1. Give yourself time. Lately I've gotten a rash of hunters who upon arrival tell me that they really cannot spend the full 6 days of the season in quest of a trophy. That is, maybe they'll settle for second best, or that's how I interpret it. Reasons usually stem from work,and/or family related issues, or another scheduled hunt. Maybe they'll get a 50 inch or better bull the first day or two, but quite frankly, the hunting gets better as the week goes on. You've got what amounts to a once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt an animal in a world class resource - make the commitment, you won't regret it.

2. Come prepared physically and emotionally. One of my recent hunters told me he couldn't walk very much, and wouldn't sit in one spot waiting for a bull to cross. What the heck was I supposed to do?  Hire a chopper?!! On a trophy hunt, it's basically one method or the other. I fully understand someone that isn't prepared to walk, and can easily accomodate such a hunter. Trail watching at a spot where scouting has turned up good bulls, and/or sitting for long periods of calling sessions at such a spot is the alternative to walking up to a bull. There's no shame to either method, just let me know in advance of the hunt so I can plan accordingly.

3. Bring appropriate clothing. Like rain gear, and good fitting boots. You don't need any single piece of outerwear that is designed for winter. It may be 25 or 30 degrees in the morning, but it doesn't stay that temperature for very long. If you dress for winter, you'll be huffing and puffing, hot, sweaty, and carrying around extra unnecessary baggage.

4. Know your firearm, and practise with it. This, fortunately, is rarely a problem for us.

5. Take a little time before your hunt to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of a 50 inch or greater set of trophy moose antlers. Trophy judgement is a big part of my job, but some knowledge of this can be very helpful and satisfying to you as well.

6. Book with an outfit that doesn't book 4, 6, 8, or 10 hunters per season. Those guys have killed all the good bulls in their areas years ago, and now are making a pretty good dent into the half grown bulls, which could be future trophies if let to live.