Outfitter "Processing Fee"

DoeNob · Jan 18, 2018

A certain outfitter who is highly regarded but should remain nameless for the purposes of this discussion sent out an email yesterday saying all applicants now have to pay a $25-$10 processing fee to apply using their number (depending on species).

They will check the list before the draw and if you didn't pay you get kicked out of the draw.

ON the one hand I understand its a lot of work for long shot draws where they may get zero clients if nobody draws (ibex, oryx, sheep) However if i get drawn, I'm going to end up having to pay them $7k-$10k for their services depending on where and when.

Initially it rubs me the wrong way and I think I will find a new outfitter to apply for sheep, but maybe I'm missing something.

Thoughts?

BigDaddyL · Jan 18, 2018

I hear you and understand your frustration. Let me start by saying I have never used an outfitter, always been pretty much a DIY with help from friends. However, I would think of this issue from a business aspect. If time/work is done by the outfitter with processing applications, I think it is fair to charge a respectable fee.This would cover their time for any unsuccessful applications. However, if the applicant is successful drawing, then the fee could/should be discounted from the outfitting fee ($7-$10k) due for the particular hunt in my opinion.

BUGLEnmIN · Jan 18, 2018

>I hear you and understand your
>frustration. Let me start by
>saying I have never used
>an outfitter, always been pretty
>much a DIY with help
>from friends. However, I would
>think of this issue from
>a business aspect. If
>time/work is done by the
>outfitter with processing applications, I
>think it is fair to
>charge a respectable fee.This would
>cover their time for any
>unsuccessful applications. However, if
>the applicant is successful drawing,
>then the fee could/should be
>discounted from the outfitting fee
>($7-$10k) due for the particular
>hunt in my opinion.

Agreed

Bolt Tripper · Jan 18, 2018

If they need to nickel and dime you for each time you put in then you should probably look elsewhere.

bronco63 · Jan 18, 2018

I received the email also. I responded back to him and his response was he applied 300 applications, and not one person drew a tag. So if the same amount apply through him he'll net $7500 just for his outfit number. That is sure a lot easier than guiding a hunter!!!

nmwapiti · Jan 18, 2018

Time is money. Sounds like a reasonable fee to me.

txgirl300 · Jan 18, 2018

We use Pete Vigil with 505 Outfitters. They have a free application service and my family and friends have harvested multiple animals with them. And most important Pete and his crew are very good people I highly recommend them.

JJhunt · Jan 19, 2018

What work do the outfitters do for the application process? When I fill out my application, at the bottom it asks for an outfitter ID or number.
I assume if i were using an outfitter, I would out their # in and thats it. Am I missing something?
I can see charging a fee if they fill out your application, but if I do it.......

DoeNob · Jan 19, 2018

>What work do the outfitters do
>for the application process? When
>I fill out my application,
>at the bottom it asks
>for an outfitter ID or
>number.
>I assume if i were using
>an outfitter, I would out
>their # in and thats
>it. Am I missing something?
>
>I can see charging a fee
>if they fill out your
>application, but if I do
>it.......

They send a form email to all their clients, you fill it out and send it back, I guess they receive and file it...

Lonewolf22 · Jan 19, 2018

+1 on 505 outfitters. No problems ever the times I hunted with them.

nwhunter · Jan 20, 2018

It takes more than just putting in with the outfitter number. If you don't have a signed contract it is illegal to apply in the outfitter pool and the state can come after you trust me I know. The last few years they have basically done an audit of apps in the outfitter pool and verified that applicants had a signed contract and if you didn't you got charged with unlawfully applying for a hunt and mandatory court appearance. The cases I know of were thrown out but it still cost a bunch of money it court and attorney fees and the state got nothing out of it.

NMWapiti33 · Jan 21, 2018

Like previously said....time is money. However, if you are prepared to drop $7-10K just for their services, how is $10-25 dollars even something to complain about?!