Guided Hunts

Guided hunts originated in the late XIX century, as affluent hunters from the more civilized regions such as London New York began to explore remote and wilder areas from Scotland and Canada to the American West, Africa and India. In an unfamiliar area, however, even a legend needs help of a person with local knowledge, both to take the hunter across the terrain, and to explain unique behaviors of local species. Today, many states and provinces require non-resident hunter to be accompanied by a licensed guide by law. Some types of hunting, that involve dogs, other animals, or sophisticated specialized equipment, naturally include the services of a guide. The duties of a guide may include the journey to the area where the hunt takes place, arranging lodging and catering, entertainment and maintaining group cohesion and good mood, especially during backcountry wilderness trips, and many other things. But the essential part of the modern guided hunt is assistance in the actual pursuit of the animal or bird: depending on the hunt, the guide sets blinds and decoys, uses calls, decides on the best route of the approach during a spot-and-stalk hunt, estimates the trophy size, and helps with packing out the trophy. Guided hunts cost more than DIY hunts, but offer numerous advantages in return, including but not limited to higher success rates, additional benefits such as the use of specific equipment, outfitter or landowner tags, and an opportunity to learn new skills and tricks. This makes guided hunts the perfect choice for both an inexperienced hunter, and for an old-timer who has little experience with a given species or location.