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<blockquote data-quote="RobStar" data-source="post: 1265297" data-attributes="member: 75045"><p>Hi Tex,</p><p></p><p>I've done a wide range of guided, DIY, private land and public land hunts for elk, mule deer and antelope the last four years. Some of the guides and facilities were world class and at least one was quite disappointing. Most have been excellent hunts and experiences.</p><p></p><p>This was my first season with a primary focus aspiring to shoot at longer distances. I had five tags altogether. I made sure during my first call with the outfitters/guides that they knew my focus was making challenging shots in the reasonable conditions and that I know and would honor my limits. For the most part that worked out really well for me and them and all the outfitters CLAIMED to have LRH experience and encouraged it when appropriate.</p><p></p><p>For Wyoming I booked a two trophy antelope hunt with a very large outfitter operation on his private land leases and the owner was very responsive to my LRH interests. The reality was that the "experienced" guide I was assigned to had no idea or familiarity with anything long range or with modern equipment used by today's hunters, much less hunters aspiring to shoot long range. It was as if he started guiding 20 years ago and had hunted in a bubble, completely disconnected from the sport/industry. Basically he just wanted to road hunt which has it's time and place but my hunt wasn't it. I killed one nice antelope buck the first day and decided to change guides the next day to hunt with the guide my friends had. What a difference an enthusiastic and knowledgeable long range friendly guide makes. My second antelope wasn't a big trophy but it sure was a great challenge and exactly what I was looking for.</p><p></p><p>The point of my story is that if I'm requesting and emphasizing my aspirations to take an animal at longer ranges to the outfitter and guide, I expected my guide to at least be somewhat up to date, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about it. That was after all what I was paying for.</p><p></p><p>I'm not a super wealthy guy, but I do spend a considerable amount on some of my hunts; as much as $12k for a private ranch elk during the rut. That's a lot of loot in my world but I value the access, quality guiding, meat, quality animals and overall experience enough to make it happen. The two antelope hunt above was around $4000 or so and probably the worse money I've ever spent on a hunt.</p><p></p><p>To answer your question about a "Shooting station", that would not be of interest to me. I've worked my butt off studying, practicing, refining loads, working out 3x a week for improved fitness, taking LR classes and doing everything I can to become competent; that includes a lot of positional practice to be able to shoot well from whatever terrain and situation that presents itself. That's part of the challenge and experience I WANT TO HAVE and what I'm willing to pay for.</p><p></p><p>That's my story, experience and point of view as it relates to what I think were some of your questions.</p><p></p><p>Let me know if you have any questions or need clarification.</p><p></p><p>Best of luck!</p><p></p><p>~Robert</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="RobStar, post: 1265297, member: 75045"] Hi Tex, I've done a wide range of guided, DIY, private land and public land hunts for elk, mule deer and antelope the last four years. Some of the guides and facilities were world class and at least one was quite disappointing. Most have been excellent hunts and experiences. This was my first season with a primary focus aspiring to shoot at longer distances. I had five tags altogether. I made sure during my first call with the outfitters/guides that they knew my focus was making challenging shots in the reasonable conditions and that I know and would honor my limits. For the most part that worked out really well for me and them and all the outfitters CLAIMED to have LRH experience and encouraged it when appropriate. For Wyoming I booked a two trophy antelope hunt with a very large outfitter operation on his private land leases and the owner was very responsive to my LRH interests. The reality was that the "experienced" guide I was assigned to had no idea or familiarity with anything long range or with modern equipment used by today's hunters, much less hunters aspiring to shoot long range. It was as if he started guiding 20 years ago and had hunted in a bubble, completely disconnected from the sport/industry. Basically he just wanted to road hunt which has it's time and place but my hunt wasn't it. I killed one nice antelope buck the first day and decided to change guides the next day to hunt with the guide my friends had. What a difference an enthusiastic and knowledgeable long range friendly guide makes. My second antelope wasn't a big trophy but it sure was a great challenge and exactly what I was looking for. The point of my story is that if I'm requesting and emphasizing my aspirations to take an animal at longer ranges to the outfitter and guide, I expected my guide to at least be somewhat up to date, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about it. That was after all what I was paying for. I'm not a super wealthy guy, but I do spend a considerable amount on some of my hunts; as much as $12k for a private ranch elk during the rut. That's a lot of loot in my world but I value the access, quality guiding, meat, quality animals and overall experience enough to make it happen. The two antelope hunt above was around $4000 or so and probably the worse money I've ever spent on a hunt. To answer your question about a "Shooting station", that would not be of interest to me. I've worked my butt off studying, practicing, refining loads, working out 3x a week for improved fitness, taking LR classes and doing everything I can to become competent; that includes a lot of positional practice to be able to shoot well from whatever terrain and situation that presents itself. That's part of the challenge and experience I WANT TO HAVE and what I'm willing to pay for. That's my story, experience and point of view as it relates to what I think were some of your questions. Let me know if you have any questions or need clarification. Best of luck! ~Robert [/QUOTE]
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