Survey...Survey...Survey

thunter · Feb 9, 2005

With the price of hunting these days, I am curious how may hunters go on a self-guided hunt opposed to a guided/outfitted hunt.

Self-guided/public&private ground

sandhillhunter · Feb 9, 2005

Self, thank you very much.

searcher · Feb 9, 2005

I have hunted mule deer and antelope in WY since 1997. I have gone on one guided hunt. Am looking at options to do it on my own again this fall

Searcher

Silentstalker · Feb 9, 2005

I have been on one guided hunt for elk and everything else has been do it yourself. I have found that my kills on the hunts I have done myself were more rewarding. There is just something fulfilling about doing everything yourself and having success at it. Have a great day!

Chad

hornaddiction · Feb 9, 2005

I have been an avid big game hunter for 30 years and I can proudly say. " I have never been on a guided hunt in my life"

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with guided hunts but I am just proud to do it on my own!

Horn
www.trophiesonthewall.com

Randy11 · Feb 9, 2005

Haven't gotten to the point to where i need that 330" bull so bad i cant stand it, although i will one day. Still happy going out and chasing raghorns and spikes on my own. Although a little extra cash could change this too

chasendeer · Feb 9, 2005

I've been hunting out of state for about nine years, and whent on my first guided hunt this year for a AZ elk hunt. I would do again if I draw a good tag again.
Talk to you later.
Jay

DonV · Feb 9, 2005

First out west elk hunt was guided, had never even seen an elk. Sucked. Not even close to scoring.

Last 2 times, bow, unguided, public land got 2 bulls.

Do not plan to use guides much, not only for statisfaction but money. Might use outfitter to pack me in, might hire a guide for a great sheep tag.

Good luck in the draws

DonV Ohio

Phantom Hunter · Feb 9, 2005

Do it yourself only--can't afford a guide, and don't really need one.

Phantom Hunter

crextin · Feb 10, 2005

Does hunting w/ my brother who knows every rancher in a 3 county area count as guided?

need2hunt · Feb 10, 2005

Why risk spending several grand on only being able to shoot a rag bull or dinky deer, when you can do it yourself every year and run the risk of harvesting a monster??? Never went on a guided hunt in my life, do it yourself is more rewarding.

Although, if I could afford it, I wouldn't hesitate a trip to the San Carlos to hunt moster bull elk!

Lien2 · Feb 10, 2005

DIY is my preference. Much more rewarding that way!
Swaps are good too if your unfamiliar with an animal or the country. There's lot's of good, friendly, and knowledgable hunters that are willing to help each other out.

Lien2

Ropinfool · Feb 10, 2005

By myself, or with my family.

kingfish · Feb 10, 2005

Self...

Hunter25 · Feb 10, 2005

Do It Yourself,its the only way to go.
What would a kill be without a little sweat and frustration!!

Roadtrip · Feb 10, 2005

Selfguided (have done drop), wilderness.

Cheers, Roadtrip.

Roadtrip · Feb 10, 2005

One More thing

If I ever draw that Utah tag I'll probably hire a guide. Only because It will be my one and only in a premium LE unit.

Cheers
Roadtrip

WIDOW_MAKER · Feb 10, 2005

RE: One More thing

Self

traks · Feb 10, 2005

RE: One More thing

self/Private

PleaseDear · Feb 10, 2005

RE: One More thing

Other than a Mnt. Lion hunt with a guide/hounds.......... all self and on public ground.

polarbear · Feb 10, 2005

RE: One More thing

LAST EDITED ON Feb-11-05 AT 05:25AM (MST)[p]I guess that I am too much of a tightwad to pay somone else to drag me through the woods. I would rather spent a couple of grand on hunting gear than on a guide. I do well on my own on all public land. My only exception would be a polar bear or dall sheep hunt, otherwise it's just me.

Eric

Warren · Feb 10, 2005

RE: One More thing

I've done both and both can be enjoyable. My western hunting is long distance (from Mississippi) so there are times when I want the most out of my trip.

thunter · Feb 12, 2005

Thanks to all who replied...that is very interesting to me...looks like more and more are going to self-guided hunts but they are difficult to find on private land. Most everything private is locked in by an outfitter.

fatrooster · Feb 12, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Feb-12-05 AT 09:08PM (MST)[p]I have always hunted self guided hunts for 30 years from Florida to Nevada and many places in between. I have never gone with an outfitter or guide and don't plan on it. I don't have any wall hangers but I don't want one unless I can get it myself. I don't want to be held by the hand and babied. Just my opinion.
fatrooster.
I forgot to mention that all of my hunts have been on public land.

Hawkk33 · Feb 13, 2005

Been hunting for a couple of years and like many of the others who posted in this thread I prefer to do it myself. I like the one on one challenge of trying to figure out new areas, the movements of whatever animal you are pursuing and if luck meets opportunity you score, if not you have a tag to post on the wall.

coonhound40 · Feb 13, 2005

Definitely DIY, not to take anything away from the folks that use guides. I like the thrill of figuring it out myself and if I am successful knowing I accomplished the task on my own makes the trophy twice as nice.

cmiddleton · Feb 13, 2005

i have never even thought about a guided hunt but if i did it would have to be in alberta or b.c. i'm a poor boy who cant spend that kind of money when i got great hunting here at home.

RACKMASTER · Feb 13, 2005

self! I want to do it when I want and how I want to do it!
I want to eat my own food, and move when I want!
rm

FamilyMan · Feb 14, 2005

All self-guided on public land so far. If I ever get to go to Alaska for moose it will be guided.

Mark

foxtrot4elk · Feb 14, 2005

All self guided,but,... going to Alberta in Nov. for moose & mule deer.Have to have a guide by there laws. We'll see how it goes. foxtrot4elk

shedcrazy · Feb 14, 2005

I know that being guided is very ligit and I dont mean to dog out any man hiring a guide, but for me the love of hunting is exactly that--- hunting. A harvest at the end of a hunt is grand but without the hunt I dont think I would get the thrill that I do. Hring a guide to me is hiring the hunter and I do the shootin.
I know, I know, there is always the guy that dont have the time to scout or hunt or whatever and he does need a guide but not me.
So my answer is self guided all the time every time

Shedcrazy (guide)