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Frequently Asked
Questions
EMAIL
elkhunter@montana.com
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| Many successful guide and outfitting businesses operate
year-round. Your employment may vary depending on who you work for, the location,
and the type of operation. Should you become an outfitter after
a few years of experience as a guide, then the opportunities are
only limited by your own abilities and imagination. |
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We supply you with the essential knowledge and hands-on-training
for future employment in the outdoor industry. You must also
do your part by participating in all classes and illustrate
proficiency . Once you have successfully completed the course,
referrals will be made according to employment needs of outfitters
and students interests (ie: guide wrangler, camp-jack, cook or
packer). |
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| Western Montana School for Guides is dedicated to
help you fulfill your dream of becoming a guide. As you progress
through different phases of the course, the instructors will assess
your abilities to determine the job that fits your strengths and
desires. Outfitters contact us regularly and we track their
employment needs for future opportunities for our students. The
majority of successful students depart from the school with some type
of a job lead. We will discuss jobs available and supply you
with contact information for the outfitter and any insight we might
have. Your obligation is to call and schedule time for an
interview. There are no guarantees, express or implied, of
future employment. Current law prohibits any school from
guaranteeing job placement as an inducement to enroll students. |
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| You will not receive top wages as a new guide. You may earn from $1000 to $1500 per month plus tips. Depending on your employer, room and board may be added in as well. Guides with several years
of experience are earning upwards of $2,500 or more per month plus benefits. |
| Learning to be a professional guide or outfitter is
the starting point for opening a business of your own.
Obtaining a job as a guide is nearly impossible without proper
training. If this is not your goal, the knowledge and experience
gained from our training will enable you to safely and intelligently
head up a group or venture alone into an wilderness area for
virtually any purpose, such as hunting; fishing, backpacking or
photography. |
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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. Firearms are not permitted on the school site. We can house them at our lodge during class. |
| 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. |
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WMSG is permitted and supervised by the
following state agencies:
| State of Montana Board of Outfitters: |
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Wayne Johnston: executive director, (406) 841-2370
Debra Tomaski: licensing specialist, (406) 841-2373 |
| Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks: |
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J.D. Douglas: Field Warden, (406) 821-9906 |
United States Forest Service
Bitterroot National Forest: |
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Dave Campbell: District Ranger,
(406) 821-3269
Gene Hardin: Resource Specialist, (406) 821-1212 |
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Veterans Benefits
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| We do accept the GI Bill for tuition. Please call and ask for a 1999 form. |
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A license is required by law for you to operate as a professional
guide or outfitter. Details are provided during the training
program. |
| © 1999 Western Montana School for
Guides |
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