Do-it-yourself or self-guided hunts

Sometimes these reasons are valid, but often they're not. For example, only guided hunters are allowed on the majority of top-quality hunting leases and Indian reservations. Sometimes it's worth the extra money for a guided trip just to be able to hunt the best areas. Also, the best guides usually allow a customers to hunt the way they prefer and to have input in hunting decisions, and you still must be a skillful hunter and a good shot to score on most big game hunts, so you can be justified in taking pride when you take an animal on a guided hunt.

Also, some hunts are difficult to pull off without the equipment and resources that an outfitter or guide can offer. Just to reach the best portions of many ranches, you'll need an ATV, a 4WD truck or horses. Outfitters often have access to several different properties, and so if game seems to be scarce on one lease, they can often move guided hunters to another lease. By contrast, a self-guided hunter typically is limited to one lease, limiting success if unusual weather or another factor has caused most of the animals to move off the property.

We advise most caribou hunters to pay the extra money for a guided hunt simply because you'll be more mobile. In Quebec guided hunters typically take boats each day to different hunting areas, while self-guided hunters must walk from camp. In Alaska guided hunters often have a plane at their disposal, so if the herds aren't nearby, the guide can locate them by air and move though you must wait till the next day to hunt. If the caribou herds move well away from camp, self-guided hunters have a tough time scoring.

Still, sometimes a self-guided hunt is a good idea, especially if you are in good physical condition, have the necessary equipment, and have a high degree of hunting skill.

If you're new at hunting a particular species or a particular type of habitat, usually it's wise to book a guided hunt the first couple of times. Once you feel confident in hunting that animal or that area, you can often do just fine on your own.

At the right are links to articles that every self-guided hunter should read. If you're convinced a self-guided hunt is what you want, please click on the species listed in the navigation box at the left, and you'll find self-guided hunts for some animals, such as mule deer, elk, pronghorn and caribou. Keep in mind that you must hire a guide to hunt some animals, such as grizzlies, goats or sheep in Alaska or any big game animal in most Canadian provinces, especially in the West.