5) Field judging is critical.
One of hardest things about your outfitted trophy whitetail hunt will be assessing the size of the bucks you are seeing and hunting. Let's face it: You may have very limited mental images and recordings in your brain because you haven't hunted in trophy areas most of your life. It's very tough when the adrenaline is pumping and your eyes seem to be on 3X just like your scope. But be careful and discerning in your field judging and you will be much happier on the trip home.

6) Dress for the occasion.
Whether it's raining, snowing or just plain cold, you must be comfortable and prepared. You need not spend a fortune purchasing a closet full of new clothes, but you do need to be dressed for the occasion. A plethora of great brands and price ranges are available in adequate hunting clothing. Rainy weather requires waterproof clothing, and cold weather requires more clothes. Know your needs and be prepared.

7) Win the mental game.
Successful trophy hunting always requires above-average mental stamina and endurance. Persistence is all-important! Get plenty of rest at night and have the right attitude when you're in the woods hunting. Paying for an outfitted hunt puts a great amount of anxiety and pressure on you. Make sure you get your money's worth. Relax, have fun, be patient and enjoy your dream hunt!

8) Don't pass on the first "great" buck you see.
If you see a great buck on the first day, shoot him! Don't wait for a bigger one just because you have plenty of hunting time remaining or you'll live to regret it! And don't pass on a buck that you would shoot in the last hour before going home. Some guys in camp may brag about the caliber of buck they are going to "hold out" for, but don't listen to them. They'll probably be the ones shooting a penalty buck at the last minute!

9) Make the shot.
Waiting for a better shot or simply not paying attention can cost you a trophy deer. I know one old fellow who rested his gun across the tree stand seat while he stood and ate a sandwich. A 150-class buck walked right under the tree, totally taking the hunter by surprise. He was able to pick up his gun and follow the buck through the scope until the deer stopped broadside at 40 yards. Then the hunter missed!

BOOKING AN OUTFITTER
12 Key Questions To Ask
1) What is the total acreage available for hunting?
2) How many hunters per year are taken?
3) How many hunters per week are booked?
4) What is the average B&C gross score of harvested bucks?
5) What is the opportunity rate on trophy deer?
6) What is the success rate on big bucks?
7) What are the reasons hunters go home without filling a tag?
8) What is a typical hunting day like?
9) What kind of accommodations and meals are provided?
10) What are the additional and total hunt costs?
11) When can the most rut activity be expected?
12) What dates are typically the most productive?
Use these 12 key questions with every prospective outfitter and reference. Take notes and document any areas of concern. Also add several questions of your own to the list. You'll notice trends very quickly that will shorten the learning curve. The answers to these questions should match reasonably between the outfitter and references from hunters who have hunted with him. Beware if there are strong inconsistencies between the outfitter and hunters! Courtesy of Kenny Myers.

You may get two or three opportunities at a nice buck on your hunt if you are lucky, but most likely you will have only one split-second chance at best. Make it count!

10) Don't guide the guide.
Don't tell the guide what to do or try to micro-manage his job. He knows the property and deer much better than you do. Outfitters cannot afford to hire incompetent guides, so listen to what your guide tells you. If the guide sets you up on a small fencerow or an old hay barn that seems to be the worst location ever, just hunt it.

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