How to decide what guide service to use.

[crackerman]

So I am still happy from my Big Horn Canyon experience last month but want to try a real wild pig expereience now. (Really jonesing for a deer trip but after looking at prices its at least a year, probably 2 away).

My question is how to decide on which guide to use. My mental guideline is about $500, but adding a $100 or so more is not out of the question( not counting tips processing etc, I know that is more). The problem is I don't know anyone else who hunts in CA, I am somewhat of a newbie even though I have wanted to hunt for years I am just now realizing the dream.

SO does anyone have any recent suggestions or how do I pick a good guide and not just blow money?

 

[palladin]

Here's how I picked my turkey guide. It's not pigs but the process is similar. I'm also a new hunter.

I'm a member of NWTF. I saw a listing for turkey guide named Diane in their newsletter.
I called her, but she was booked. She recommended someone in the same area.

I did the research on the guide and after satisfying myself on price and recommendations I went with him. I got a turkey and had a great time.

You should also see who is being recommended on this site for possible leads. I guarantee if the
guys here are dissatisfied with a guide they will mention it. Conversely, if they have a good experience they will pile on the kudos.

 

[crackerman]

Here's how I picked my turkey guide. It's not pigs but the process is similar. I'm also a new hunter.

I'm a member of NWTF. I saw a listing for turkey guide named Diane in their newsletter.
I called her, but she was booked. She recommended someone in the same area.

That is a damn good idea and thanks.

On a side note do you follow NWTF on facebook? I do and won a Garmin GPS from them, who would have thought that facebook had positive virtues!

 

[k-thug]

Crackerman are you looking for a guide or just a private land type oppurtunity?

 

[palladin]

That is a damn good idea and thanks.

On a side note do you follow NWTF on facebook? I do and won a Garmin GPS from them, who would have thought that facebook had positive virtues!

No, I don't use Facebook or twitter. I learned my lesson on Usenet. :smiley-mouse:

 

[crackerman]

Crackerman are you looking for a guide or just a private land type oppurtunity?

THug,
Kinda either one. I figure a guide would be the better idea first since I don't exactly know what to look for if I go out. Sure I can read what sign is and see pictures, but I figure part of hiring a guide is pestering the hell out of them with questions about what we are looking for and why. I am bummed I only got on this about 4 weeks before the JHO Tejon thing. I would have loved to been able to clear my schedule to make it.
Got any ideas?

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

Crackerman,
Picking a guide can be a time consuming process to say the least. Personally, I have hunted with NUMEROUS guides over the years and found some out some valuable lessons along the way. Try to do your homework before you book your hunt. I have had great guides and guides who have not been so great. Once I found a few guides that were very consistent on getting guys on hogs, I stayed with those guys. Most hunters want to come home with pork if they are paying someone to guide them. I know of a few guides who guarantee a 100 yard shot or less on a hog. It’s up to you, if you connect or not. PM me if interested and I will forward the information to you. They are around your price range and in Central California.

HH714

 

[Deleted member 33033]

So you're looking for a spot & stalk guide and not a hound hunt? The further north you go, the better your odds of scoring. Redding is overrun in the spring but by now those pigs will be hitting the hills as the snow melts.

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

So you're looking for a spot & stalk guide and not a hound hunt? The further north you go, the better your odds of scoring. Redding is overrun in the spring but by now those pigs will be hitting the hills as the snow melts.

I can't really speak for Redding, since I hunt about a 100 miles to the south, but it Has been a GREAT year in the general area. We got a ton of rain this year and that has really improved the hog hunting. The grass is super tall and the rattlers are out. Personally, my season is over till october, when I will start up again. Give the ranch a little break.

 

[mattador96]

I have hunted with 4 different guides at this point and would recommend only 2. The 2 that I would recommend are Alfred Luis of Central Coast Outfitters and Andrew Twisselman of Carrisa Plains Outfitters. Alfred Luis is on the coast in Santa Barbara County. Andrew is in central california .

 

[mattador96]

Choose your guide carefully, it can be a very costly mistake. PLease post your experience in detail.

 

[palladin]

Crackerman,

The California DFG (not sure it applies to your area) has a listing of licensed guides under
the Hunting Directory of their web site that can be handy. It helps to verify the guide is licensed and in good standing with DFG.

Again, not sure if you're going to be hunting in the PRK or not.

 

[crackerman]

Palidan,
I do plan to check that the guide is still legal per the list, just like you should always do with a contractor prior to work. I am looking for a CA guide and have gotten some great leads here (thanks guys) but am still looking and budgeting.

 

[Scott Fisher]

I know of two diffrent guides that are really great people. I've hunted with both several times. The method that worked for me was to call guides and talk with them. You can tell a lot about a person by talking on the phone with them. After 15 min or so I can tell if a person is b.s.ing me or not. If you want you can email me and depending on what kind of hunt your looking for I can give you some numbers. My email is scottfnsc@aol.com. The second method that worked good for me was getting a reference from other hunters that have used a guide before. Both guides I know will get you a pig 100%.

Scott Fisher

 

[crackerman]

I want to thank every one who gave me idea and leads I will probably wind a booking my second hunt down the road with some of you suggestions but for my first one I am going to Native Hunt. They are honoring a very competitive price so I am lucking out. I will post a review when I get back and look forward to the next JHO pig o rama.