PRICING: Our Fees and Trip Prices

Our Fees
Yes, you can believe it!  Our trip planning and booking services are free to you. 

Much like a travel agency, an outfitter pays a commission as part of their marketing plan. We work closely with the outfitter before, during and after the inspection, to really get to know them, to understand them and what their outfit and operation provide to customers. That way, when you come to us with what you are looking for, we know and understand which outfitters to recommend for you to consider. You can be assured our recommendations to you are not influenced by the commission we receive, as they are pretty much the same from outfitter to outfitter. And, you pay only the outfitter's published trip price. The same trip price you would pay if you booked with the outfitter yourself.  But then you would miss out on all that we do for you. 

So, the choice is yours.

1. Either you research the destinations; make the long distance phone calls to play voice mail and email tag with the various outfitters; identify additional costs; confirm trip costs; fill out all the paperwork; remember to send deposit in time to hold booking; remember to send balance so you don't lose the trip; figure out the details and fill out all the paperwork for getting you, your gear and firearms to the destinations; figure out the details of getting you, your firearm and your trophy home.

2. Or you call us!

Still not convinced?  Read testimonials from satisfied clients.  Then give us a call (888-OC-TROPHY (888-628-7674)) or send us an email and let's get started planning your exciting adventure!
 

Trip Prices
 

Why are there no actual prices on trip pages? (from FAQ)

Why do some trips cost so much? (from FAQ)

General hunting trip pricing trends

Why are there no actual prices on the trip pages?

Specific prices aren’t posted as they are subject to change without notice, which happens often and variably by the outfitters. Most raise their prices by about $50 to 10% every year or two. Specific prices are available upon request, just send us an email or give us a call.  Rest assured prices are confirmed early in the planning process and again prior to booking.
 

Since trip prices don't typically include the same things from outfitter to outfitter (accommodations, meals, 2x1 versus 1x1 guiding, tags, licenses, taxes to name a few), the goal of the posted price ranges is to get you thinking. 

 

Thinking about:

         • what trips really cost

         • what you can afford if you go this year

         • what you could afford if you went next year

         • the accommodations you have to have

         • the accommodations you would like to have

         • the experience you are looking for

         • the trophy you are dreaming of

 

When you talk with us, we'll discuss all those things and more, to really define what you are looking for, need and want in terms of your adventure and your budget.  We'll talk specific prices and specific outfitters, comparing "apples to apples" on the way to finding the right outfitter for you.
[back to Trip Prices]

 

Why do some trips cost so much?

In a nut shell, you are paying for:

guide's expertise

         • hunting

                  · pursuit of quarry

                  · terrain in general and their property in particular

                  · weather’s effect on the game

                  · general location of game and living patterns

                  · reputation and historical success (many record book trophies)

         • fishing

                  · knows where the “honey holes” are

                  · general and specific fish patterns for the destinations unique waters

                  · historically successful presentation styles and techniques

                  · reputation and historical success (many tournament wins)

equipment, well maintained and often top of the line

         • fishing gear, lures

         • boats and motors

         • horses

         • camping gear

         • trucks, ATVs

         • stands and blinds

access, to hunting property the outfitter is intimately familiar with

         • private property, leased property, public land

         • landowner hunting permits or outfitter sponsored hunting permits

         • to consistently scouted remote lands

         • with access trails cut

         • camps set up

         • limited # permits with careful trophy management

         • in-field trophy care

         • transportation of the trophy out of the field

amenities, sometimes the cost includes

         • nicer to upscale accommodations

         • nicer to gourmet meals

         • extra staff to truly pamper you

         • airport pickup/drop off

         • air charters fees

         • trophy fees

         • tags

         • license

         • tax

 

From what we know, most of our outfitters price their trips where they need to be so they can make a living.  For many, their outfitting business is about being lucky enough to live their dream.  They get to do what they love and share their love along with their knowledge and enthusiasm with like-minded folks.
 

That being said, "pricing trips where they need to be" is a complicated matter.  And when you start to think about it, the trip prices make sense.  Not only do the outfitters have to cover expenses while you are there, they work year round to be ready for your time in camp.

 

Consider these examples of direct expenses outfitters incur year round:

• lease costs

• lodging upkeep

• fuel (trucks, ATVs, boat motors, aircraft)

• grain and seed (habitat management (food plots, feeders), baiting)

• labor/staffing (housekeeping, kitchen help, cooks, camp staff, stable help, packers, trackers, scouters, etc.)

• fees (government, credentials, licensing, insurance)

• equipment (trucks, ATVs, tents, horses, weapons, blinds/tree stands, decoys, boats and motors, aircraft, chainsaws, game cameras, etc.)

 

Consider also these intangible costs:

• time spent scouting year round, whether scouting 2,000 acres or 2,000 square miles

• time working the property

• time managing habitat

• keeping abreast of laws, rules and regulations governing their hunting and fishing operation

• looking for and checking out new property

• maintaining relationships with property owners

 

Also consider the difference in what it takes to offer a hunt without lodging and meals included compared to a lodge based hunt, versus a backcountry camp where all the equipment has to be packed in and out prior to every season or hunt, versus wilderness camps where the equipment has to be flown in and back out again.

 

And don't forget about the impact of the fluctuating value of the US dollar on Canadian and international outfitters.
[back to Trip Prices]

General hunting trip pricing trends

For hunting, in general the tougher the terrain, the tougher the quarry, the more remote the hunt area, the more likely to have an opportunity for a trophy and the more experienced the guide, the more expensive the trip is likely to be.  Consider the following, from a general point of view, from generally less to more expensive.

 

Property:

• public, unlimited access

• private, limited number of hunters

• private, managed for habitat and wildlife

• private, pursuit of record book quality trophy

• wilderness

Guiding:

• day trip

• trespass fee (no guiding)

• drop camp (no guiding)

• semi-guided (get you situated, pick you up, sometimes help with trophy care)

• 4 hunters x 1 guide (like for cow elk meat hunt)

• 3 hunters x 1 guide (like some some caribou hunts)

• 2 hunters x 1 guide

• 1 hunters x 1 guide

• 1 hunters x 1 guide, trophy exclusive

Game:

• high population of animals

  - typically more about hunt experience, meat hunt, high opportunity, high success
- typically fewer trophy class animals
- great for first time hunter
- often on property easy to access and terrain easy to traverse
- often suitable for hunters with limited mobility
- think Colorado elk versus Utah elk
- think Maine black bear versus Manitoba black bear
- think Ontario moose versus Alaska-Yukon moose

• habitat and game management

  - often very good opportunity and success
- often good for first time hunter
- often with reason access and terrain
- higher likelihood for trophy class animal
- think Montana and New Mexico for elk

• wilderness

  - "natural" population management due to terrain and climate
- naturally limited hunting pressure/tough to get to, government regulated access
- highest likelihood for trophy class animal for hunter willing to do the work
- air charter cost and possibly trophy fees may be additional or included
- think Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, Alaska

• species characteristics (color phase black bear)

• species rarity (Dall sheep, Stone's sheep)

• overlapping hunting seasons offer opportunity for combination hunts

Lodging and meals:

• no accommodations or meals

• accommodations, no meals

• accommodations and meals, basic

• accommodations and meals, nice

• accommodations and meals, luxury

• accommodations and meals with other activity options

• accommodations may include: hotel, outfitter's home, cabin, lodge, travel trailer, wall tent, spike camp

• meals vary from basic sustenance (think MREs) to simple to gourmet

Additional hunt costs (tags, license, taxes (local, state, federal), air charters, trophy fees, etc.):

• none included

• some included

• all included

Additional costs:

• getting to the destination

• accommodations and meals before/after the hunt

• gratuities

• getting trophy home

[back to Trip Prices]