Guides with Guns

R

Rapscallion Vermilion

New member
I was wondering what everyone's take is on the Guides with Guns phenomenon. Have you hunted with a guide that carried a gun and shot his limit, maybe "helped" some of the other guys shoot theirs? Is this a common thing? We had a guide until this year. He dropped us because we complained about how many birds he shot.
 
My take would be that guides are there to do just that "Guide". I certainly would not want them shooting my birds for me. I think a guide should only be shooting if he/she has okayed it with the group of hunters they are guiding.

Maybe some of the guides on this site can offer their opinion and what is standard practice at various hunting lodges and preserves.
 
Rapscallion Vermilion said:
I was wondering what everyone's take is on the Guides with Guns phenomenon. Have you hunted with a guide that carried a gun and shot his limit, maybe "helped" some of the other guys shoot theirs? Is this a common thing? We had a guide until this year. He dropped us because we complained about how many birds he shot.
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HE dropped YOU? Dont let the door kick you where where its white! I dont see any reason for a guide to be dropping birds unless he/she needs the food at home
 
UplandHntr said:
HE dropped YOU?
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In short, yes. We put up with a couple of birds in the past because the land access was great and honestly we didn't really know what the norm was, but last year was over the top. We said we didn't want a repeat, hoping to turn things around, and that was pretty much the end of it.
 
I would not keep paying a guide that shot his own limit with us. If I am paying for your service I expect your full attention. I did use a guide for a diver duck hut on Lake MI. The only time they used there gun was for cripples. That I was ok with. Now if they would have set an extra layout boat and hunted next to us it would have been a different story.
 
IMO, it is the option of the client. My first expereince hunting with guides was that they shot birds but then they were just hunting with us on my land and I didn't pay them anything. I think for some guides it can be part of their compensation and if they really love hunting it is part of the enjoyment. Really up to client and/or up toe terms of guide and rate.
 
Rapscallion Vermilion said:
I was wondering what everyone's take is on the Guides with Guns phenomenon. Have you hunted with a guide that carried a gun and shot his limit, maybe "helped" some of the other guys shoot theirs? Is this a common thing? We had a guide until this year. He dropped us because we complained about how many birds he shot.
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I guide on a ranch in South Dakota. I do carry a gun if the client does not mind and I shoot my limit of birds "not all of the time though". First off it is my job to ensure that they get their birds first or at least get shots at birds and have a very enjoyable hunt. I always put the client first and try to put them in the best position for them to get birds wether it be walking or posting.

In the past, yes I have seen guides that shoot shoot shoot and then shoot some more birds just to try to obtain the limit so the party fills. South Dakota law states that you are only suppose to shoot your 3 birds. Party Hunting as most call it is illegal. Does anyone follow that law? In my opinion no.

Yes I have seen clients that have had bad experiences with guides that love to shoot everyones elses birds, and guess what those clients usually dont come back.
 
Loch,

Are you the same guy that was Lochness on pheasant country? If so, I'm Chad, one of the KS boys that hunted w/ you in Clark county.
 
Loch said:
I am!

Nice to hear from you Chad. I think I showed u pretty enjoyable hunt.
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Enjoyable hunt indeed! It was a bit warm, but there isn't much you can do about that. I'm glad I have the opportunity now to tell you thanks. The price was very reasonable and we were certainly satisfied with the outing. I also appreciated your being courteous enough to entertain my 4/yo while my buddy and I walked. He is truly a pheasant junkie now at 7/yo and the SD trip had much to do with it. He wouldn't let me go to ND last year without him. I truly hope to make it back to SD in the future, just couldn't afford it this year. Thanks again. If any potential clients ask you for a reference, just send em' my way.

BTW, are you looking for a plant engineer for your facility?
 
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Entertaining your 4 yo was my pleaseure. I am very happy he was able to be out there with us to enjoy and great hunt. I still have the pics of him u and your buddy holding all of the pheasants, that was a great day of hunting. I am sure glad he has become a pheasant junky.

Wish I was looking for a engineer but not right now.
 
I can't imagine using a guide for pheasants don't see the need nor the want but if I did I'd be fine with them having a gun and even using it on shots that I couldn't take for whatever reason. If they knocked down birds that I had a chance to shoot I'd be a little pissed. If they wanted to shoot some birds after I limited it out all the better its just more time in the field and more chance to watch good dog work.
 
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