Getting Hold of CA Guides

[EMSFlyer]

I don't know all y'all's experience in getting a hold of CA hunting guides, but I'm just very surprised at the lack of response from some. From my previous post and reading other threads regarding recommended guides, I made a list of "preferred" guides from everyone's input and set out calling each one to get some info. It's very exciting to read everyone's recommendations about their favorite guides, then a BIG let down when the guide doesn't return your calls--yes, CALLS (plural).

I want to set up a mid/late spring hunt for my wife and I, so it's a guaranteed booking for two. I guess some of the guides don't need the additional business. Anyway, I'm very thankful to those few who did return my call(s) and we'll be making a decision soon. I guess my wife and I should be thankful we only have a handful of guides to consider.

Hopefully I'll have a story and pics to post in a couple months!!!

 

[Speckmisser]

EPS...

Vote with your wallet, amigo. If they can't be bothered to call you back, you can't be bothered to spend your money on them. Simple as that...

That said, most of the guides I've dealt with over the years could generally benefit by paying some minimum wage person to manage calls and appointments for them. Might be an interesting line of business, now that I think about it... outsourcing the front office responsibilities for guides and outfitters...

People gnerally seem to take up guiding because they don't enjoy the "city life" and associated hassles. That includes telephones and email. I can see where that's a catch-22 when it comes to getting new business, though.

 

[wyemjohnson]

I had the same experience, the calls didn't get returned for several weeks. Just took them a long time. Our hunt starts this afternnon for the next 2 days. Will post in an outfitter review later this week.

 

[easymoney]

Many guides are just plain booked up and don't need new clients. They tend to be the better guides hence the the reason why the are always booked solid. They have repeat customers and don't seek out new ones.
One thing to keep in mind is are they really licenced guides or someone out to make a quick buck. Especially as the price for hunting feral non native species like pigs has soared. Be careful and check with DFG for a list of truely lic guides.

 

[Wild1]

Just my

I've had the same experience. I'm sure there are very good, conscientious guides out there that are also good businessmen - but that has not been my experience. My experience(s) have been no phone calls returned, no e-mails returned (if they even have an e-mail), and no operational website. Again, this has just been my experience.....maybe good at guiding, but lousy at being a businessman. If they are not looking for any more clients they should, at the very least, be courteous and return a phone call or an e-mail. Whatever the case may be, the market will even it all out natually. My experience(s) have been so negative that I just hunt without a guide.......business must be really good.

 

[lxtrail]

Flyer you should look into Bryson resort, i am heading over there in abouta month, Deddy she is top notch and has responded multiple times every time more helpful than before, it over near paso robles so not a bad drive from tehachapi here is the web site http://brysonresort.com
good luck and ill let you know how me and my brother do

 

[lxtrail]

Flyer you should look into Bryson resort, I am heading over there in about a month, Deedy she is top notch and has responded multiple times every time more helpful than before, its over near paso robles so not a bad drive from tehachapi here is the web site http://brysonresort.com
good luck and ill let you know how me and my brother do

 

[EMSFlyer]

Thanks for your input guys! It helps to know I'm not alone in this, but I'm really very surprised how some of these guide services are run. I understand that most are solo operations, but full-up with clients or not every call deserves a call back, if to just say they're not taking any more clients for the year--as one hunt operation does on their website. I for one would appreciate the acknowledgement and not permanently scratch them off my candidates list. If you're gonna take up the responsibility of a business, then you need to be professional about it and be attentive to your customer base. Maybe I'm just old fashioned, but ignore the public/calls long enough, and it just might bite you in the ass in the future.

Taking Speck's advice, I'm definitely voting with my wallet. As a matter of fact, I just booked our hunt in May with a guide who sounds like somebody who's still having fun guiding--should be a GREAT time! If my wife and I do our job we should have a few pounds of "the other white meat" in our freezer in May. Stay tuned for our story and pics!!!

 

[bigtusker]

I can't comment for any others but when I get a message from a potential client on a Friday, and I have a hunt that weekend or am at the ranch all weekend, there is very limited cell coverage and I may not get the message until I get into town on Monday. I will however return the call as soon as possible even if I am booked up. I also try to keep my website updated whenever I fill up and that cut's down on a lot of calls.

 

[richardoutwest]

Nothing kills a guide service faster than bad service! Word of mouth makes or breaks a guide or an outfitter. Bigtusker is right about the fact that the guide or outfitter may be on a hunt, I have been on hunts for almost three weeks but you still need someone that can screen your calls and e-mail when you are away, even if it is to say "sorry we are not able to take your call or e-mail at this time, I will be in touch with you on_____" Then make sure you do what you say! I find it hard to excuse a bad excuse! The right guide will take the time to contact you, after all you are his future!

 

[Flatbroke]

who did you book with?

 

[EMSFlyer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (bigtusker @ Mar 12 2007, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I can't comment for any others but when I get a message from a potential client on a Friday, and I have a hunt that weekend or am at the ranch all weekend, there is very limited cell coverage and I may not get the message until I get into town on Monday. I will however return the call as soon as possible even if I am booked up. I also try to keep my website updated whenever I fill up and that cut's down on a lot of calls.[/b]

BT, it seems you are one of the few outfitters who are attentive to the public--I wish all were like you. I can understand and appreciate that a guide/outfitter being out of phone coverage in the field during hunts, but not hearing from them after a week or more, specially after a couple of calls, is not a good reflection on the outfit. BT, when I finally take up archery hunting, I will keep you in mind for sure!

And Flatbroke, I'm pleased to say we booked with Frank at Mustang Guide service. I narrowed our selection to 3 guides who all seemed good, but he came up on top due to: price, schedule, personality, and high recommendations from lots of JHO members.

Should be lots of fun!!!

 

[Flatbroke]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

And Flatbroke, I'm pleased to say we booked with Frank at Mustang Guide service. I narrowed our selection to 3 guides who all seemed good, but he came up on top due to: price, schedule, personality, and high recommendations from lots of JHO members.[/b]

I am looking forward to seeing the pictures.

 

[SDHNTR]

You booked with the best. Have fun.