The Professional Hunting Guides across the country offer a wide array of services, customized to suit the kind of hunting done in their “neck of the woods” and also to suit the needs of the hunting client. When choosing to hire pro hunting guides, have a clear idea of what kind of services you want so they can work toward the goal of meeting your specifications.

During the off season, hunting guides spend a great deal of time scouting the terrain, studying game patterns, tending food plots, checking trail cameras, monitoring antler growth and practicing calling and rattling skills. Hunting Guides may have other ways to make money when they aren’t taking hunters out, but their mind is always on the hunt! They are looking forward to seeing how last year’s deer have matured and watching the velvet get rubbed off the antlers. Hunting Guides, depending on the areas they hunt, devote huge amounts of time in the off season, getting ready for the few short weeks of hunting season.

Once hunting season is on, their attention turns to tracking the game – where are they moving? What time of day? Where are they feeding? Where are they bedding down? When is the rut going to hit? How is the weather affecting the hunts? For still hunts, hunting guides will want to put you in the best possible place to ensure you the best opportunity at your game. If you are spot and stalk hunting, it may mean you’ve got to get a move on! You, along with the hunting guides will want to be in the best possible physical condition so your hunts will be enjoyable and productive.

Still Hunting Guides: Still hunting is common for Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotic Game, Bear, Hog and other game. Hunts may be semi-guided where the hunter is advised about good tree stands or shooting houses and left to hunt somewhat on his or her own, but with hunting guides available via walkie-talkie or phone. On the fully guided hunt, the hunter is accompanied with a guide who usually helps with tracking the downed animal, cleaning and transporting back to the lodge. Truly professional Hunting Guides try to be of service to the very best of their ability.

Spot and Stalk Hunting Guides: Most Western hunting is spot and stalk – Elk, Antelope, Mule Deer, Mountain Goat, Moose, Bighorn Sheep. These kind of hunts are typically very rugged and require both hunters and hunting guides to be in good physical condition. Many times, these hunts are conducted out of remote tent camps and hunting guides may also be outfitters as well.

Waterfowl Hunting Guides: These hunting guides have a huge store of gear – hundreds of decoys, boats, retrievers, blinds and calls. Duck hunting guides are very passionate about duck and goose hunting and want to make sure you have a “blast!”

Hunting Guides Using Trained Dogs: In some states, hunting guides use trained dogs to track and tree the game – particularly Cougar and Black Bear. “Catch Dogs” are also used in some states to hunt wild hogs. Hunting with dogs can be a huge adrenaline rush, but special safety precautions must be used to protect the dogs. Hunting Guides invest a tremendous amount of time and money on their dogs and often times, the dogs are part of the family.

To truly professional Hunting Guides, hunting is serious business and the success and satisfaction of their hunting clients is what establishes their reputation. It is true that not every hunt puts a trophy on the wall, but every hunt should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. Even if a client leaves without the trophy they were hoping for, they should leave with the confidence that the hunting guides worked hard for them to have a successful hunt. And that they would recommend the same hunt to their buddies.