Don’t Get Burned: Picking the Right Outfitter for Your Hunt

Don’t Get Burned: Picking the Right Outfitter for Your Hunt

Booking with an outfitter can feel a little like rolling dice. Sometimes you land the jackpot and get guides who know their stuff, treat you with respect, and put just as much value on the experience as the harvest. Other times? You realize fast that all you paid for was disappointment.

The truth is, not all outfitters are created equal. Some run top-notch, ethical operations. Others cut corners, overpromise, or chase clout online instead of focusing on the hunt. And since most hunts cost a small fortune these days, doing your homework before booking is the only way to make sure your money, time, and dream hunt don’t go to waste.

Reputation Matters

When you book a hunt, you’re trusting someone else with your safety, your success, and your memories. That’s no small thing. A good outfitter respects that and tells it like it is—even if it means admitting that success isn’t guaranteed.

But the wrong outfitter? They’ll hype up success rates, pressure you into bad shots, or run camp like a circus. Worst of all, they can damage hunting’s reputation for everyone.

The Big Brand Name Trap

One of the tricks I’ve seen lately is outfitters pretending they’re backed by big-name hunting brands. They’ll slap logos in their bios, tag companies, and act like they’re sponsored.

Recently, I saw a video of an elk that had been gut-shot. Instead of doing the right thing and finishing the job with a second shot, the outfitter filmed the animal rolling around, suffering. They had a major brand listed in their bio, so I reached out to that brand. Turns out, there was zero affiliation. None. Just a fake name-drop to look legit.

That’s why you can’t take social media claims at face value. If sponsorships or affiliations matter to you, double-check with the company. The real ones will tell you fast.

Do Your Homework

Before booking, dig into the details:

•      Talk to past clients. Ask if they’d book again.

•      Read reviews. Patterns—good or bad—are telling.

•      Verify licenses. Many states require them.

•      Watch their content. Are they promoting ethical hunts, or just shock-factor kill shots?

If something feels off, listen to your gut and walk away. There are countless good options out there.

Why Women Need to Be Extra Careful

Let’s be real, if you’re a woman heading into an outfitted hunt, there’s another layer to think about. Most camps are still male-heavy, and I’ve heard way too many stories of women being dismissed or made uncomfortable.

The right outfitter will treat you like a hunter, not a novelty. They’ll respect you, communicate clearly, and make sure you feel safe. If they can’t do that, they don’t deserve your business.

For women especially, talk to other women who’ve hunted with them if you can. Ask the uncomfortable questions. You shouldn’t have to gamble on being respected—it should be a given.

Red Flags vs. Green Flags

Red flags: guaranteed hunts, vague communication, graphic suffering in videos, hidden costs, no references.

Green flags: honesty about success rates, focus on safety, respect for wildlife, professional camp, and guides who actually teach you something.

Holding Outfitters Accountable

If you run into a bad experience, speak up. Share your story. Report unethical behavior when needed. The more we call out the bad apples, the better the outfitting industry will be—for hunters and for the animals we pursue.

Final Take

Booking an outfitter isn’t just about chasing an animal—it’s about choosing what kind of experience you want. Do your research, trust your gut, and don’t be fooled by flashy bios or fake name-drops.

As hunters, we owe it to each other, to the animals, and to the future of hunting to make sure the outfitters we support actually deserve it.

RCG Pro Staff, Ashley Holm

Instagram: @DirtyRedOutdoors