Headin West Hunt Consultants What do you get for your money?

[Indian Summer]

Phone calls and emails have been keeping me fairly busy since launching the new business. The obvious question that comes up in every call or email is: What is included with the DIY packages?

My first answer is everything. From the directions on how to drive there to where and how to hunt your area.

Once I receive your contract I start to prepare you hunt package. But I realize hunters are chomping at the bit to see where they will be going. So I send an email with the location of the area and the camp site so that you can dig in and have a look at online tops and Google Earth. That will quench your thirst until your hunt plan arrives. At that point I am also there to help with hunting license applications.

You will receive the topo maps or maps that encompass the hunting area which are yours to keep. I have to order those so it takes a bit for them to arrive. Then I will mark them. The plans vary in detail depending on the one we have decided best fits your goals and abilities. The map will show you where to set camp. If you aren't camped at a water source it will show you one or more of those. It will be marked with hunting routes, often along a series of benches and ridges. It will show the optimum locations to get up high and locate elk by glassing if it is conducive to that particular area and your style of hunting. And yes, it will include the good stuff such as likely areas to find bedding zones, wallows and feeding areas. The heavier game trails will be marked as well. And... a few of my better, more detailed plans where I have spent extensive time will even have the X on the spot where it's just a matter of time until there are elk standing in that exact location.

I also include a written set of directions on what to expect. Thoughts on how to approach the area and locate elk. Some pointers on what not to do or places to avoid. Also... a plan B. I have to take into consideration the number of hunters in each party. Also.. what will happen is by chance you wound an animal and have to stomp the entire area looking for it and after that need to hunt in another direction. In some cases an option for a bit of a relocation. In a nutshell I do my best to cover all the bases.

I also include some other logistics. A gear list. Local services such as hotels, meat processors, taxidermists, etc. Where to rent riding and pack horses if you want them. I even have a few friends in some areas who have agreed to rent wall tents and wood stoves if needed. Of course those are in limited supply so first come first served. Also a place for my clients to ship gear in advance if they plan to fly. The bottom line is I give you an all inclusive plan that I would and have used myself which means start to finish.

Things I can't provide: Your ability to make decisions when out there. Perfect wind direction. Suicidal elk. Good shot placement. The physical ability and self motivation to get out there every day like you need to regardless of where you are hunting. Your success ultimately depends on you and your partners!

Elk hunting is never easy. But location is the foundation to any successful hunt. That is the main thing you get for your hard earned dollar.

One more thing: In some conversations the idea of field support has come up. I also mark places on the map where you can get a cell signal if one is available. If there is and I am not hunting or have one myself wherever I may be, my clients can call or send texts letting me know what is going on and asking any questions that may come up during the course of actual hunting. One thing I can guarantee you is that I truly want my hunters to be satisfied and hopefully successful and that I do everything humanly possible to ensure that.

So whether you are considering booking with an outfitter, or want to hunt elk on your own, have a look at my website and contact me if you are interested or have any questions. You'll like what you hear. I've had a few 2 hour phone calls this week and it makes me laugh to hear guys say "Wow, I really appreciate you taking so much time to talk to me and I apologize for keeping you on the phone so long!" No apologies needed. It's what I do!

If you are interest in an outfitted hunt I can surely help you with that too. I only book for a couple of them. They are people I personally know. I have guided for them. I know their areas, I have friends who are still guiding for them. There's no need to call references but you can if you want to. Of course you can go on their websites and contact them directly as well. When it comes to booking a guided hunt I'm more than just a middle man or booking agent.

Keep in mind guys and gals... the deadline for Wyoming license applications is right around the corner on January 31st. I have some great options there that fit different calibers of hunters.

Best of luck to everyone wherever your travels take you!

Joe Ferraro
Headin' West Hunting Consultants
http://www.headinwest.net

Wyoming scenery.jpg (83.46 KiB) Viewed 5531 times

[ctdad]

I looked at your website and thought to myself "what is he offering here?" Since you've gotten so many emails and calls this week asking the same thing, maybe you should put some of this info on the website as well. Just a friendly comment, not trying to tell you how to run your business.

[Indian Summer]

The DIY page says: "Setting up clients with a hunt location and strategy based on a wide variety of goals and physical abilities"

Maybe a bit general but sums it up. I don't mind at all talking to people on the phone. I think it builds trust and confidence.

Now that you mention it though... maybe I will bug John and add some text. John... hello????

[rowdycwby1]

I'm with Ctdad a frequently asked questions page would be helpful to most people. just my two cents. Sounds like you have a really good operation set up there congrats on your new venture !

[ctdad]

I have attention deficit disorder when looking at a website. I'd recommend any website that is selling something get to the point immediately and make it obvious. Faq is a great idea. It cuts through the paragraph wordiness and tells me if I'm even interested in what is for sale. Once I'm interested, I circle back to the details in paragraph form.

[ctdad]

Yesterday I heard my gym was doing a training workout for a Spartan race. I had no idea what a Spartan race even was so I googled it and went to their website. It told me all sorts of things except what a Spartan race is. That website does have faq too but it is a joke. I spent two minutes on this and moved on. I'm not going to the workout or signing up for the race. I'm not sure I would have even if the website was helpful but I'll never know. Just an example from how my mind works online

[Trophyhill]

nice job Indian Summer. not all people using the service will be as physically fit or experienced or dedicated as others so tailoring a scouting package to ones needs is important. once it gets off the ground it should do well. good luck!

[Indian Summer]

Hopefully it doesn't get too far off the ground Trophyhill. The plan is to keep it small. Quality not quantity!

[Trophyhill]

Hopefully it doesn't get too far off the ground Trophyhill. The plan is to keep it small. Quality not quantity!

yeah then you'll still have time to hunt