When you’re planning a hunting trip to an area you’re unfamiliar with or are going after big game, an outfitter can provide some much needed know-how and essential equipment. Which is great, for some of us. For the rest, we’d rather rely on our own skills and judgement, make the investment in hunt-specific equipment and put in the work to make the hunting experience our own.

The price of hunting with an outfitter is high – often reaching easily over the $5,000 mark. If the cost alone doesn’t put you off using a hunt outfitter, the lack of independence might. For some, the thrill of the hunt is exploring the terrain, self-reliance and pitting your wits against those of some of mother nature’s cleverest critters.

Some outfitters offer a sort of half-way house that many hunters find to be a fair compromise between the help they need and the freedom they crave – the drop camp. An outfitter offering this service will usually guide you and your party to an existing camp, leave you there to do as you like and stop back to check on you and top up your supplies as needed during the week. He’ll also haul away your gear and meat once the hunt is done.