If you are an avid waterfowl hunter, you probably have gone on a guided duck hunting trip. Going on one of these expeditions offers an incredible experience for anyone in the family. If you are more of a lone hunter and have not experienced one of these hunts, then you may find some concern in finding a quality outfitter that can meet or exceed expectations.

What to Expect on Guided Duck Hunts

A lot of the time, what you pay for is what you get. If you book a cheaper duck hunt, the chances are that it is not going to be of the same quality as a more expensive guide. However, this does not mean you need to purchase the costliest option. Usually, your mindset determines the overall experience. It would help if you went into a hunt with realistic expectations, meaning, not expecting to return home with a large bag.

Additionally, since the prime duck hunting season in Missouri takes place in the winter- between November and the end of January- the weather most likely is not ideal. It is best to go into the guided hunt with an open mind. It is all about the experience.

Finding an Outfitter That Does Not Misrepresent Their Hunts

If experience and adventure outweigh coming home with a large bag, then you want to look for an honest outfitter in Missouri that emphasizes your priorities. This can be tricky since there are a lot of outfitters that try to oversell and get more customers. The following are some steps to take to get a genuine outfitter for your next duck hunting journey.

Research About Duck Hunting

Before finding an honest outfitter, you should first understand the environment of duck hunting. Whether you are a first-timer or an experienced duck hunter, it is never a bad thing to look up all the essential information.

Consider looking up when and where you want to go duck hunting in Missouri. There are two prime seasons for duck hunting, as well as goose hunting. This is due in large part to the migration when the birds fly to the south for warmer weather. One hunting season takes place between September and October, and the other season is between November and January.

You should also refresh your knowledge on where you can go duck hunting and at what times. The state of Missouri has some restrictions on the times for safety reasons. Missouri also has dedicated refuges areas where hunters are prohibited from waterfowl hunting.

Finally, look up the items needed for one of these hunts. It would help if you understood how to call, where to place decoys, and how to shoot accurately. Knowing some basic knowledge can better your search for a good outfitter.

Research Guided Duck Hunts

For hunts in the Missouri area, the most accessible place to locate a quality outfitter is on the internet. Several websites help you discover the perfect waterfowl hunting guide. However, beware of false advertising and misinformation. It is easy for outfitters to use exaggerated photos of hunts to win over more customers. With enough research, you can spot out these fabricated hero and old photos as well as cheery picked recommendations.

• Ask Questions

After discovering an outfitter, do not be afraid of asking questions. This is how you can get the most out of your research. Ask about their priorities, their years in service, and, if it is essential to you, how many ducks can customers come home within their bags and what are their averages, keeping in mind that every day is different and so are everyone’s shooting skills.

• Warning Signs That the Outfitter Is Dishonest

While doing research, the outfitter may pressure you into purchasing before you are comfortable. This should call to your attention that they do not care about customers' comfort, which is most likely going to lead to a bad experience. They may also try to overemphasize the number of ducks they get at the end of the day, showing they show more care for their product than customer experience.

• Make Sure the Outfitter Follows Missouri Law

There are numerous laws on hunting in the state that differ from others like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. So, if you notice the outfitter fails to appease the law on waterfowl, then you should take your business elsewhere.

Final Point

Hunting in Missouri has many benefits. There is an extraordinary amount of ducks and geese during the winter migration- making for a great experience. However, a waterfowl outfitter can make or break your waterfowl pursuit. With enough research, you can locate an honest outfitter that provides quality experiences for its customers.