Frequently Asked Questions

2. Q. Will you pick me up at the airport or bus station?

• A. Yes we will pick you up in Missoula Montana.

3. Q. Do we have any days off during the week?

• A. Students have evenings off to practice skills, throw horse shoes, fish etc. They also have Sundays off to attend church, do laundry or any other activities they wish.

4. Q. When are we expected to arrive?

• A. Students needing pick up in Missoula need to arrive by 1:00 the day prior to school starting. Students driving need to show up at school between 3 and 5 p.m. the day prior to the first day of class.

5. Q. Can I bring firearms, archery equipment or large hunting knives?

• A. No to the knives. Firearms can be brought, but they are to be given to staff to be placed in a gun safe for duration of the school session.  Archery equipment can be used at the school site during off times.

6. Q. What do I need to bring and do I need all items on the list of what to bring?

• A. You need a weeks worth of work clothing, sleeping bag, a pair of hunting or hiking boots, light jacket and heavy jacket, rain gear and a small day pack with water bottles. The remaining items are all optional.

7. Q. Is there an age requirement?

• A. We want you to be out of high school. We have had students from 17 to 64 years of age.

8. Q. Do you have any prerequisites?

• A. You only need to have a desire to work in the outdoor industry.

9. Q. Can you guarantee me a job?

• A. No we can not. But every student for the past several years who has wanted a job has had an opportunity to go to work.

10. Q. Upon completion of the program do I receive a guide license? 

• A. No you do not. Licenses must be sponsored by the outfitter you go to work for. Guides can not purchase their own guide license. We will provide you with a Certificate of Completion certifying that you have completed and passed our course once you demonstrate your skills to our instructors.
  

 11. Q. What will the weather be like?

• A. It will snow every class. It may be as cool as 35 degrees and as warm as 100 degrees.

12. Q. Am I allowed to bring a pet?

• A. No, because of liability reasons.

13. Q. Should I be in good physical condition?

• A. Yes: Attending our training program and ultimately being a professional guide is labor-intensive outdoor work that requires good strength and stamina.  If this line of work is your goal and you are a bit out of shape, we suggest regulating your diet and undertaking a physical conditioning program that integrates aerobic and weight exercise.

14. Q. Can I get Instruction Waivers?

• A. No: Even if you have previous experience with horses or are an avid outdoors person, you are required to complete all courses of study in order to receive a certificate. Terrain and weather conditions vary in different parts of the country, and Western Montana School for Guides wants to maximize your Montana experience.