Dreaming of a destination big-game hunt? Some tips for planning a successful trip

Many hunters dream of hunts far out of state for game foreign to their own stomping grounds. These are wonderful experiences, chances to see new parts of the world, learn more about hunting and meet fellow sportsmen.

But whether you're planning that trip of a lifetime on an outfitted hunt or scheming a do-it-yourself adventure, significant planning is necessary to not only be successful in your pursuit but also just to get there in one piece.

While certainly many others have traveled more often and farther than me, I've lived my share of DIY and guided deals across the country. Here are some of my suggestions if your daydreams are materializing into realities far from home.

Start applying for preference points now

Preference points are necessary to land limited permits for western and northeastern big-game hunting. For some species, it'll require years of accumulated points before a successful permit is drawn. I keep a notebook to track application dates and stockpile necessary points that will skip me to the head of the line when I'm ready to embark on a journey. Most applications require a small fee, but it's a minor investment when needing to pull a coveted permit.

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Be honest about your budget

The sticker shock and financial realities of outfitted affairs are the biggest barriers to entry here, but if you evaluate the costs of conducting and hosting successful hunts, there is typically tremendous value. What surprises people on most any destination hunt are the "other" costs. Non-resident hunting licenses. Travel expenses. New gear. Shipping trophies. Airport bar tabs. Some are variable or can be split with friends while others can't, but be cognizant when setting your budget.

Be honest about your time

I enjoy distant turkey and waterfowl hunts because they’re typically three-day affairs, and over that period, routinely successful. In general, though, big-game hunts require more dedication. Shy of trophy-rich locales like south Texas, I wouldn’t spend less than four days on a hunt for a mature whitetail, and no less than a week for elk, or you’ll short-change your opportunity for success, with or without a guide.

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Research outfitters

Don't be afraid of seeking opinions about outfitters. It's daunting to PayPal a deposit to a stranger for a hunt in an alien land, so perform your due diligence. Also, outfitters can be absolutely allergic to returning phone calls and emails. If you get one on the phone, have all of your questions prepared. Once you book, you might not talk to the fellow again until baggage claim.

Transportation concerns

Flying with firearms is straightforward, if you follow airline policy and address staff like they're the Soup Nazi. Some outfitters will offer transportation to and from the airport, but rental cars are often involved. In Maryland, I was inadvertently rented an EV. After blasting the rental company on social media and filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, my restitution was simply another lesson about reading the fine print and lingering anxiety over frantically seeking a charging station among the semi-rural towns of the Eastern Shore.

And that's the point here: Hunting dreams are grand, and all hunters should partake if so moved. But the Devil lingers in the details of planning.

Ian Nance writs a biweekly column on hunting for The Ledger.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Planning a far-away dream hunt? Tips to make it successful | Ian Nance