See you at the Show!!!!!

For the Sports enthusiast January marks the beginning of the sportsmen shows circuit all over the United States. Here in the northeast there is a show almost every weekend through the month of March.Some guides and outfitters follow the circuit from show to show, while others pick and choose which is the best one or ones that benefit them the most. For Big E and I, we exhibit at the Eastern Outdoors and Sports Show in Harrisburg Pennsylvania which is considered the biggest show in the northeast as well as one of the longest running shows, running 9 days beginning the first weekend of every February. To the outdoors lover, this show is the Disney World of sports shows with everything and anything ones heart could desire, or even imagine. For many it is also the place to talk directly with guides and outfitters for that dream hunt, fishing trip or vacation of a lifetime. But how do you choose??? I'm going to give you some tips to help you make the best choices when making your decision.
First off understand the difference between a guide, guide service and an outfitter. When you are talking with a guide service, you are generally talking with the folks who will be guiding and hosting you. A guide can work for himself or herself, or for a specific guide service or outfitter. You will want to know who, where and what in this case. Some guide services are also an outfitter like myself, but other outfitters may be more like a travel agent; they can set up all the details, but you may never see this person again.
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands to choose from depending on the show you attend. You need to narrow things down. First, where is the destination you wish to go, and what species or adventure are you looking for. You may wish to book right at the show, or you may be one of those who fill up a bag full of brochures to check out later. I recommend if you know where and what you would like, book at the show. This is the best opportunity to talk face to face with those who are offering the services. It is a good thing to have a list of questions ready to ask them. This will save you time, effort and money.

Now what is the difference between the big well known businesses and the smaller ones? The big guys often come with the big prices. Kind of like paying for brand name products, or less expensive bargain brands. This comes right down to how deep are your pockets. Many of the big guys offer all the bells and whistles of a fancy resort while most smaller ones provide the comforts of home, and some are very rustic. These kinds of details should be decided before you go to the show. What is it that you want to experience.
Finally, the price. What are the services offered. Remember the golden rule; if it sounds too good to be true, probably is. Some will offer discounts or show specials for those booking at the show. I have done this in the past, however, this year, with the high increases in cost to operate and the price of gas, it is just not an option. Therefore, this should not be your defining decision maker. This is where it can get complicated. Some will lower prices at the show as it progresses if they are not booking clients. Beware!! They may also be cutting services or worse, not be able to produce what is promised. Unless you have the cash to shoot for the stars, I recommend looking at those who are offering the same services in the same price range give or take a couple hundred dollars.
Ask questions; take time to talk. Do they seem genuinely friendly and willing to talk?? Remember you will be spending up to a week with these people. Do they appear to be reading from a script or are they open and comfortable talking to you. Watch out for those that appear to be putting on a show or lure folks into their booths with pretty things.
Take the time to prepare, and have a great time at the show!!