Due diligence is tough work, getting a tip is helpful but really doesn’t absolve you of the responsibility.
Wether a ranch based or wilderness hunt I’d start with the Wild life bios. Got your region figured out I talk to “game wardens” and Sheriff’s department for the area and the state licensing board regarding the operators in the area. Any body can make a mistake but a pattern of citations and complaints would be a red flag.
You got two days invested at this point.
Seems like every time I hear a horror story about a bad guide/outfitter/hunt a lot could have been done to avoid the problem in the first place.
Once you’ve started talking to outfitters make sure you ask for references from repeat clients, first timers and folks who had a bad trip. When you talk to the references see if they have contact information for other people who were in camp.
There is an operator in our area who regards citations as a simple cost of doing business, whose guides have dumped guests out of moving boats, had guides and clients get lost. Absolutely everyone has said “he was such a nice guy”
Tips are great, can save you a lot of time but I would review this site for information on how to select a guide and outfitter.
Never ever go just because your favorite horn porn show hunted with a particular outfit.
Have a great hunt, do your part to make it happen.
