How to get the most from your guide

Your guide’s reputation and job depends on your satisfaction so he is going to try his hardest to please you but history shows they work extra hard for hunters they like. The following is a list of little things a guide appreciates.

1. Be very careful with his equipment because it often takes weeks to replace anything broken or torn.

2. Axes are a very important part of a guide’s equipment and a razor sharp axe is a source of pride. On a rainy day or unplanned overnight it can make the difference between a pleasant experience and a nightmare so don’t borrow it.

3. When you see something that needs to be done ask if you can help. This frees your guide to glass for game or do something else so that you get an earlier start.

4. Noon tea fires are a time for relaxing (the animals are) so bring a few stories to tell. Good humor is always appreciated and so is the ability to sit quietly and enjoy the beauty. Napping is allowed.

5. After a stop to glass the mountains try to refrain from asking if the guide sees anything. If he has he will tell you. We hear this phrase often and it has sparked a few strange responses.

6. HORSE SENSE. When riding hang your day pack on the saddle horn to counter the rifles weight. This keeps the saddle riding square,-easier on you and the horse. Horses don’t like going down hill so get off and lead them. When riding up hill, grab a good hold of the mane so your weight stays forward. Never leave a horse unattended with your rifle in the scabbard as it may lay down and cause the rifle to shoot around corners. A switch applied to the rump doesn’t hurt the horse but tells him you want to stay closer to the guide.

7. A tip is a sign of appreciation. It does help some guides if given after each trophy is taken. 10 % of the hunt value is perfect.

8. Recognize he is a professional and has been hired to make your hunt successful and enjoyable even if he is young. He has the benefit of his past experience as well as my 30 years of guiding in the area. Nothing sours a guide on you faster than you telling him how to hunt. He may ask your opinion. Consider this an honor.

9. RELAX!! Most of our best trophies are taken by people who have a laid back attitude who come to enjoy themselves and any animal taken is a bonus.

10. When you shoot a trophy expect to give the guide a day off so he can cape and salt your trophy. Moose and big bear can require even more time as there is a lot of work to prepare these animals. The Yukon law now reads that the horns are the last to be taken to camp, that is after all meat is brought in.

11. Our guides are in top physical condition so it helps if you are also. The better shape you are in the more you will enjoy the hunt plus it can make for a more successful hunt. Climbing hills is the best as they strengthen your ankles but stairs will do. The more you climb each day the better off you will be.

12. GUN SAFETY. Two rules. NEVER let your rifle point at a person and NEVER have a shell in the chamber until ready to shoot. Your guide has the right to cancel the hunt over these two safety rules