As a hunting guide for mule deer and elk hunters for more than 40 years, several things seem to be evident mule deer and elk hunters are committed.
Trophy mule deer and elk are tough animals and hard to find, and for the most part, real trophy mule deer and elk are smarter than most hunters.
Hunting guides come in many different packages, from the highly experienced to the first-timer, who killed that first deer and feels he or she has this guiding program all figured out.
An experienced guide must possess the knowledge of an encyclopedia. One must know the characteristics of the animal he or she seeks. Guides must know tracking, field care of the trophy, field scoring while mastering scents, weather conditions, windage, and being able to read a map and know boundaries. A guide has to understand the state laws and the laws of the area/ranch in which he or she is guiding. Another major aspect is the understanding of clients limitations such as, noise, inexperience and excitement, while being prepared to dress a wound or deal with a heart attack, all while maintaining the physical strength to pack a 300- to-800-pound animal that may fall several miles from the truck.
Working for Colorado Hunting Expeditions, located in Southwest Colorado above McPhee Reservoir outside Dolores, the business specializes in trophy mule deer.
During a normal hunting year, Colorado Hunting Expeditions employs more than 20 hunting guides. Some guides are for elk, some for deer and most for both.
I have never worked with a more devoted crew. We secure the hunting rights to thousands of private acres. Our success ratio for trophy animals is above most.
If one wants to be a hunting guide, especially if interested in guiding for trophy mule deer, and want to be a professional and good at the trade, one must first pay dues. Dues are in the form of training and gaining experience, combined with time in the field. Gaining knowledge and learning people skills. Learning to like working from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m for little pay and accepting the clients gratitude as rewarding. Learning outdoor survival, bullet placement, all types of weaponry and learning the anatomy of the species you seek, and their habits and desires.
My dues have been paid. Ive hunted for more than 50 years. During that time, I was a Hunter Safety instructor in four different states for 30 years. I am the founder/director of the one and only Big Game Hunting School for the Handicapped in the United States. Ive taught outfitters and guides for 25-plus years, and owned several hunting camps and one of the largest sporting goods stores in California.
Many elk, deer, buffalo, bear, antelope, moose, wild hogs, wild turkey, lots of upland game birds, waterfowl and varmints have been harvested by me. My dues are accounted for.
Being a professional hunting guide is like any other profession, training and experience are the key. Anyone can be a hunting guide of some sort, but to be considered a top guide, first pay your dues with training and time.