Utah Outfitter for Mule Deer?

txschicken · Mar 9, 2009

Has anybody heard of Shayne Ford with High Country Hunting Co.? I am looking for a mule deer hunt with a good chance at a 170" and he seems to fit my criteria but I was curious if this is a realistic expectation. Is it normal for them to require 100% payment in August for a Oct hunt? Any other recommendations?
Thanks

monarchtaxidermy · Mar 9, 2009

I know shayne and have known him for a long time. I think he has been taking deer averaging around 170-180 class off of his cwmu. Shayne is a straight forward guy from what I know. I know if he told you there is a chance of a 180 I would back him up on it. I think a (AKA wholelotta bull) jim hiatt may know him also. May try shooting him a PM and see what he thinks.
monarch

muleymaddness · Mar 9, 2009

It does seem strange for him to want 100% of the cost by August, but I don't know that it'd be that alarming. However, I've spoke with tons of outfitters, and the majority take 50% down and the rest within 30-60 days before the hunt start date.

T264 · Mar 9, 2009

Be careful paying all up front. I booked with an outfitter/landowner in New Mexico this past season and he required payment in full by July, I believe. After payment was received, I guess he decided our hunt was not as important anymore and basically did not fulfill his promises, not even close. It's hard to trust people after an episode like we had. Hold tight to your money, you might be able to find some real bargains with top end- TRUSTWORTHY- outfitters come summertime. JMHO

T264

Packout · Mar 9, 2009

Shane has been around long enough that I wouldn't worry about the early payment. He will treat you well and they will work hard to make your hunt successful and enjoyable. Just know it is a hunt and there are no sure-deals on bucks 175"+, unless you spend $10,000+ on highend hunts. Best of luck on your hunt.

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www.sagebasin.com
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huntinco · Mar 9, 2009

One of my guides guided for Shane in the past and has always said he is a good guy! 100% Payment by Aug is normal, we require 100% by July...

Justin Richins
R&K Hunting Company Inc.
www.thehuntingcompany.com

jorka · Mar 9, 2009

I don't know the guy but I know where the unit is. I had been putting my wife in for that unit for a few years and would do a lot of glassing from the road and had seen 3-4 bucks in the 170-180 range and seen one that was well over 200 inches. So the potential is definitely there.

cowslayer · Mar 9, 2009

Several friends and family members have hunted on Shane's CWMUs. He is a great operator that returns calls and has been very good to work with from a public hunter perspective. I imagine that if he is that good to work with as a public hunter, you are in great hands if you are a paying customer.

CS

"Helping turn good tags, into great ones." - www.vipoptics.com

T264 · Mar 10, 2009

I sure don't mind paying it all up front- as long as the outfitter does his job afterwards. Reputations mean a lot in all aspects of business, and evidently Shane's is a good one. My outfitter came highly reputed by a highly ranking MM guy and it was a bust, so look out. There are good ones out there but you sure have to sift through a bunch of toe-heads to find them.

T264

SaddleSore · Mar 10, 2009

I would second what Packout and cowslayer have said. I have hunted with him once and helped out someone who drew one of his CWMU hunts. He takes care of his clients and runs a very repectable operation. Integrity will not be an issue.

txschicken · Mar 10, 2009

Thanks for the info and only a few days left before a decision must be made. I have a tough decision to make between a $3500 MO hunt with an unlikely chance at a 170 or a $5500 UT hunt with a realistic chance at a 170. Both will be great hunts I am sure.

thebuckstopshere · Mar 11, 2009

LAST EDITED ON Mar-11-09 AT 10:15AM (MST)[p]I guess if guides were regulated by the State of Utah, you could actually put up a down payment and not worry about it?

OMG! How dare I say that.