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. See many more horse handling tips below.

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

Horse Handling

Here are a few guidelines to follow which will benefit both you and the horse. Please remember these and when you arrive in camp your guide or wrangler will more than likely review them again, and answer any questions.

• The most important of all guidelines is to keep only the toe of your boot in the stirrup. DO NOT STICK YOUR BOOT ALL THE WAY IN!!!! If you fall off the horse this means you will be free and clear of the horse and will not be dragged!
• Always keep the saddle centered. You can use the mane as a reference. You will have to lean hard on the high side to compensate. You may have to hold the saddle horn and throw your weight. This is very important as it will keep a horse from getting a wither sore which means the horse can not be used anymore.
• Do not yell or scream if the horse acts up. This will only excite the horse and make things worse. Can talk loudly in a firm voice and the guide or wrangler will help.
• Horses are social animals and do not like being left behind or alone. If you have to stop for a bathroom break let someone know so they can make sure the horses don’t get to excited.
• Always watch the blankets in front of the saddle. If they start to disappear let someone know so they can fix the saddle.
• Do not put anything of value in saddle bags as they can get wet and be hit against trees on thick trails and even fall out.
• When the guide stops to glass, hop off and give the horse a break.
• To mount up again get on from the high side and look for a rock or stump to help.
• On all steep downhills your guide will get you to walk, as this is very hard on a horse. Even some steep uphills you will be asked to walk. Take this as a good time to stretch your legs and give you a little exercise.
• If your legs, hips or knees start to get sore, hop off and walk. This is the easiest way to keep from getting sore. If you watch the guide he will walk often and when he walks the trail should be dry so easier walking. But when you walk you must try and keep up with the string or your horse will get excited from being left behind and when you try and mount up it will be difficult.
• Sometimes the horse will rub against a tree so watch carefully and if you see a tree that might hit your leg use the hand on that side to push yourself away from the tree when you get close to it.
• If there is a low hanging tree across the trail steer around it as the horse may try to go under it.
• When moving camp with pack horses its important to keep all the horse caught up. This insures the guide will hear the person in the back yell for help if he needs to repack a pack horse or resaddle. To encourage the horses forward, a light wistle or hiss works or a simple “ GET UP THERE” will work.

With these tips will make you horse riding experience a lot safer and enjoyable. The horse we use are very friendly and gentle. We put you on a horse that likes to follow so there should be little work for you.