MY 4 Reasons Why Outfitters Are Good For Hunting

This is my 15th year hunting and had never been to an outfitter, not until April 1, 2012, when I attended turkey camp in Kansas with Abilene Outdoor Adventures. It came about at the annual boat show in St. Louis, MO. In the past, I’d always walk past outfitters’ booths because I figured (like many still do), they were a sham. My ignorance allowed me to resist any outfitter as to not compromise the “purity” of hunting over “pay-to-kill”. Boy, how far from the truth I was! I was humbled and gained new perspective as to what many outfitters are about. A dear friend of mine invited me to this boat show, where we met Dave, co-owner of AOA. We decided to stop and get some information & see what they were all about. They encouraged us to enter our names at no cost for a change to win a turkey hunt. We hesitated at first, but they reassured us they were not trying to sell a gimmick of any sort. I filled out the card, and literally said, “What the heck, I never win anything, anyway”. Let me be clear, had I not won this hunt, I probably would not be writing about this. God had a plan. Besides Dave & the gang being knowledgeable hunters – they are outstanding, down to earth individuals. They did what they said they’d do - gave me a free hunt, set me up on “them birds”, and absolutely gave me no guarantee I’d tag out. I hunted hard for days, long hours in the blind. On the last day, last minutes of the hunt – I bagged a nice jake. The whole experience was fantastic. It was FREE CHASE at its best and not easy at all!! Here’s what I took from this experience (I had lot of time to think during all day sit outs), and I will give you the just of it: 1. There are outdoor lovers, passionate hunters - from parents to professionals, with no spare time to dedicate to their own land or their local public lands in terms of scouting, food plots, etc. Outfitters work hard to do just that, allowing these type of hunters to just forget about “whatever”, and enjoy the moment - which takes me to : 2. Another outfitter that I’ve never hunted with, but through reputable networks know, Tombstone Creek Outfitters/A-1 Archery do a heck of a job with youth hunts. Paul Korn and the team go as far as filming the hunts. Heck, watching some of their videos on YouTube put a knot in my throat. I frequently used the old cliché, “It’s not about the kill, it’s about the hunt”. Now, I take it a step further. It’s about the moment, the long lasting memories created. While in AOA camp, a father-son team arrived. What a sight to see them together, and enjoying it! A second father-son team made their presence for the third year in a row, have never shot a turkey, BUT they proudly share how they love getting away to spend time together. The hunt & kill would be just icing on the cake. Wow! I pray I have that opportunity with my two year old when his is old enough. But It was phenomenal sitting down, talk hunting, hear their stories – which takes me to: 3. The new friendships. The opportunity to meet strangers that love the same thing you do. Indeed, there may be some arrogant hunters, but hey, enjoy the moment. Learning! When I got together with the campers and Dave, it was not only an opportunity for fantastic fellowship, to talk about the day, but to share tips & advice – which takes me my last opinion: 4. How about the first time hunter? How awesome it is to up their chances for success and get hooked for lifetime. What a great opportunity to learn from other hunters and guides. To learn from the experience. This, folks, makes both experienced and novice hunters better hunters. I know it made me. Needless to say, my time with AOA has broken the paradigm I was stuck in as a hunter/outdoorsman. I now look beyond the hunt and see the impact outfitters have on personal growth, fellowship, in the “moments” those children, parents, professionals, even beginners. Just do your homework before booking with an outfitter; they are not all the same. As for AOA, they have in me a friend, a client…, YES, I will use an outfitter again! www.AbileneOutdoorAdventures.com www.Tombstonecreekoutfitting.com