How to Identify A Quality Guided Hunt

Guided Hunt in Wisconsin

As the air starts to become crisp and the leaves change, you might find yourself having a hard time focusing on your normal day-to-day responsibilities. At Edenwood Ranch and Preserve, we know that there’s two words for that kind of lack of focus: Hunting Fever!

Whether you’re just starting to plan your first guided hunting experience or you’re a seasoned hunter looking for that one specific animal – perhaps a massive bull elk or that legendary 30-point buck – you want a place that offers more than just a trophy harvest. You want a quality hunt. Today we’re going to talk about how to identify a quality guided hunt so that you can be confident you’re getting the complete hunting experience when you book your next adventure.

Get Solid References

Any guide worth his/her salt should be able to provide you with plenty of references. Get somewhere between 10-20 and take the time to call each one. Make sure at least half of those references are repeat clients. Some questions to consider asking each reference include:

What was the best part of the hunt?
What was the worst part of the hunt?
How would you do it differently?
What age/ability hunter are you and how easily were you able to handle the hunt?
What kinds of preparations helped you enjoy this hunt?

Edenwood offers some of the very best guided private hunting Wisconsin has to offer with several expert guides. Each of them would be happy to answer any questions you have as well as provide a list of references. You can also visit our website to learn more about all the custom options we offer.

Know Thyself

One element that won’t change – no matter how good the guide – is YOU. Be sure you are honest with yourself about what you are bringing to the table as a hunter. Youshould know several key things about your skill level so that you can accurately gauge what kind of hunt is the best fit for you. This means knowing the answers to the following questions:

How consistent is your shot at 100yds? 200yds? 300yds?
How often do you train?
How do you train?
How in shape are you?
How well do you know your gear?

The more honest you are with yourself in answering these questions, the more likely you are to enjoy your hunt.

Also, if you don’t currently have a tried and true training program, think about asking the guide you are considering how he/she trains. Their answer will give you yet another way to assess if they are the right fit for your next adventure.

Realistic Expectations

Half of the thrill in this sport is the fact that every hunt takes a rare combination of luck, nature and skill. This is true no matter if your hunt is booked in Alaska, Timbuktu, or at Edenwood’s guided hunting trip Wisconsin resort! That being said, a huge part of enjoying your guided hunt is having realistic expectations.

Realistic expectations from the guide. The right guide or service ought to be able to give you some idea of what to expect on the expedition. Whether it be an estimate on herd numbers or statistics on past hunts (shot opportunities, not filled tags), they should have concrete details that will inform you about your chances for a successful hunting trip.
Realistic expectations from yourself. Any seasoned hunter will tell you that, even on a guided hunt, there’s still a chance you may come home empty-handed. The best way to guarantee you still have a quality hunting experience no matter what is to have a good attitude. Do what you can to prepare for success but also remind yourself that this trip is about more than the trophy.

Red Flags

Our list wouldn’t be complete without a list of red flags. Here are some things that should make you want to run in the opposite direction:

All of the guides references are from 10+ years ago
Guide guarantees a harvest
Inexperienced guide
No on-site location to sight in your rifles or get some target practice in
Lodging and/or meals are not well prepared or cared for

Reading online reviews can also help weed out some of the less desirable hunts and/or guides. Ultimately, if you want to be sure the place you’re considering is “the real deal,” don’t feel shy about asking for a trusted friend who lives nearby to stop in for a tour. Or, if it’s not too far away, make a weekend of it and go yourself.

It’s Not too Late to Book for the 2020-21 Hunting Season

At Edenwood, we offer 5-star accommodations, meals, transportation, and more at our private hunting Wisconsin resort. We’re not all talk, either. We’ve got the references to prove that you won’t regret your decision to hunt with us. It’s not too late to book your end of the season trip – get on the phone today!

Call (920) 574-4641 today to speak with a guided hunt specialist