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Trapping
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Operating A Successful
Preserve
To operate a successful hunting business you will need to offer quality bird hunting opportunities in natural surroundings. Such operators will provide hunts in natural habitat conditions or field plantings with quality guides and well-trained dogs. The hunted birds must fully feathered and strong flyers. The operator and guides must know the hunters abilities and cater a hunt that meets their physical conditions or needs. Conducting pre–hunt trapshooting will allow you to determine the shooting abilities of the hunters. You will also be able to note better gun handling habits and safety concerns. Safe gun handling and shooting always needs to be stressed to your hunters. The hunters must know your hunting guidelines/rules and gun safety concerns before the hunt begins. The following concerns should be expressed to your hunters:
§ Always know the position of the other hunters or blockers, shots at low-flying birds may endanger another hunter or a dog.
§ All participants should wear a highly visibile colored cap, shirt, or vest, and the use of protective glasses is recommended.
§ The shooting of birds on the ground should not be allowed.
§ With close flushing birds, do not rush the shot. Let the bird fly to a reasonable range before attempting a shot.
§ The shooting of any other game animals should not be allowed. What was thought to be a coyote or fox may end up being a prized hunting dog. A pheasant hunt is for pheasants only.
§ Save the alcohol until after the hunts.
An operator’s promotion should include their business name, signs, advertisements, brochures, etc. as well as their interactions with customers each day and prospective customer contacts. An operator must show a good image with their business. You are actually in the entertainment business with your preserve. One of the current preserve operators mentioned “that when the preserve hunting starts, his farming stops.” He hires other people to do the chores or fieldwork when he has preserve hunters. The hunters expect to be entertained and have other opportunities when they are visiting your preserve. Hunters that limit out early in the day, will need activities to complete their day. You must remember the 5 P’s of success: Prior Planning Prevents Possible Problems.
The preserve operator and staff must be good natured, humorous, polite, and witty. When a person enjoys what they are doing, other people will take notice. There is no substitute for enthusiasm. To keep your hunters satisfied you must provide quality service to your customers and give them a hunting experience they will go home talking about. The operator and your staff must be friendly and show an interest in your hunters. You must talk to your hunters and inquire about their needs. If at all possible, give your guests more than what they expect and you will keep them coming back year after year, allowing them to partake in a quality hunting and outdoor experience. Quality pheasants will create more conversation and remembrances of their South Dakota hunt. If you do not keep your hunters happy and satisfied, they may not return. You need these repeat customers to stay in business.