How do I sell a hunting or fishing outfitter?

An outfitter is hard to sell without the owner, because guests often book with the person they trust. A buyer will want to see that the business can carry on after you leave. Start preparing well before the camp is listed. Most of the work is gathering records and thinking about how to hand over the relationships.

Choose your timing

The off-season is usually the calmest time to show records and answer questions. A sale that closes before bookings open for the next season gives the buyer room to take over the calendar. If you close later, expect to explain which clients are already booked. Starting the conversation a full season ahead lets a buyer see one working year before taking over.

Records a buyer will ask for

• The client book, with rebooking history by year.
• Future bookings and the deposits received for each.
• Lists of camp buildings, boats, vehicles and equipment, and who owns each item.
• The guide roster, with roles and how each guide is engaged.
• Financial statements and supplier agreements.

Guides, clients and the handover

Decide when guides and returning clients will hear about the sale. Tell your key guides early and honestly, since a buyer wants to know they will stay. Offer to work one season alongside the buyer so clients see a familiar face. Our page on repeat guests at a fishing lodge covers the buyer’s view of the same problem.