Types

• There are several different types of hunting guide licenses, with the most common form being for big game. However, just because a guide is licensed as a big game guide does not mean he is qualified to guide for all species. Some states issues licenses that allow the guiding of hunters for all species of big game, a class of species, such as deer, or just one individual species, such as moose or sheep.
  
  

Instruction

• If you want to become a licensed hunting guide, there are schools throughout the United States and Canada where you can learn the skills. Though professional instruction may not be a requirement where you live, a quality school will give you the experience you need to prepare for taking a licensed hunting guide exam should it be required in the area you plan to guide.
  
  

Locating

• The staff at sporting goods/outdoors stores should be able to put you in touch with local guides. The staff should also know whether guides are required to be licensed and for what species of game. You can also contact either your state department of natural resources or the local chapter of the National Outfitters and Guides Association for help in locating a licensed hunting guide.
  
  

Laws

• There are no federal laws that regulate the licensing of hunting guides in North America, so it is left up to the individual states and provinces. Many areas do not require hunting guides to be licensed, some do not allow hunting guides, some only allow landowners to be licensed as guides, while still others have only minimum requirements. For example, while Alaska may have most requirements, to become a hunting guide in Montana, the only qualifications are proof of competency in first aid and a Montana conservation license that anyone can purchase over the counter.
  
  

Verification

• Before you hire a hunting guide, you should always check with the local game management agency where you plan to hunt if you have any questions. They will be able to tell you if your hunting guide needs to be licensed or has a license. For a list of local agencies across the United States with their contact information, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's website.