Hunting Handbook

what does it take to work with a hunting guide?

ok, im 14 and one day i want to have my own. or at least work at a nice one. but i know that doesn't happen over night and i was wondering what it take to get a job at one? hell i don't even want to get payed. i just want to learn. but would that even be legal since im 14? and what would it take for someone to 'hire' me? i know i cant carry a gun. that's fine. i know i couldn't be the shooter. that's fine. all i want out of it is to learn. because theres lots to learn...so what would i have to do to find a place that would be ok with this? ill be 15 in march if that means anything. i might need to add, im in GA. im asking this because i dont know if theres like a class i would have to take other then my hunters safety card

Public Comments

1. If you are asking how you can become a hunting guide, then there are many ways. You could buy land and open your own hunting Lodge Go to a hunting lodge/resort and ask about a job. But if you plan on being an independent guide then open a "guide" business. My advice is to do a lot of hunting. To study the animal that you want to be a guide on. Then hunt some more. After that you can do any of the three options. You could always email or call a hunting resort and talk to them and get some information on how to become a guide that way. In the end you MUST really know the animal you are going to be a guide on. So study the animal you plan to be a guide on. Good Luck
2. a good attitude is probably the foremost thing, and you sound like you've got it. i'm not familiar with laws over there, but here anyone can use a gun as long as they're under the supervision of someone with a fire-arms licence. maybe this is the case there too? your best bet would be to find a hunting guide and ask them if you can tag along, hell, carry buckets of deer guts if you have to. the other option would be to find a local hunting club and attend their get-togethers, talk to people, let them know why you're there. most people with guns love showing them off, but also we're more than happy to impart our knowledge to young people (such as yourself) that are willing to listen. and (most likely the people that hunt quite often) will even let you tag a-along on their next trip. it takes a hunter to make a hunter. you can read all the books you like, but its a bit different when you're out there. and there's nothing like experience, so get yourself some and one day you'll be the old dude at the gun club offering to take the young lad out with you.
3. In several states there is mandatory classes to attend and be state certified. Also certifications in first aid and CPR. I don't know about the age requirements. Yes, there is quite a bit more than the hunter safety card.