Merriam or Rio hunt for nephew

[g8rvet]

My nephew's wife wants to get him either a Rio or a Merriam hunt next year for his 40th birthday.  Knowing him, a semi guided trip would be best.  He is going to want to call, but not enough time for him to try a public ground hunt without local knowledge.  My Rio "in" that would have loved to do it passed away last year, so we are thinking a semi  guided would be best.

Where should I start?   Looking online just blindly is pretty risky (don't want a feeder hunt) and holy smokes there are a million places.  I have searched on here and seen some recommended.  He would be happy with either species, but would want a pure strain for sure if possible.  It looks like most hunt are 2-3 days.  Time is money to them and he has two young uns so a protracted public is just out for him.   Should I contact the state agencies or is there a list of recommended outfitters? 

Thanks for any thoughts pointing me where to start my search.  I let her know we better book pretty soon for 24. 

[bchilde]

Me and 3 buddies used trophy ridge outfitters in Carlisle Wyoming 2 years ago. Had a damn good time and we all killed birds along with 10 others in camp.

We leave for south texas for our Rio hunt this coming March 26th. Wild life systems is who we are using . Know nothing about these guys but I'll be back on here to let everyone know how it was.

[g8rvet]

Did you chose those through word of mouth or did you read online reviews?  I have a few leads, but no way of looking at others.  I know of folks burned on just searching online (they all SOUND awesome), but wondered how folks go about chosing.  Thanks for the reply

[bchilde]

My brother and his buddies went rabbit hunting out there he told me about him. So I researched and called Ralph the owner and talked to him that's how I chose my merriam hunt.

Me and my buddies researched for about 3 weeks on the rio trip and we picked 3 places and narrowed it down to 1.

[POk3s]

G8rvet, I used to hunt a place for $500 in the black hills of Wyoming. Lodging was included so it made it quite attractive to have a piece of ground all to myself. I don't know if prices have increased any, but I can send him a text if this sounds appealing to you?

[bchilde]

We paid 1250.00 for 1 bird and 3 nights . Meals included.