Welllllll, I have guided and help outfit hunts for about 20 years, maybe longer....prolly longer. Ha
The pro for guided hunts is the lack of personal prep you have to invest. Basically you are investing in someone else to take care of the logistics and take you to their area where the outfitters expertise is supposed to give you the best opportunity to harvest a animal.
The con, if you are a good hunter and have a good area, you are wasting your money, unless you just want to experience some where or something new. For me, if I wanted a GOOD chance at a 400 plus bull I would need to leave my area and hunt somewhere such as AZ or NM with an outfitter. The other con is that it is hunting and you are rarely guaranteed 100% success.
IMO the best way to do an outfitter hunt is with a tight group of friends. The entire camp is dedicated to this hunt and you all know each other. I would not care too much for a solo hunt where other hunters are there I don't know. Plus for me, as a guide, I like the stories and brotherhood of a group of friends. I personally like 1 on 1 hunts the best, but 2nd best is a group.
Advice.... don't be the guy looking for a babysitter. Be the best hunter you can be: be in shape, have the best equipment you can buy, be proficient in all aspects of hunting, shooting, camping etc. The more prepared you are the better the hunt experience can be. This allows the guide to have a partner and really hunt to his potential. The biggest issue for guides is that they are very much inhibited by the client. The better the client, the better the guide responds....it is human nature.
Back country hunts on horse back are generally very rewarding but also the most rustic and difficult. They require the most logistics. 6500 to 8500. Ranch hunts with lodges are 7500 to 10500 typically.
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