how is the life of a guide?

eltorro

eltorro

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We have some guys on this forum that guide hunters for a living... and since my wife kept asking me why don't I change trades.... I'll ask the ones who know..... how is it being a guide?

How's the pay?
Where do you live?
Do you do it just part time or work/scout the whole year?
Can one make it as an outfitter... is there a lot of experience involved? I mean managerial on , not the obvious hunting ....

What do you find the most satisfying? etc....
 
I don't think there are any seasons long enough to make a decent full time living at it. It also depends on what kind of hunting you are talking about.
 
If you can get hooked up with a lodge that does both hunting, snowmobiling and fishing, summer and winter so you can guide year round, and you will do other chores, like cleaning, and fixing, you can likely find a living at it. Don't expect tons of dollars, but, living in the outdoors will be your reward.
 
Low pay, long days, physically demanding. constantly cold, wet, & tired. some clients are great, some make you want to leave them in the bush.

byt he time the end of the season draws near you're pretty beat. it was fun, but had no energy or time left to do my own hunting.
 
I found guiding to be much the same... takes the edge off of hunting yourself.
Duck hunters are the easiest... fisherman are the worst to guide. Bear Baiting is the most work and the most frustrating... clients think you have the bears numbered for them to shoot.:rolleyes:
Guiding is not lucrative and certainly not romantic.:runaway:
 
yup babysitting from 3am till 12am and getting a whole 8 bucks a hour in the end ( $150 a day usualy here is the going rate for a guide) and the worst part is getting hunters from germany or switzerland who CANT speek english.....that makes for a long frustrating day at times !
 
I odn't know anyone that can make a full time living form guiding, but most of them enjoy htier work.

Also remember, there is a HUGE difference in different outfitters and differtent territories.

You could be on a horseback trip in pristine northern BC/Yukon wilderness or you could be driving a truck around logging roads, road hunting for bear and moose.:)
 
I gather is not a right career choice. I never packed my things to go become a guide for real, but this is more than a cold shower.

I guess the old proverb is right : <<< Don't make a profession out of your passion>>>.

Thanks for the info... keep it coming.
 
I guided and trapped in my younger days, and it was a great life for a young fella.
'Not much money, but the no-monetary rewards can be big.
It can be downright frustrating, and dangerous every now and then also!:eek:
Crawling through the undrebrush or tight spruces after a wounded bear can put a wloe new twist on things the first time, and make you grey the second!!
I'd do it again in a heartbeat if the circumstnces allowed, however.
If you get the chance go, if not, you will never know!
Cat
 
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