How Do I Become A Hunting Guide?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Even though most people hunt for fun rather than profit,

some make their living at it with predator hunting jobs or hunting guide jobs

, while others find profitable, short-term hunting income to subsidize future hunting opportunities.

Contents hide

How are hunting guides paid?

Some guides’ salaries may not be that high, but that’s because a lot of their income can come from tips. The average tip for a hunting guide is

10-20 percent of the cost of the hunt

. So if you paid $7500 for an elk hunt, the guide could expect to earn $750 in tips for their work.

What is the difference between a guide and outfitter?

First, it’s important to clarify the difference between an outfitter and a guide. An outfitter is a licensed business that employs guides and provides the various products and services for a guided hunt. Guides are the actual hunting guides who scout and accompany hunters on the guided hunts.

How do I start my own guide service?

Do hunting guides work year round?

Although

some will work year-round, rare is the guide who is employed 12 months of the year

. For those who work the spring and fall seasons, mid-winter North American predator species like coyote, wolf, cougar, and bobcat, offer exceptional ‘off-season’ hunting opportunities!

How much is a deer worth?


Weaned buck fawns might bring $1,500 or more

. At 1.5 to 2.5 years of age, a bred doe might bring $2,500 to $4,000. A yearling buck can bring $1,500 or more depending on antler size. At 2.5 years of age, a buck might bring $2,000 or more.

How do hunting properties make money?

If your end goal is to own 200 acres of prime deer hunting land, start with a 20 or 40-acre property. Throw some food plots in, create a good trail network, maybe a water hole or two, and remove any junk to add instant equity into the property, while also improving its value for a future sale.

How much do big game guides make?

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary


$43,530


$38,197 – $50,942
Bonus $1,226 $312 – $3,462

How do I become a duck hunting guide?

How many hours does a hunting guide work?

Good physical fitness: Serving as a hunting guide can be physically demanding. You may often find yourself working

16 hour days

in the outdoors, traversing trails and countryside that demand strength and stamina.

How much do elk guides make?

Guides are lucky to make

between $100 and $150 per day

wage from an outfitter and they literally work daylight to dark. Some guides I have found little use for and some make a trip amazing regardless of success level.

What is a hunting guide called?


An outfitter

is a licensed business that employs guides who then take hunters out on hunting trips. Outfitters provide a variety of products and services for clients, so they ensure they’re getting the best experience and the best chances of success.

Who is the greatest hunter of all time?


Jim Corbett

Corbett is perhaps the most famous dangerous game hunter of all time. He was a colonel in the British Indian army and throughout his career he was called upon to hunt man-eating tigers and leopards. Between 1907 and 1938 he killed 19 tigers and 14 leopards.

What do hunting guides carry?

Every guided hunt is different. But in most situations, the guide will be carrying essential items, like

field dressing equipment

. If your guide has those things covered, there may be no reason to carry duplicates – especially bulky items like game bags. Most importantly, pay attention to your guide’s advice.

How do I start a hunting lodge business?

  1. Secure hunting rights by purchasing or leasing hunting land. …
  2. Attend a guide and outfitter school. …
  3. Apply for the required permits. …
  4. Obtain local, state and federal tax permits. …
  5. Purchase hunting equipment. …
  6. Build a hunting cabin or arrange lodging accommodations for clients.

What is an outfitter guide?

Outfitters or guides on National Forests lands and Grasslands

provide specialized knowledge, skills, experi- ence, and equipment that general recreationists might not otherwise possess

.

How do I start a deer business?

  1. You’re going to start your own hunting ranch. …
  2. Create a list of requirements and preferences. …
  3. Find a specialized ranch agent. …
  4. Be proactive in the search process. …
  5. Understand the expenses and find the experts. …
  6. Establish a payment plan that fits your budget. …
  7. Check animal population and property quality.

How much do duck guides make?

Most wild waterfowl guides in Louisiana make

$50-75 a half day

, but I’ve heard some are still working for tips, and I’d guess it’s about the same next door in the area you asked about.

How much does a hunting guide Make in Texas?

While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries

as high as $77,973 and as low as $14,620

, the majority of Professional Hunting Guide salaries currently range between $23,480 (25th percentile) to $38,099 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $55,820 annually in Texas.

How much do Alaska hunting guides make?

The average pay for a Fishing & Hunting Guide is $46,174 a year and $22 an hour in Anchorage, Alaska, United States. The average salary range for a Fishing & Hunting Guide is

between $34,995 and $55,429

. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Fishing & Hunting Guide.

How much is a dead deer worth?

Depending on who you want to believe, one deer has a dollar value somewhere

between $1,250 and $2,500

.

How much does a hunted deer sell for?

At our local farmers market, basic pastured ground meat generally gets somewhere around $10 per pound. The better quality steaks fetch $15 per pound or higher. So a smaller deer would be worth $525 in meat (relative to your local farmer’s market meat prices).

A bigger deer could be worth $1000

!

Does hunting save money on meat?

According to Mint.com,

buying a side of beef — or other type of meat in bulk — is a great way to save on grocery costs

. It might not come with the thrill of the hunt, but it’s a good way to shave a couple hundred bucks off your annual grocery bill — after you account for the price of a larger freezer, that is.

Is hunting land a good investment?

Whether or not you realize it, the answer to all those questions is, “YES!”

Hunting and recreation land is a safe investment

. But it’s a long-term investment, which is typically attractive to the buyer.

How can I get my land to pay for itself?
  1. FOREST TIMBER ON THE LAND. Timber is a valuable commodity. …
  2. RAISE LIVESTOCK. …
  3. CREATE A CAMPGROUND. …
  4. PLANT CROPS. …
  5. RENT LAND AS RV STORAGE. …
  6. INVEST IN SOLAR ENERGY. …
  7. BUILD HORSE STABLES. …
  8. GROW FLOWERS TO SELL.

How can I make money from land I own?

  1. Use the land as RV storage. Just like boats, RVs are often difficult to store. …
  2. Create a campground. …
  3. Invest in solar energy. …
  4. Build horse stables. …
  5. Rent plots to build a community garden. …
  6. Grow flowers to sell at a farmer’s market. …
  7. Create a pet sitting business. …
  8. Offer indoor and outdoor storage.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.