What to Have Ready When Requesting a Recovery Search

Start with a way to reach you

Leave your name, callback number and whether you prefer a call or text. You can choose email instead on the request form. If you expect to be out of reception, mention that and a useful time to try you. A message is an inquiry; we confirm availability and arrangements directly before a search is booked.

Share the general location

Give the county and nearest town first. For example, ‘Bonner County, near Priest River’ is more useful than ‘North Idaho.’ Keep precise hunting coordinates and sensitive property information for the direct conversation about your search.

• County and nearest town.
• The animal you are looking for and when it was last seen.
• The last known direction of travel.
• General terrain, vegetation and access.
• Any search already completed and what was observed.

Be clear about what you know

Separate observations from assumptions. If you are unsure about the time, location or animal’s condition, say so. You do not need to complete every detail before making contact; the optional message field is there to add context.

Check access and agree on the price

Explain who owns or manages the land and what permission you have. Access to neighboring property should not be assumed. Before booking, confirm the search fee, travel charges and any additional time, as well as who will handle physical retrieval if a location is confirmed.

A simple first message

‘I’m looking for help with a deer search near [town] in [county]. It was last seen around [time]. The area is [terrain/cover]. Please call or text me at [number] to discuss availability.’ This gives us a starting point without asking you to publish a precise hunting location.