LOH Outfitters’ Second Annual Guide Fest: Investing in Excellence

At LOH Outfitters, we believe that the best hunts don’t happen by chance - they happen through preparation, training, and a commitment to excellence. That belief is what inspired our Second Annual Guide Fest, a multi-day training event held this summer in the rugged mountains of New Mexico. With archery season right around the corner, our team came together to sharpen skills, refine communication, and ensure that every client stepping into the field with us this year has the best chance at success.

What Is Guide Fest?

Guide Fest is LOH’s yearly investment in our team. It’s a time when our guides, new and veteran alike, step out of the daily grind of scouting and logistics to focus on professional growth. For four days, the LOH family gathered in New Mexico’s backcountry for a hands-on training experience covering everything from advanced shooting techniques to instinctive elk calling.

This year, we had the privilege of hosting Joel Turner of ShotIQ, a highly respected instructor known for his work in archery, rifle, and muzzleloader shooting. His expertise brought a fresh perspective to our team, emphasizing not just technical skill, but also the mental and emotional aspects of shooting under pressure. After all, when a bull elk steps into range and your heart is pounding, composure is just as important as aim.

Skills That Make a Difference in the Field

Each day of Guide Fest was dedicated to critical skills that directly impact our hunters’ experiences in the field. Topics included:

• Archery Training - Understanding the shot process, managing target panic, and maintaining confidence at full draw. Guides practiced these skills so they can better coach clients in high-pressure hunting scenarios.
• Muzzleloader and Rifle Instruction - Proper weapon setup, shot placement, and troubleshooting malfunctions. Guides refined their ability to help clients maximize accuracy with different weapon systems.
• Elk Calling - From cow calls to bugles, guides worked on fine-tuning strategies for calling in bulls during New Mexico’s adrenaline-filled rut.
• Client Communication - Guides practiced the soft skills that separate good hunts from great hunts: clear communication, encouragement, and adaptability in the field.

By investing in both technical and interpersonal training, we ensure that LOH guides deliver not only opportunities at world-class animals but also the professional, enjoyable experience hunters expect when booking a guided hunt.

Why This Matters to Hunters

For hunters traveling to New Mexico - often from across the country - a guided hunt represents a serious investment of time, money, and preparation. Many only have one or two chances in their lifetime to pursue elk, mule deer, oryx, or Barbary sheep in our state. That’s why we take Guide Fest so seriously. By ensuring our guides are trained, confident, and ready for any scenario, we maximize the odds that our clients leave with not just memories, but also the trophies they came for.

When you book with LOH Outfitters, you’re not just hiring someone to show you where the animals live. You’re hiring a team that has spent countless hours preparing for your hunt before you ever set foot in camp. That preparation is what transforms hunts from ordinary to extraordinary.

Teamwork and Camaraderie

One of the most valuable aspects of Guide Fest is the sense of camaraderie it builds within our team. Guiding can be tough, demanding work - early mornings, long hikes, and unpredictable conditions. By spending several days together in training, our guides strengthen their bonds, share strategies, and build trust in each other’s abilities. That teamwork pays dividends during the season when communication and collaboration make the difference in high-pressure moments.

As storm clouds rolled across the New Mexico sky during this year’s training, it served as the perfect reminder: conditions in the field are always changing. The more prepared we are as a team, the better we can adapt to whatever challenges the season throws at us.

Preparing for a New Season

With archery elk hunts right around the corner, followed by rifle, muzzleloader, and combo hunts, our team leaves Guide Fest more prepared than ever. Hunters can expect guides who are sharper, more knowledgeable, and fully committed to helping them achieve their goals. From calling in bugling bulls in September to spotting elusive Coues deer in the late season, our guides are ready.

Book Your Guided Hunt with LOH Outfitters

If you’re looking for a guided hunt in New Mexico, now is the time to secure your spot. Whether you’re dreaming of chasing elk in the Gila, pursuing oryx on the White Sands Missile Range, or taking on the challenge of Barbary sheep, our team has the training, land access, and passion to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Contact us today or call (575) 315-6107 to reserve your hunt. With our guides freshly trained and motivated, there’s never been a better time to experience the LOH difference.

At LOH Outfitters, we don’t just guide hunts - we build experiences. And Guide Fest is one more way we ensure every client gets the hunt of a lifetime.