"You don't need a guide to be successful here in Michigan. All you have to do is get out there and get away from the people (including most guides) that drive the road and look for elk to shoot at."
Big Game, you hit the nail on the head. I drew a permit in 01" and was successful by doing my own homework. I found that their are two types of elk guides here in MI, one that will take the hunter out in the woods and HUNT an elk and the other kind of guide that will drive the two tracks until they see one for you to shoot.
I was constantly reminded by one guide that if I didn't hire him I probably wouldn't get an elk. He kept quoting statistics to me about the guys who hired guides and the ones who didn't and their lack of success. Funny thing, we stayed at the same hotel outside of Gaylord that this "guide" stayed at and we compared notes each night. We actually saw more elk than him!!! And like I said, I took one and I believe his clients were skunked.
Now don't get me wrong, there are some very good guides out their. Matter of fact, I talked to one father and son team that were more helpful to me than anyone else and I didn't even hire them!
If you are fortunate enough to draw a tag and have to hire a guide, ask a lot of questions and ask for references. Heck, ask people on this forum!
Big Game, you hit the nail on the head. I drew a permit in 01" and was successful by doing my own homework. I found that their are two types of elk guides here in MI, one that will take the hunter out in the woods and HUNT an elk and the other kind of guide that will drive the two tracks until they see one for you to shoot.
I was constantly reminded by one guide that if I didn't hire him I probably wouldn't get an elk. He kept quoting statistics to me about the guys who hired guides and the ones who didn't and their lack of success. Funny thing, we stayed at the same hotel outside of Gaylord that this "guide" stayed at and we compared notes each night. We actually saw more elk than him!!! And like I said, I took one and I believe his clients were skunked.
Now don't get me wrong, there are some very good guides out their. Matter of fact, I talked to one father and son team that were more helpful to me than anyone else and I didn't even hire them!
If you are fortunate enough to draw a tag and have to hire a guide, ask a lot of questions and ask for references. Heck, ask people on this forum!
