Most Favorite/Memorable Guided Hunt

GoHigher · May 31, 2018

While we all wait anxiously for the hunts to draw near, I wanted to start a post asking MM members to share their favorite or most memorable guided hunt. The reason being, I am stuck with lots of points in UT and NV, but probably still 5-10 years from drawing anything worth writing home about. I am pushing 40 and finally have enough money in the bank to plan a guided hunt. As I ponder and study up on options, I wanted to get real feedback from you guys and gals on your guided hunts.

Hunts that most interest me are: black bear, mule deer, & bison.

Locations that interest me are: western states, including AK and Canada.

Budget up to $5000, but am interested in the best value for the dollar as well.

I am looking forward to your feedback! Thanks!

muleycrazytwo · May 31, 2018

It would require drawing a Wyoming Sheep tag but my hunt with Meade Dominick of 7D outfitting was my favorite! High country horseback 20+ miles in September is pretty special!

JB48 · May 31, 2018

I drew a late season bull tag in Nevada with 14 points.I am DIY guy. All my helpers fell through. Asked wife she said get a guide. I have had some very crazy DIY hunts. Bull Ridge was full up, a friend had hunted with Triple H. I hired Triple H worked lots of OT to pay trip off before I went. Hunted hard and killed a big bull. It was a fun memorable trip. JB

AfricanAddiction · May 31, 2018

With a 5k budget I would highly consider a Black Bear hunt with Bonnet Plume Outfitters. Chris McKinnon. They do other species as well but this would fit your goal and price. They are in Canada.

5k for a guided Mule Deer hunt is tough if you want a 180" or bigger buck and have to buy a tag. If you draw, should not be a problem if a top end unit in Utah. There are definitely other options and costs and I don't know if size is a factor for you.

Not sure how you would pull off Bison unless on a ranch.

I have been lucky and hunted all over the west, AK, Canada, New Zealand and Africa. They are all unique and special in there own way.

I play the points game right now all over the west but my heart is in Africa. Don't get me wrong I still hunt the lower 48 but Africa is my passion.

Mule Deer hunting is pretty dang special and hard to beat but I love moose hunting as well. Elk and Antelope are top notch as well. Hard to pick a species.

Happy to share any experiences, just to many to focus on one.

littlebighorn · May 31, 2018

I've only been on guided hunts for sheep but all of them were amazing.
But as mentioned above, your 5 K won't get you a guided sheep hunt. And from what I know, a quality guided hunt from your list eliminates all but bear.
I've heard of lots of really good black bear hunts for that price, but I'm not the one to direct you, but best of luck in booking something good.

muley75 · Jun 1, 2018

With 5k there is are tons of options to look into for Bear, Coues deer, Whitetail, Bison, Aoudad (free range). Shoot me a pm or give me a call at 435-491-0069. FYI I'm not a booking agent, just like to hunt and get tired of point creep. Just too much demand for the amount of resources the state of Utah can provide.
Scott

BeDawg · Jun 2, 2018

Focus on the trip not the size of the animal. That being said do a wilderness backcountry adventure. Not a lodge hunt on private ground.

EVILNR · Jun 2, 2018

West TX. border country for Aoudad. Marfa/Presidio.

30Hart · Jun 2, 2018

I can do a wild free range cow bison hunt as recognized by Boone and Crockett, guaranteed tags within your budget. Next openings 2020. Shoot me a PM if interested, thanks.

jims · Jun 3, 2018

I have actually never done a guided hunt. I tend to get a lot more satisfaction out of researching, scouting, and doing it all on my own. My favorite/memorable trips have been hunting sheep and mtn goats. Those tags are so difficult to draw plus the fact that they live in such incredible places...making them super special. I'm fortunate to have a relative in Alaska so my "guide" has been my relative. We've shared amazing experiences in some breath-taking locations!

If it were me, I'd save your hard earned cash and do your own research, scouting, and hunting. It may take more time to do it on your own but there is nothing like the feeling of harvesting fantastic animals knowing you did it all yourself! Use the cash left over to buy hunting equipment or go on other great trips! Most of my favorite and memorable experiences have actually taken place while scouting. It's exciting bringing a camera and camcorder along on these trips to record some of the exciting events, animals, and scenery. Harvesting an animal was just icing on the cake!

AfricanAddiction · Jun 3, 2018

Jims, I agree with your comments but at the same time it requires time to do what you say. I don't have it and won't have it for this purpose so I have chosen to go on some guided hunts and have done plenty of DIY as well. I have never regretted a DIY hunt but I also have not regretted the guided trips as well.

A proper DIY needs time. If you don't have it go guided.

Some tags require a guide especially in AK if you don't have a qualifying family member who resides there.

BeDawg · Jun 3, 2018

I agree with Jims. My most memorable experiences have all been non guided. Been on 2 guided hunts and couldn't stand the mandatory hand holding experience.