Get on same page as outfitter

In last week’s column, I suggested that hunters might consider hiring professional outfitters to help them fill their big-game tags, especially when the tags they hold might represent once-in-a-lifetime hunt opportunities for something like desert bighorn sheep or Rocky Mountain elk. Should you opt to hire an outfitter, you no doubt will expect him to do certain things as part of the contracted services. But what should your outfitter expect of you?

The first thing Lupe Gallegos of Hide-n-Seek Outfitters wants is the answer to a few straightforward questions, and he’ll want the answers when you call to book a hunt.

“I always like to ask what it is they expect from the hunt. Is it to shoot the biggest animal on the mountain? Is it to go out and have a great experience? What is it that they’re really wanting?” Gallegos said. “Some guys are in it for the score. Some guys want a 30-inch buck.”

Everyone has different expectations, and you should expect any outfitter you contact to ask those questions and listen to your answers because he needs to understand what you want out of your hunt. No matter what you are hunting, whether it’s a mature buck or a mature ram, Gallegos says it’s important that the guide and the client are on the same page from the beginning. That requires you to give an honest answer, because knowing what the client’s expectations are will help the guide determine what he must do to give the client the best chance to meet those expectations.

The second thing Gallegos expects is that you arrive in the best physical condition possible. And while walking on treadmills or walking down the street are helpful exercises, “it’s better if you can put on a broken-in pair of boots that you’re actually going to be using on your hunt and get out in the hills,” he said. “Get your feet in shape, and get your legs in shape by going up and down hills. Do your best to replicate true hunting conditions.” This will give you a better idea of what you are capable of doing once you get out there.

Be sure to tell your guide about any physical limitations you might have, and provide him with information about any medications you are taking. This will enable the outfitter to take care of you should an emergency situation arise. Moreover, this will help the outfitter tailor the hunt to fit your abilities as well as your desire.

If you plan on having a taxidermist mount your trophy, Gallegos will ask for his telephone number so he can talk to him. Gallegos said he knows what his local taxidermist expects, but if he is unfamiliar with your taxidermist, he will want to speak with him. By so doing, he will know how to prepare the hide from your trophy so your taxidermist can do a quality job.

When shopping for an outfitter, Gallegos recommends asking not only for references of successful hunters but also for references from unsuccessful hunters. This will give you a more objective look at the quality of the guide’s services.

Freelance writer Doug Nielsen is a conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. His “In the Outdoors” column, published Thursday in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NDOW. Any opinions he states in his column are his own. He can be reached at intheoutdoorslv@gmail.com.