For an avid hunter, a guided hunting trip, through a place like THE HUNTING GROUNDS, might be the ultimate vacation. However, choosing a hunting package and planning the trip can be more complicated than planning an average beach vacation. There are a lot of things to think about, including where you want to hunt, how to find an affordable hunting package, how to pack and prepare, and more. Take a look at some important tips that can help you put together a guided hunting trip that you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Where to Go

The first thing that you need to consider when planning a guided hunting trip is where you want to go, and one good way to decide that is by determining what it is that you want to hunt.

For example, if you want to hunt antelope, you may want to consider looking for hunting packages in Wyoming. If you're interested in hunting turkey or alligator, Florida might be the right choice for you. If you want to hunt Caribou, consider Alaska or Canada. Nevada and Montana are good choices for deer.

How to Afford Your Hunt

Of course, your personal preferences may not be the only thing that you need to consider – price is a factor as well, and it's important to choose a package that suits your budget. Conventional wisdom says that you get what you pay for, so it's best to invest in the best hunting package that you can afford. However, there are some things you can look for that will help you get a better trip for a lower price.

You may try looking for hunts in areas that have recently opened up after being closed by the state game department – the opportunities for hunting are likely to be very good in these areas because they haven't been hunted in a while, and prices are set low at first to attract new customers to the new area. If you have a flexible schedule, you might be able to find great deals by picking up another hunter's cancellation. Hunts in areas that are particularly physically challenging are often less expensive, so if you're up to the challenge, take advantage of both the lower cost and the increased excitement of a more difficult hunt.

Remember when considering cost that you should also keep hidden or extra costs in mind. Clarify early on what is and isn't included in the price, so that you're not surprised later on. Remember that hunting guides depend on tips to supplement their income, and a typical tip is around ten percent of the hunting price. That means $500 on a $5000 trip – not an insignificant amount, so be prepared.

Preparation and Packing

If you're going to be hunting in a way that you normally don't – for example, if you usually hunt with a rifle, but are planning a bow hunting trip – spend some time practicing in the weeks leading up to your trip. You'll get more out of the experience if you aren't trying to refresh your memory on the basics during the trip. If you'll be traveling by air, make sure that your bow or rifle case is airline approved, and be sure to pack extra ammunition, bow tuning tools, extra string, and other accessories that you'll need.

It's very important to ensure that you have the proper hunting and licensing information, and it's your responsibility to contact the local government agencies in the area to find out the requirements for non-residents. Make sure that you've paid all of the proper fees by the correct deadlines.

Ask your outfitter which type of camouflage you need for your trip, and make sure that you purchase any new clothes and shoes and break them in well in advance of your trip. You don't want to be dealing with blisters or rashes from new boots or fabrics that haven't been washed and worn yet while you're on a guided hunt.

You can avoid a lot of problems and have a more enjoyable hunt by communicating with your outfitter ahead of time. Don't hesitate to ask lots of questions before and after you book your trip. The more you know about what to expect, the better you'll be able to prepare.

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