A question for those who sell trophy hunts

[RutnBuk]

How do you charge your clients? Before the hunt or after. I am interested in selling some hunts but have never done it before so I'm not real sure on how it all goes down. Thanks

[bdog14]

email sent

[huntnguide83]

Depending on how you want to run your operation you can do several things....alot of folks take a deposit going anywhere from $500 to half of the hunt cost. I suggest figuring up an amount that will cover your time and efforts and any associated costs while the hunt takes place and use that for the deposit. Then if the hunter is successful take up the remaining balance. I know alot of STX ranches do half up front to book then the other half 2 weeks prior to the hunt or when you arrive. I personally like the no kill no pay policy with the exception of the deposit...it tends to put hunters or clients at ease knowing the guy is honest and will do what ever he can to put them on a deer, rather than he has "money in the bank" syndrome. Just my $.02 worth.

[RiverRat1]

Depends on a few factors. If under 20 acres get the money up front. Take a larger deposit if pot is legal and you provide it. If behind a high fence it does not matter because anyone behind a high fence is honest. But be leary of crossbow hunters.

[RutnBuk]

Thanks. Thats funny.
PM sent bdog14

[M16]

I don't ask for a deposit and collect the money after the hunt. But if I did it to make a living I'd get a deposit. Most of my hunters are repeat customers so trust is not an issue.

[txdukklr]

Here's my thoughts as a paying hunter.

I'll never pay more then what I think is a fair deposit that covers the minimum amount of costs associated with the hunt. Example paying the guides time to come, fuel, food and whatever incidentals are agreed upon.

I'd pay more once i've hunted with someone in fact if i know people I'll often pre-pay to hold my spots. Generally I want the ability and confidence in the outfitter that he's willing to put the main costs on the line that I'll walk up and be happy with the general lay out. Anyone requiring more then that to me is worried I may not be happy with something.

[gibowhunter]

Im not an outfitter, but have dealt with some.

First, your not going to please everyone, but honest and fair goes along way, also especially good communication.

A meager non refundable deposit at the time of booking, and paid in full 60 days prior to hunt or lose deposit.

A base rate that covers costs and then a kill fee.
I dont like progressive trophy fees, I would like to see a flat fee on mature deer, and ones that are immature I would charge more, give a lower fee for mature deer that would be considered cull.

Example. Trophy hunt. 150 per day, $4000 kill fee 3 day minimum.
$500 deposit.
Kill fee for buck 3.5 and older 8 pt or less $ 1000, any buck less than 3.5 pay the trophy fee.
Give discounts for kids

[Krivoman]

I charge a flat hunt fee. Meaning a 4 day hunt with meals and lodging. Then if and when u kill, it is then basd off the score of the deer. That way u paid a small amount to hunt. Then u choose if you want to shoot the deer. If you do not shoot something, then you know up front what it will cost to hunt.

Shameless plug---- I was 11 for 11 last year.

[Randy]

I do not charge a deposit and I do not require a down payment.

I figure their total at the end of the hunt and I have never had an issue in the 7 years weve been in business.

[txdukklr]

I charge a flat hunt fee. Meaning a 4 day hunt with meals and lodging. Then if and when u kill, it is then basd off the score of the deer. That way u paid a small amount to hunt. Then u choose if you want to shoot the deer. If you do not shoot something, then you know up front what it will cost to hunt.

Shameless plug---- I was 11 for 11 last year.

Yeah but you just shoot little tiny culls all the time

[Chance Love]

I require a 50% deposit to hold your spot, and the other 50% is due when you come through the gate. We sell a hunt, not a guaranteed kill. Deposits are nonrefundable. In the last 6 years I have only had one hunter not get his buck, but it certainly was not from a lack of trying. However, he did learn that he can shoot hogs WWWAAAYYYYYY later in the evening than he thought was possible.

[txdukklr]

I require a 50% deposit to hold your spot, and the other 50% is due when you come through the gate. We sell a hunt, not a guaranteed kill. Deposits are nonrefundable. In the last 6 years I have only had one hunter not get his buck, but it certainly was not from a lack of trying. However, he did learn that he can shoot hogs WWWAAAYYYYYY later in the evening than he thought was possible.

yes but I've heard you also include exceptional taxidermy skills and the things you learn about scent control and bike riding are an added bonus!