What Makes a Great Hunting Guide?

When it comes to creating repeat customers, the frontline of that effort begins with the hunting guide. No one spends more time with hunters than the guide walking beside them in the field. Long after the hunt is over, it’s often the guide and the quality of the birds that customers remember most.

Guides also play a critical role behind the scenes. They see firsthand how birds perform in the field, how hunters react and where improvements may be needed. That feedback is essential for preserve operators looking to consistently deliver high-quality hunting experiences.

That important topic will take center stage Tuesday morning, July 21, during day two of the 2026 NAGA Hunting Club Conference at the Embassy Suites Old Market in Omaha, Nebraska.

Dan Bradford of California’s Wing & Barrel Ranch, Barry Godwin of Barb Wire Kennels and Hunting Services in Lipan, Texas, and Eric Harrison of Joshua Creek Ranch in Boerne, Texas will lead a panel discussion titled “What a Quality Gamebird Means to the Hunting Guide – How to Communicate Bird Performance Expectations to Producers.”

Together, these experienced guides and operators will share insights into what makes birds perform well in the field, how guides can communicate effectively with producers and why bird quality directly impacts customer satisfaction and return business.

“Being able to relay to producers what works best for your hunters begins with listening to the reports from guides who see how the birds are performing and how customers react to their performance,” said Dan Barngrover, chairman of the 5^th Annual NAGA Hunting Club Conference. “It will be a treat to hear from some of the best in the industry about what works well and what needs improvement.”

Registration remains open for the conference. Register by June 15 to be eligible for the Early Bird Raffle commemorative Weatherby shotgun sponsored by MTM Pheasants.

Learn more and register today:
NorthAmericanGamebird.com/hunting-club-conference/event-details