Guide Profile: Jerry Blake, LOH Outfitters

Jerry Blake is the owner and operator of Love of the Hunt Outfitters or LOH. The business is rightfully named because Jerry is all about the hunt. In 2006 Jerry was working on a construction site when he came into contact with a lethal amount of carbon monoxide. He was taken to the hospital and treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. After that ordeal, he decided that life was too short not to chase his dream.

He called a dozen outfitters before he finally found one that was willing to hire an inexperienced kid from New York. He worked for Winterhawk Outfitters in Colorado for three years doing the grunt work. His role included packing, skinning, hauling gear and shadowing guides during hunting season. He then moved on to guide at Rawhide Guide Service for two years before he opened his own outfitting business. LOH Outfitters currently offers hunts in five states with five more states coming soon.

Jerry’s success rate is quite high because his opportunity rate is exceptional. Jerry and his guides are often able to get their clients multiple opportunities during the course of a hunt, in large part because he hunts some of the best land in New Mexico. He currently hunts units 17, 16B and 16C, which have impressive harvest rates. These three units are some of the best in New Mexico in the heart of Gila Wilderness Area.

Last year, 154 bull elk were harvested in unit 17, 160 bull elk in 16B and 112 in 16C. New Mexico Elk hunts are the LOH Outfitters specialty. On his New Mexico hunts, Jerry boasts a 92% success rate overall, and a 100% success rate in unit 16B. Jerry started his business because he loved being outdoors and hunting; luckily he has been able to secure some great units that allow him to share that love and experience with his clients.

Jerry’s favorite part of the job is chasing elk and working out in the wilderness. It’s easy to look at outfitting as a dream job because on the surface, it looks like getting paid to hunt. However, there is a great deal of stress beneath the glossy exterior.

In reality, outfitters rarely get to hunt for themselves; their entire hunting season revolves around their hunting clients. This can be difficult when the hunters aren’t prepared. When hunting with an outfitter, just like hunting on your own, it is critical to show up prepared. The importance of practicing with your weapon, being in shape for the hikes and having an overall positive attitude cannot be overstated.

There are many other factors that contribute to the stress of an outfitter. In Jerry’s case, he is still able to find joy and fun in his job despite the stress of dealing with rough hours, weather, exhausting trade shows and unruly animals. He is also away from his home in New York for three to four months out of the year. After speaking with Jerry for just a few minutes, you will find that he is truly in the business for the “Love of the Hunt.”