A good idea to find a good outfit is to start at the top of the food chain when it comes to outfitters. Figure out who's guiding the auction tags and call them even if they're not in the state you want to hunt. Those guys generally have one heck of a network of outfitters/guides they subcontract to.

Good advice above.

We could be having this same discussion about sub-contractors, salesmen, hell, even dating. There's plenty of squirrels on both sides of the fence. Outfitters, as a profession, aren't any more sophisticated than any other walk of life.

Regarding the hunting trade shows (SCI, DSC, etc.), even though I attend them occasionally, I have noticed that many times the loudest egotistical jerk walking into a booth gets the most attention from the outfitters. It's been my experience that folks acting like they have lots of money...don't.

AMEN Trifecta Outdoors