The author shot this great 184-inch bruiser on his first-ever outfitted hunt to Missouri in 2003. His story appeared in the January 2005 issue. Since then, Kenny has been on numerous outfitted hunts to many parts of North America, and he's learned a few tricks of the trade about how to book a good outfitter.

SELECTING THE RIGHT GUIDE
Trophy deer hunting is the ultimate challenge, and sportsmen spend considerable amounts of money, time and effort pursuing those majestic bones we call antlers. Dreams of that "lifetime buck" often dominate a hunter's thoughts and strategies. For some hunters, though, this dream can be realized only by hunting out-of-state and by using a guide or outfitter.

Even though our economy may be in a slowdown at present, the whitetail outfitting industry has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $7,000 for a quality outfitter and hunt. The old adage "You get what you pay for" applies to trophy deer hunting as well. Sometimes it's possible to get hooked up with a new outfitter who is both eager and willing to put in that extra effort and who is more reasonably priced. But in general terms, three to 10 years' experience is a good minimum to consider. To me, "luck" in trophy hunting occurs when skill, preparation and opportunity meet. Choosing the right outfitter will greatly increase your luck factor.

WHERE TO GO
Where is the best place to seek your dream hunt? The Midwest? Canada? Texas? Perhaps somewhere out West? Your choice might be limited by which weapon you are required to use. Or hunting within high fences or over bait piles may be a deciding factor. In many states, particularly in the Midwest, you'll have to use archery equipment if you are most interested in hunting the rut. If you're hunting outside of the rut, warm weather can really put a damper on gun hunting at times.

Saskatchewan and Texas typically have much higher success rates, but it usually costs more to hunt those places. Don't limit yourself in choosing specific states or provinces. Less-common and "sleeper" regions can be quite productive and most attractive for the traveling hunter. The most popular and common locations might not be the best, as over-hunting is the ultimate and biggest factor in determining your success. Hunting pressure is absolutely the No. 1 issue to assess when comparing outfitters. Remember that high numbers of hunters will equate to lower opportunity and lower success rates. Mature bucks will be fewer and more nocturnal, greatly decreasing the chances of having one walk in front of you.

Since the purpose of this article is to help you in your search for a great outfitter who can give you the best opportunity possible to shoot a real wallhanger, I'll define our goal here as going on a guided or semi-guided hunt that will yield a buck gross-scoring at least in the 130- to 140-B&C range. (This may seem small, but in reality this really is the average size taken in most places, including Texas.) Please take the time to research and heed these seven tips.

Tip No. 1: Searching the Web is easy.
A wealth of information is quickly and readily available on the Internet. Search engines can flood you with many links and Web sites for evaluation. But you must be cautious when viewing "flashy" Web sites that boast nearly unbelievable statistics. This source can provide you a limited view with photos and video clips of only the biggest bucks.

Also beware of fancy lodges, big endorsements and a high volume of hunters. It is more important that you have a successful hunt than to be catered to as if you were in a five-star resort lodge. Small motels with restaurants can produce the best hunts because they are located where the big bucks roam.

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