Anyone use booking agencies for booking hunts?

[bullmoose38]

Never tried it. Is it worth it?

[huntquest]

I think speaking directly to the outfitter is better than going through a third party!

[farmcntry]

Wouldn't a booking agent just be another fee?

[bullmoose38]

Originally Posted by farmcntry

Wouldn't a booking agent just be another fee?

I know..... But I been burnt in the past!

[huntquest]

Originally Posted by bullmoose38

I know..... But I been burnt in the past!

I have had two different booking agents contact me over the past couple of years. Both wanted me to let them book hunts for me for a fee. They then both asked me if I would give them a free hunt so that they could avaluate my outfitting business. I told them that I couldnt afford to do that but I could give them a discounted hunt. After I told them I couldnt give them a free hunt I never heard from them again.

The best thing to do is call the outfitter as many times as you need to with questions. If an outfitter is not willing to talk to you over and over again then I would be wary! Then the next thing to do is check their references, both successful & unsuccessful. If an outfitters only wants to give you their successsful clients as references then I would be a little wary too!

I am not saying that booking agents are bad but I have been very successful booking my own hunts. I have also been very successful having my hunters show up as clients and leaving as friends!

Hope this helps!

[TEmbry]

Most booking agencies charge the outfitter their fee, not the hunter. This means it costs the hunter nothing, just insures they are most likely booking with a reputable outfitter.

Either way call up as many references as possible.

[nchunter54]

I have used three different consultants over the years

Russ Walker http://www.bullseyeoutfitters.com/

Wade Derby http://www.crosshairconsulting.com/

John Andre http://www.shoshonewilderness.com/

I have had great success with them and would not have a problem using them again. No booking fee charged to the hunter.

Don