How do you select an outfitter?

In my case it has been word of mouth. My brother set up my first hunt with Mark Kyriacou in Botswana. I have returned to Botswana 3 times and also hunted on Clive Eaton's ranch, Clive and Mark cooperate, and Clive was my brother's PH. Now that the Delta is closing I have decided to try Zim. I booked with African Silwane Hunters on Clive's reccommendation for 2011.
My theory, listen to those who you trust. How do you make your choice?

Terry, nice thread! I look forward to reading how other members respond...

Do not go for the less traveled road!!

I beg to differ, I went down a less travelled road for my Buffalo hunt, and had the trip of a lifetime. I selected my hunt by price, reputation, region, and references provided. Price was a major factor, the region also critical, and once I found those two together I went by reference and my booking followed shortly thereafter.

I mean beeing one of the first 10 people to hunt in a place, more or less, were you one of the first to hunt that area?
I prefer to wait a bit, until the area could be referenced, that is all.

Reputation and references are probably the most important aspects to base your decision on. Price of course also plays a role but most outfitters charge more or less the same.