[CoRoMo]

I suppose like many, I've had the lifelong dream of creating a career out of my one passion in this world. Big game hunting. I've always wanted to somehow become a guide or start an outfitting business, but it just seems too much like a pipe dream than a possibility.

You know the saying...
"Find something you love to do and you'll never have to work a day in your life"

Well, I know such work is extremely hard because I've sort of been doing it for the past couple years for my family, extended family, and friends. There is no pay in it, but I just get so much out of being out there and helping them find the animals. I feel like I'll never really get my chance unless I end up winning the lottery that I never play.

So have anyone of you began a career, primary or supplementary, in guiding or outfitting?

If so, I'd love to know your experiences before I give up on the idea.

[oklahoma caveman]

if you have the time and money there is a college in colorado that gives a guiding course. whether you really need the course or not they are supposed to have a really good job placement program

[Poper]

CoRoMo:

Try the address below. There are quite a lot of outfitters in Wyoming. You never know. They may have a type of apprentice program.

www.wyoga.org/


I Hope this is helpful.

Poper

[Harve Curry]

I don't know what state your in, but basically New Mexico requires you be a guide for 3 years before you can become an outfitter. NMG&F guides license cost $50(res.) and outfitters license is $500(res.) annually. Private land hunts there are no guide or outfitter license required.
Shop around for insurance, business income partly sets the premium rates, so start low. National Forest Districts, State, BLM will all have to be listed individually on the insurance policy. To start figure $1200 per year. The National Forest you apply to hunt in issue's you a permit and they get 3% of your gross.
Some oufitters are chief, cook, and bottle washer. That can be good.
Alot of it is people management, all kinds of people go hunting. All kinds of abilities and disabilities. If you are already a manager type and a good hunter, jump in and work for a outfitter as a guide for a season. Some outfitters are leary of apprentices wanting to be outfitters, they worry you'll take their clients away. There's list of outfitters on NMG&F website.

[Kingcreek]

Its a lot of work and it all happens when I would like to be hunting for myself. I looked into conservation police work once years ago but dropped that idea when I found out you couldn't take vacation days when the hunting and fishing was the best.