How Long Have You Been A Guide? – I was once a first year hunting guide and I am not saying they are all bad, but do you want to be one of the first customers they try out their new lodging, holes, food, etc. on? I have seen in the past that customers have their best experiences with guides that have been in the business for at least three years. Three years is long enough to get the kinks worked out.
What Do You Remember Most About The Conversation? The Word “Deposit”– If the conversation is only about money and when you are sending it, this is an extreme giant waving red flag. Great guides try to make a new customer feel as comfortable with their choice as possible. I am not saying they snooker them either. Most good guides want to know if their personalities will mesh together. The deposit should be the last topic in a conversation with a new customer.
“I Will Meet You At The Gas Station” – All guides that meet at the gas station aren’t bad guys. I am not saying that, but out of all the horror stories I have ever heard, it seems the clients story starts with, “He told us to meet him at such and such gas station.” While he has your mind on the local gas station, call that gas station and ask if they know him, if they have seen him there with clients, and how most customer’s moods were after hunting with him.
Ever Heard of Google?– Google is one of the greatest tools for duck hunting on the internet. In choosing a guide service, you should do a search on the potential guide service and the owner. Take a look and see what people are saying on social networks, hunting forums (most forums and social networks have a search feature), and any past articles by performing an internet search. What are past customers saying? People love to tell of great experiences and bad experiences. They usually won’t say much of average experiences. If most of the results are negative in the searches, this should throw up that red flag. Do this in Google: “guide name sucks” / “guide name scam”
“References? Huh?” – One thing to look for when you go to a guide’s website is to look for references. If none are listed, ask for them when you talk on the phone. The majority of reputable guides have a list of hunters that have previously hunted with them. Call the references! I am sure they can tell you everything you may want to know about your guide and the style of hunting. Also, make sure the references have a different area code than the guide service. I don’t want to talk to the guide’s uncle, cousin, or daddy…..I want REAL references. Guide services know about other guide services. When you are interviewing other guide services, ask them about a previous company. The good guys are honest and happy to answer all of your questions, not just the ones that benefit themselves.
Don’t be the next victim of the “fly by night” guide services. Most people that hunt with guide service save all year for this one hunt, so make sure the guide service you choose has passed my test! Finalize your list to three and go with your gut after a final conversation with references. I hope this helps you in choosing your next duck hunting destination!