Which would you prefer?

[Snuffer 100s]

Been looking at prices on hunts. As a bow hunter our outlook on a hunt is different than when we gun hunted. It's harder for us to get that kill (on a mature buck) than if we carried a gun. I know some outfitters have special prices on Oct bow hunts but I want to hunt during the rut in South Texas, so the "Cheaper" October hunts is not what I'm looking for. I have been researching outfitters in Texas and there are so many rates out there. Some I have been interested in are as follows.

A. - Refund hunt. This hunt is $2500 up front. If you do not shoot your buck, you get $1000 back. This hunt does include a hog, javi,bobcat,yote etc. It includes lodging and meals and semi guided. Possible doe also.

The other one that I looked at was:

B. - Kill fee hunt. Basically the same as the "A" hunt but you only pay $1500 up front and then $1000 if you kill you buck.

Both of these outfitters are in South Texas and are claiming to produce mature bucks ranging from 120" to 140".

The ? I'm asking myself is would I rather recieve a refund or pay a kill fee? Both ways I woul spend the same money, but would I hold off on a Average buck if I had to pay the kill fee?? If this same buck walks by on the "A" plan would I be willing to let a arrow loose?

I kinda like the refund hunt because I would feel like I got some thing back if I do not harvest a buck.

What do you guys/ gals think???

[TexaswBOWhunter]

I dont think I could make the decision on just the money end of it, wouldn't matter to me if I were paying up front or paying after a harvest if the money is the same!!! I would have to look at each ranch hard and make my mind up as to which one I think I would have the better chance at a good deer, the best time, etc....

[Smart]

six of one.... half a dozen of the other....

[Stan R]

Pick the place your feel best about. Ask for references..

[Snuffer 100s]

That's true! I think I'm just thinking of if I do not harvest a buck, what would be easier to do, get money back or not have to pay more if you do get one. I know it's six of one and half dozen the other. It's not a big deal ethier way, just thinking what would ease my mind more and if a certain package would determine what size buck I would or would not shoot. I think that knowing that if you release a arrow on a average buck is going to cost you more $'s on the kill fee hunt. This might make you hold out for what you really want. I've been tossing it around for a while and was wondering how you guys would see it. Thanks for the input!

[DaveC]

I'd have to think plan B.
Sometimes (in life in General) getting money back isn't as easy as it should be.

I can hear it now "we'll mail you a check".......

I held off on a buck I should have shot once because the "kill fee" was playing on my mind.
In hindsight I should have shot. At the time I was in a dollar spent = ? state of mind.

With that said, thinking about money while trying to enjoy a hunt takes the fun factor down a notch, maybe paying it forward would be the way to go?

[Smart]

I'm pretty black and white......I have $2500 to spend.....if I don't kill a deer I should come home with $1000. If I do kill......I should be happy and the price was as I thought it was going to be.

Given both ranches are equal and going on what Dave C said, I would lean toward paying a kill fee because you control the funds...neither would make me shoot or hold off on a deer any more or less given the same financial end result....

[bowhntrmatt]

I would call some references of the ranch that gives the refund and see how they felt about how the ranch handled their refund. If all is good there, hunt the place you like best, has better deer, better accomodations, or has something else you like that stands out over the other place, because the prices are basically the same.

[RdRdrFan]

If all other factors were the same I'd go with Ranch B. The only reason would be the off chance that Ranch A was to crawfish and say that you had a "shot opportunity" but didn't shoot so they won't give you your $$$ back. It's a long shot that it would happen that way but there are crooks out there. With that said, if Ranch A had a better success rate or better deer then I would say go for Ranch A.

[WyoHunter]

I would choose the ranch with the best opportunity at a good buck. Check references to be sure the outiftter is providing what he advertises. The money would be the least of my concerns.

[xman59]

i would take the kill fee hutn over the refund,, if they got your money you gotta hope there are up right folks and will quickly and easily give it back,, and it might be a check in 6 months or a credit later,, i would prefer to control my money as much as possible,,, what if something happens before the hunt do you get any of it back?