FAQ
Common questions about Search Huntr.
For Hunters
How do I book a guided hunt?
Find an outfitter, click 'Book a Hunt' on their listing, pick a hunt template and date, fill in your info, and pay with Stripe. You'll get a confirmation email with what to bring and a link to sign your waiver.
Do I pay Search Huntr or the outfitter?
Payment goes to the outfitter directly via Stripe Connect. Search Huntr collects a 1.5% platform fee. We never hold your money.
Can I pay a deposit and the rest later?
Most outfitters take a deposit (typically 50%) at booking and send a separate payment link for the balance before your hunt date. The hunt template will tell you which it is.
What if my hunt gets cancelled?
Outfitters set their own cancellation and weather policies. Refunds go through Stripe directly from the outfitter's account. Always read the cancellation terms before booking and contact your outfitter directly with questions.
Do I need a hunting license?
Yes. Every state requires a hunting license and the right tags for the species you're hunting. Many outfitters help with the application or can sell you over-the-counter tags. See our guide on licenses and tags by state.
What does 'fully guided' vs 'semi-guided' mean?
Fully guided is 1 hunter to 1 guide — the most personal experience. Semi-guided is 2 hunters per guide. Drop camp means the outfitter sets you up with shelter, food, and a hunting area, then leaves you to hunt on your own with periodic check-ins.
How are outfitters verified?
We start with state outfitter licensing boards (Colorado DORA, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, etc.) and cross-check business websites and reviews. Owner-claimed listings get a 'Featured' badge after additional verification.
How accurate is the cost estimator?
It's a planning tool, not a quote. Numbers come from real outfitter pricing, hunting publications, and operator interviews. Actual prices depend on the specific operator, season, and unit. Always confirm directly with the outfitter.
For Outfitters
Is it really free?
Yes. Listing, claiming, the booking engine, waivers, the embeddable widget, and your dashboard are all free forever. We collect a 1.5% platform fee on bookings. There is no monthly software bill.
How do I claim my listing?
Search for your business name on /claim or use the link we sent in your outreach email. We verify and approve manually within one business day.
Can I use this without taking online bookings?
Yes. Many outfitters use Search Huntr only for visibility and direct inquiries. Connecting Stripe is optional.
How long does Stripe Connect take to set up?
About 10 minutes if you have your business info ready (EIN, business name, bank account). Stripe handles the entire onboarding flow on their hosted page — we just hand you the link.
When do I get paid?
Funds land in your Stripe account on Stripe's standard payout schedule (typically 2 business days for US accounts). Search Huntr never touches your money.
Can I run the booking engine on my own website?
Yes. Once you've connected Stripe and created hunt templates, the dashboard gives you a one-line script tag you can drop into any page. Hunters never leave your site to book.