Willing to start my guiding career with free labor this summer

[mntnguide]

Its pretty hard to buy an outfitting business usually without having documented "guide" days. . Wyoming requires at least 100 i believe before you can even qualify for an outfitter license. . Most outfits sell as a "turn-key" deal, where the previous owner will work along side the buyer for a year or two to help with a smooth transition and keep current clients happy...Not always, but thats how it should be. I personally believe if you havent guided, you should not be allowed to be an outfitter in any state, because guiding has nothing to do with hunting for fun. It is a people business 100%, and the only way you know if your cut out for it, is when you spend 10 days with clients and dont get them an animal and see that it is not always fun. The allure of guiding is definitely a lot nicer than the actual aspect. But, for me, I love working with stock and being in the mountains, and ive enjoyed the majority of clients i have had.

 

[Tim McCoy]

Mntnguide, good to know. If I ever decide to go guided again, ID/MT/WY etc., I think I am checking with you first.

 

[gypsumreaper]

It's hard to buy an outfitting business regardless without seller financing. It's a hard business, and like Colorado you have to buy out an outfitter for permits. Having a seller financing type deal is somewhat of a pain, most will want a hefty down payment, that way they know ur serious. How I did mine was a 30% down payment, monthly payments after and after 3 years finished the balance of the seller financed loan. But if I ever defaulted I walked and the owners kept everything it was a way for me to really make sure I worked my ass off to keep everything going.


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[velvet5]

Regardless, i applaud your work ethic and drive to become your dream. Good for you

 

[JPSeveland]

When i was guiding i had the oppertunity to do it year round but what i was doing was start scouting in mid to late july and start guiding archery antelope 15th of august then archery elk and deer threw sept. and a 9 days of muzz. in the middle then 1st 2nd 3rd 4th rifle for deer and elk then went to montana and kansas then waterfowl threw march (snow geese conservation hunts) go that late. This what i did and had an oppertunity to go to alaska and start as a packer for spring bear hunt then guide fishing trips in the summer then go back to alaska for the early hunts and then back to colorado with only 2 outfitters. This is no doubt doable and fun the only thing i can suggest is dont just guide to guide find a good outfitter even if it takes a year or two. There are some good ones out there but also good ones only for clients and you will get abused by the outfitter and taken advantage of just cause your chasing your dreams. If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.

 

[tim]

you got to start some where. I do know some fishing guides and hunting guides do river guiding in the summer during the non hunting season times of year. I was a river guide for a few years. Guiding lets you learn and skill and get paid for it, you than have a skill for life when you get out of guiding.

 

[njdoxie]

Interesting thread, love to hear the veteran guide perspective, even though I have zero interest in guiding myself.

 

[Triple BB]

I've been doing guided hunts off and on for 15 years. Still keep in touch with some of the guides. Its a young mans game and most of the guys I knew who were doing it back then have moved onto other careers. Make sure you have a back up plan and don't be surprised if you're looking for something different in 5 years...