Alaska Guide Apprectieship Overview
Practical application, that is hands on experience is what the focus of our apprenticeship program is all about. The things that matter in the training of a guide, are far beyond hunting skills alone; especially in Alaska. The following list is basically a breakdown of what the individual can expect to learn while working with us.
What Can You Expect to Learn?
Guiding Requirements and Regulations
Licensing
Assistant Guides
Class A Assistant Guides
Registered Guides
Master Guides
As previously mentioned, Alaska law dictates that an individual have at least 30 daysbig game hunt experience in the field within a given year before they can use that year to fulfil the experience requirement of the state. The state requires that an individual have two years experience before they can become an assistant guide. The most difficult requirement to meet is the essential recommendation from a registered guide, state trooper, or wildlife biologist. Basically the only other requirements are First Aid certification (typically an 8 hour course at your local Red Cross chapter), and the individual must be 18 years of age, and a US citizen. Basically an apprentice in this program could be licensed as an assistant guide in Alaska, and well on their way to an adrenaline filled career after just 60 days over the course of 2 years, one big game kill, and of course my recommendation. I should qualify here that not all individuals are cut out for this business, and my recommendation is not guaranteed! While I am interested in potential employees myself, and in referring qualified indidviduals to other outfits, I do reserve the right to refund an individual's apprenticeship fee ($300), and send them home! My goal is to help you get qualified and licensed, but some individuals are more qualified for other things. If you have what it takes for this business, then I can help you become an assistant guide. Other laws and regulations governing assistants, and registered guides in Alaska will be covered in the course of the apprenticeship. The laws governing the conduct and licensing of guides can be found here; Statutes and Regulations for Big Game Guides and Transporters.
If you already meet the experience qualifications, then an assistant guide application can be found here; Assistant Guide Application. For more info, please visit the Division of Occupational Licensing.
Permits and Procedures
State Land Permits and Regulations
Federal Land Permits
Land Use Fees
Maps and Land Status
Alaska Wildlife
Habitat Indentification and Scouting
Identifying Legal Animals
Hunting Regulations
Methods of the Hunt
Hunt Participation
Client Relations
Leadership Personality
Pacing the Hunt
Backpacking Methods
Camp Locations
Tent Instruction and Care
Food Prep, Management and Nutrition
Firearms Protocol and Care
Pacing the Stalk, and Remembering the Client
Safety and Communications
Field Care of Trophies
Skinning and Caping
Proper Care of Meat
Preventive Bear Damage Procedures
Hauling Trophies
Logistics
Business Management
Meal Planning and Special Diets
Fuel Use
Gear and Clothing Selections
In the Field Storage
Gear Repair
Emergency Preparedness
The Individual Guide
Ethics
Off-Season Conditioning
Knowing Your Limits
Mental Preparedness
Setting and Achieving Goals
Hunting Skills
Once again, openings will be available on a first come, first served basis, but we do reserve the right to refuse applicants after an evaluation of their resume' and bio. We look forward to helping you on your way to an exciting new career in the Great Land.