I’ve heard and witnessed several people’s cases, including my own, that have been chewed-up and spit out when it came to experiencing the apparent fine dining, comfy accommodations and of course, off-the-charts hunting at an outfitter that promised it all. With a few dozen stories, a couple firsthand experiences, and the utterly miserable times spent, here’s a thing or two to consider before booking your next hunting adventure!

Research

I cannot describe how important it is to do your research! Just like anything else in the world, whether it’s prior to a test or your next job interview, you must take a nibble before you decide if it’s appetizing. When you find an outfitter, be sure to ask him for at least six references. At least ask for three successful hunters and three unsuccessful hunters’ phone or email addresses. I usually go through about ten clients before making my decision.

You shouldn’t feel awkward or sense that you’re asking for too much ‘pertinent’ information. This is your hunt; this is your right and, most of all, your hard-earned money. Be sure to speak with each client and ask questions that may concern you.

Going Online

It’s not a proven fact by any stretch of the imagination, but a subtle clue I’ve used to make choices about which outfitters are legit and which ones are iffy. Looking at the outfitter’s website. These days, websites are extremely important in marketing yourself and, the fact is, they’re only going to get even more crucial. I believe a website speaks in volume. It declares what type of personality the outfitter has, how professional their business is and details that information within the photo gallery of harvest shots and live trail camera pictures.

Usually websites that are well structured, error free and have a great sense of appeal dictate a percentage of whether or not I decide to keep it in mind.

Make The Call

Lastly, the most important aspect of scheduling a hunt is actually talking to the outfitter and feeling him out. If he sounds enthused, willing to send information, pictures, and a list of past hunter references, he’s probably a great candidate. It’s crucial that you ask questions, make comments and arrangements prior to your hunt dates. The more you plan, the better. Often times, I will make calls a year in advance to assure a reservation, feel the outfitter out and give it another year as a prospect to see what was shot, missed and photographed.

Selecting a good outfitter doesn’t always have to be trial and error, but sometimes being foolproof can be impossible. If you do decide to invest in an outfitted hunt, it is your job to do your diligence.

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1. Watch the Weather The weather majorly impacts your ability to creep into bow killing distance of a bedded animal. Defeating the whitetail’s keen sense of hearing is extremely difficult, near impossible. That is why it’s critical to hunt cornfields when it’s windy, rainy, or snowing. The wind acts as a mask to reduce your sound of approach. The fluttering and rustling leaves are on your side. Light drizzling rain will help soak the sound of your approach. A dry snow will also help dampen the sound of your stalk and help hide your movements. A steady snowfall acts as a slight camouflage that helps hide your stalking.

2. Use a Topo Map Even in cornfields or stretches of ag, deer will often times bed on the highest point of terrain. Whether it’s along a wooded finger that stretches into the corn or a high spot in the field, be sure to focus on these locations.

3. Seeing is Believing There are thousands of endless cornrows that stretch hundreds of acres from woodlot to woodlot. This makes spotting deer a very difficult task. Always remember to carry a high-quality set of binoculars. This will greatly increase your odds of pinpointing specific parts of the animal, such as a tail, leg, or ear. Deer bed parallel to the rows of corn, so hunters must be aware of positioning themselves accordingly. I’ve found using a small bucket truly a charm. Bringing a bucket will give you a slight height advantage to peer through several rows ahead. The combination of a bucket, binoculars, and a patient pace will aid in your advantage.

4. The Corn Stalk This is where mastering the art of stalking comes into play. Always hunt a cornfield with the wind blowing parallel to the rows. You never want to hunt a cornfield when the winds is drifting your scent across the rows because deer will smell you coming before you even see them. Start at the beginning of the field and walk across the rows on the field’s downwind side. Moving crosswind, slowly peek into each row and look both ways. Continue this slow and steady rate until you reach the other side of the field. Once you reach the side edge, move twenty yards up and cut across the rows again. You will continue this process until you spot a deer. If you happen to catch a glimpse and have a clear shot, take it immediately before it bolts. If not, carefully back up and sneak toward the animal until you have a clear shot. Time is always on your side, be sure to use it. Hunting within the confinements of a cornfield with a bow is a strategy to try when the woodland isn’t producing. Deer are often caught off guard because they rarely spot hunters sneaking up on them in a cornfield setting. Corn stalking will give you a new challenge to the incredible art of hunting.

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