Be a Professional Hunting and Fishing Guide

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The legal aspects of professional guiding and outfitting can sometimes get a bit complicated. In North Carolina, for example, no special license is required in order to become a fishing guide, and all that's needed to take paying customers hunting is six months' residency and a $6.00 hunting-guide license that can be bought over the counter at most sporting goods stores. But in the sportsperson's paradise of Colorado there's a single, catchall license that covers hunting outfitters and guides, as well as fishing guides. And while the current requirements for this license arc fairly modest (residency, 18 years of age, posession of a standard Red Cross card, and no game-related felony violations on record), that soon may change.

It seems that lately Colorado's highly organized professional outfitters have started their own efforts to crack down on "weekend guides," who buy licenses and advertise in the local papers during big-game season each year ...and then deliver poor services their unlucky clients. These ill-prepared parttimers, the pros say, are giving all Colorado hunting and fishing professionals a bad name. In short, mere possession of a license isn't any sort of guarantee of a guide's worth ...buy membership in state outfitters' organizations should be.

WHAT TO CHARGE FOR YOUR SERVICES

Guiding fees vary from place to place and, are directly related to the services rendered. Rates usually include boat and motor use transportation to and from fishing and hunting grounds, and—sometimes—the use of extra equipment that the guide supplies (lures, poles, guns, and such).

The best method of setting prices is to follow the lead of those already in business in your vicinity. Check with outfitter and guide associations or with several established guides...then let your rates reflect theirs (taking into account your relative experience, equipment, and similar considerations). At first, offering your services at slightly below the going rate may help you get started, but don't sell yourself short!

Once your rates are set, your equipment's up to snuff, and you're a walking encyclopedia of woodsmanship, you can start filling, your date book with paying clients.

HUNTING AND FISHINGFOR HUNTING AND FISHING CLIENTS

There are lots of ways to find prospective customers, beginning with making a trip to the local print shop and having a batch of business cards made up. In addition to your name, address, and phone number, the cards should show your state license number, membership in any-professional organizations, and your guiding specialty (bow hunting, nature photography, deep-water fishing, or whatever). Also, a small likeness of one or more species of fish or game will add an attractive touch to your little advertising handouts.

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