I usually guide for Jack Achetson of Worldwide Safaris. Sort of like a fill-in for ranchers who do not have the time nor inclination to guide antelope, elk, or mule deer hunters. I get a daily rate, per diem, and milage from Jack. Tip is from the client.

Worst client 50-50: a 50-ish age guy who is weighing 50 lbs. too much. Then he shows me his brand new un-worn boots and new Weatherby rifle. Usually turns out to be a Dentist from New Jersey or Car Dealer from Ohio or someplace like that. These guys can't get started early and complain about weather a lot. Some are lousy shots.

Best client: no excess pounds and has well fitted and broken in boots. His rifle appears used but not abused. He doesn't whine about the weather; keeps saying how beautiful the country appears. This hunter is a decent or above average rifle shot.
TR

Counting as one of the "over 50", squared, and having used guides exclusively for the last dozen or so years, let me give my point of view on the matter.

I show up with broken-in boots, the rifle felt best suited to the game to be hunted and a nodding acquaintence with the country and hunting conditions. Bring my own tack, which has been well broken in to fit my buns quite comfortably (never did find an outfitter that had gear that could fit me).

I'm an early starter - so much so that I've been known to roust the guide out of bed in the morning! Cooking, cleaning and general camp chores are shared unless the outfitter/guide lays back and just watches. At that point, I wander off and find other things to do.

Having seen innumeral game animals taken, I don't have to see something fall dead to have a good hunt. The comradarie, country, campfire and joy of just being out hunting have their own rewards.

Don't treat me like a tenderfoot, don't patronize and don't go lazy on me. Treat me like a friend and I'll respond, likewise.

I did not mean to step on anyone's toes. My age is pretty close 50 but I won't state whether under or over.

Fact is that guides have to put up with an occaisonal bad client. By occaisonal I mean to say about 1 in 10 or so. But a guide could get three bad ones in a row then 25 good ones. No specific math to this 1 in 10 figure I used.

Vast majority of hunters I meet are middle-class guys who save up for their western hunt for mule deer, elk, or 'lopes. You might say they have invested in this experiance. They're serious about hunting but thoroughly enjoy the time away from job and chores. Most hunters I've met have been good clients and this is true.

I apologize if I've suggested that many clents are 50-50 as described earlier.
TR

I'm sure you get all kinds... LOL... tell us some funny stories!

FAVORITE CLIENT: Years ago, I was assigned to guide a strong looking man in his late 30's. He is a HVAC contractor in Arkansas and his first antelope hunt. Double tags and 3 day hunt. I picked him up at the Rapid City Airport and drove him to a remote ranch west of Camp Crook on the Montana side. The rancher had leased two small camping trailers for our base camp. We each had our own trailer, small but comfortable due to good heaters and good beds.

This guy uncases his rifle and its a Remington auto-loader in 30-06 but no scope. Plain factory sights. He told me he had perfect vision and doesn't need a scope. I had my doubts but didn't say so other than to offer him a chance to check his sights by shooting a target. He lay flat on the ground and fired two quick shots at 150 yards. The bullets impacted right on center about 4 inches apart. I changed my mind about this guy right there on the spot.

We hunted by climbing a butte and glassing the open prairies for big bucks. It was a very cold and windy day and the goats were down in draws and lee sides of anything to break the wind. Tough conditions where you have to watch each other for frostbite. But this guy did not complain a bit. Said it was the most amazing country he'd ever seen.

To make a long story short, we located a herd and stalked to get within range. First on hands and knees but finally slithering like snakes the last 150 yards or so. Something spooked the herd and they trotted broadside to us the way they often do just before getting up to full speed. The client quietly asks me which one to shoot and I told him the last one in line was the herd buck. ka-POW and the buck just falls over, then the herd turns and runs right towards us. Looked like we would be run over! He shoots again and the lead doe performs a little somersault. No kidding.

It was 198 long strides to the buck and one hole right through the chest. The second bullet hit the doe in the white throat patch and destroyed the neck. Very good shooting with factors of excitement and very cold wind. The buck was not a B & C animal but a good trophy with thick bases, exceptionally good prongs, and height above skull about 14.5 inches as I recall.

He insisted on dressing out his animals and it was obvious he knew what he was doing. He watched me cape the buck and I coached him on the doe because he really wanted to learn.

His hunt was over but next day we explored several square miles of the ranch on 4 wheelers and hiked along the Little Missouri. Weather improved suddenly like it does and the last day temp. soared to mid 60's. I really took a liking to this outstanding rifle shot with the southern accent.

Couple years later, I guided for him again on an elk hunt Jack arranged in the Bighorns of Wyoming. Same rifle and same good shooting.

Here are the top factors that make a good client: 1) prepared to hunt, that means fitness and equipment is ready. Don't forget your RX medications if you need them!
2) shooting ability, that means a hunter should be able to hit an empty gallon sized paint can at 200 yards every time from field positions.
3) attitude, this means simply being friendly and cheerful
4) lawful, this means shooting your own animal and obeying the state laws.
TR

I don't suppose you've got a pic of that antelope buck you could share with us do you?? He sound's like a nice one.

Walter30-06:cool:

Them times, they are a changing'. Twenty years ago, most hunters from the flats came in alot more prepared than they do today. I'd say a majority of the pilgrims I've seen can't shoot near as well as their predecessors. But by and large the worst problem is MENTAL attitude. They're alot softer and very little intestinal fortitude. Antelope hunts are easiest, elk hunts ALOT tougher, with sheep hunts making elk hunts look like huntin' bunnies. Not many ready for the tough go. Work hard for two days and get 'em a 75 yard broadside shot, then have' em miss. Start all over again...it starts getting to ya...

I know what you mean about marksmanship. I cringe when I see a brand new magnum rifle. I prefer hunters who bring out their worn .270 or .308 because I know they can shoot.
TR