Many avid hunters who have several years of experience hunting big or small games tend to take their passion up a notch, and that is by establishing their own independent hunting guide service business.
However, it’s essential to consider that starting a hunting guide business differs from merely going on a solo-hunting adventure every other month.
For example, as a hunter, you can effortlessly search for the most suitable scopes for your firearms by scouring a trustworthy review blog like https://scopesreviews.com/. Whereas on the other hand, you have to think and act differently when you’re escorting an entire group with you on a hunting trip.
You have to take account of every group member’s needs and, at the same, give them appropriate advice as to which attachment or gadget will be best for them.
If you’re wondering how you can start a hunting guide service business, we have mentioned everything that you need to know in this article. Read on!
What Is Involved in a Hunting Guide Service Business?
As a hunting guide, you are supposed to be involved in different activities, as listed below.
- Plan and organize hunting trips for your clients.
- Scout a suitable area for the kind of game you will be hunting with your clients.
- You may have to arrange hunting equipment for your group members as well.
- Assist your group members in bagging their game.
- Arrange accommodation and meals for your clients.
- Educate the group members on the use of different kinds of hunting gear.
How to Start a Hunting Guide Service Business?
Now that you know what it is like to be a hunting guide, there are several things that you need to be familiar with to start and skyrocket your hunting guide service business, as mentioned below.
1. Start With a Business Plan
This step is crucial for the success of any kind of business. Without long- and short-term business goals, your business won’t be able to survive. In order to achieve your goals, you need to make the right strategy to prevent loss of resources or failure of your hunting guide business.
Whether you have expansion plans in mind or you want to offer several new services to your clients down the line, make a strategy for these goals. This will help you in allocating your resources properly and elevate the chances of success of your business.
Here, you also need to start small. Don’t unnecessarily hire several employees to take care of your business. Instead, try to manage the functions on your own as you’re just venturing into the industry.
2. Look for Specific Requirements in Your State
You certainly don’t want to run your hunting guide business illegally and come across several issues down the road. Hence, it’s essential to visit your state’s wildlife agency in person or either visit their website online.
Almost every country’s wildlife agency states specific requirements for you to own and operate your hunting guide service business. You may have to obtain a license, and some states even require you to join specific associations.
3. Secure Land Rights for Hunting
Again, you can’t hunt on land without purchasing its rights. For your hunting guide business, you can either purchase a private property on lease or hunt on state-owned property.
Here, you should also assess the competition you will have from different outfitters or hunting businesses. It’s better to scout the area and meet the locals to get a better know-how of the competition and land.
In addition to this, it’s vital to keep in mind that the land you want to invest in depends on the kind of game you are intending to hunt for your business.
For example, you can’t purchase a wetland for deer hunting. Instead, you will be looking for wooded areas.
4. Brush Up Your Skills
If you want to exceed the expectations of your clients, you need to work on your soft skills. These skills will allow you to increase your business’s goodwill, so you’re able to expand your business in the long run.
Some of the soft skills you can work on are:
Communication skills – You need to be able to communicate effectively with different group members. You should also be able to teach them tips quickly and patiently. This will satisfy all your group members.
First aid skills – When you are going hunting, you never know what you have to deal with down the line. Plenty of group members equates to great responsibility. In case someone gets injured or poisoned by a snake, you must know how to treat them without exacerbating their condition.
Organization skills – As a hunting guide, you are supposed to deal with several issues at once. From planning a hunting trip itinerary and arranging firearms equipment to preparing meals and harvesting games, you should make sure you can plan and execute everything in a breeze without causing inconvenience to your team members.
5. Enroll Yourself in an Outfitter School
Hunting guides or outfitter schools are ideal to help you venture into your hunting guide service business in a cinch. They guide you on different issues to start your business, such as safety precautions, best hunting practices, country regulations, and other legal issues.
Although some states don’t deem it mandatory to complete a course, you should still attend these classes to make you an expert hunting guide. You can find a variety of guide schools depending on the primary game for your hunting business, like a bear, fishing, or deer hunting guide school.
So, do your research and enroll yourself in a guide school accordingly.
6. Firearm Expertise
How can you flawlessly paint a canvas without the right kinds of brushes? The same is the case with hunting. The kind of firearms, attachments, and gadgets that you use or recommend to your clients can either make or break a hunt.
Hence, you should be well-trained in using different kinds of firearms and equipment. This will also allow you to give excellent advice to your team members. Moreover, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of firearms safety as it will prevent any mishaps during the hunting trip.
