Always ask for references from past hunters and call them.Also remember not all reference hunters are hunters but tough to please modern people who believe that they must kill a trophy by second day. All an outfitter can assure you is a hunt in good country and to the best of your physical abilities. Some hunters think hunting in the west assures you a critter but in reality 90 % success depends on your physical condition and to be able to place an arrow in thick cover in the lungs of a bull the guide worked his butt off to get in front of you.Most elk hunts are not from tree stands but steep north slopes.If there have been complaints about a outfitter it will be known by the Montana Fish Wildlife and parks ,check them out-read between the lines on the references but ask for them.You also owe it to yourself and the outfitter to be honest about your stamina-shooting abilities-yardage-. 28 years as a licensed Montana Wlderness Outfitter /Guide