Use and sharpening of axe, crosscut saw and chainsaw; wood cutting, felling trees; survival training; map reading and orientation; fire building; first aid in the back country; camp cooking – open fire grill and dutch oven; trip planning and coordinating; finding water.

Packing:

Decker saddles; sawbuck saddles; box panniers; bags; wraps; coolers; differences in packing – philosophy; different hitches; slinging; packing a riding saddle.

Guiding for Big Game:

Philosophy of the guide; species identification, habitat, habits; hunting techniques; map reading with hunting in mind; reading the terrain, reading sign; watch the wind, use of scents; still hunting, stands, stalking; judging trophies; judging your hunter; bugling, rattling and other tricks; tracking.

Guiding the Fisherman – Philosophy and Procedure

Basic fishing skills; fly fishing; trout identification; habitat and habits; wade fishing; shore fishing; boat fishing.

Guiding the Pack Trip:

Planning and coordinating; dealing with the client; dealing with the staff; what makes for a good trip; mistakes to watch out for; the daily itinerary.

Ropes:

Splicing, knots, types of ropes and uses.

Horsemanship:

Horse and mule; stock familiarization; wrangling, catching, haltering and leading; grooming, saddling, bridling; riding – bareback and saddle; common vet care; shoeing.

Saddle and Tack:

Oiling; inspection, repairing, leather work; fitting saddles; terminology.

Trophy Identification:

Scoring Bone and Crocket, SCI, Pope and Young; judging in the field.

Caping, Skinning and Field Care:

Rough cape, finish cape; fleshing and salting, skinning; field care in cold and hot weather.

Outfitting Policy and Regulations:

Game and Fish Department; United States Forest Service; state regulations; environmental issues.

Finding a Place to Work:

How to ask for work; how to present yourself and bid your case; the resume and reference list; how to impress your future employer; get off on the right foot.

Guiding for the Outfitter:

What the outfitter is looking for; how to handle his clients; knowing what to do when, before told; working with other employees and livestock; taking care of the outfitter’s equipment; how to become his most valued asset.

Becoming an Outfitter:

Realistic goals; how to negotiate the purchasing of a business; what value, what do you get; non-compete clauses; writing the purchase agreement and contract; judging the area; analyzing the books, bank statements and tax returns; past clientele vs. percentage rate of returns; quick ratios; handling clients; marketing; staffing; purchasing; how to set yourself up for success.

School schedule and rates