise clients not to take any unnecessary risks, especially if doing so puts their safety in jeopardy.

A hunting guide can also tailor your hunt to your physical capabilities and limitations, which should help you avoid emergencies during the hunt.

You Want Better Chances of Success

No hunter--even first-timers--would want to come home empty-handed after a hunting trip, yet the likelihood of that happening is higher if you’re doing the whole thing on your own.

On the other hand, with the expertise that a private hunting guide can provide, your chances of a successful hunt will be so much better.

And since you’ll be hunting on private land, you will likely go home with a trophy of much better quality than you would if you used public lands.

It would be great if you can go on a DIY hunting trip, but it wouldn’t hurt if you opt for the expertise and company of a professional hunting guide. Either way, you would still experience an adventure you will cherish for the rest of your life.

About the Author

Maren Mcreynolds is the Content Marketing Director of BMO Hunts, a company that offers world-class guided hunts in New Mexico, Arizona, and South Dakota. When not working, she spends time swimming with her two kids and giving back to the community.