In Alaska, our research showed the below requirements to become a hunting guide or fishing guide. Before operating as a guide ensure that you contact your states wildlife agency directly to verify all requirements.
*Always ensure that you and your clients have the necessary hunting and fishing licenses for the game you will be pursuing.
Basic requirements for Fishing Guide Jobs in Alaska:
Both sport fish guiding businesses and individual sport fishing guides must have separate licenses unless the owner of the business is also the guide. In order to provide guided sport fishing trips to anglers for compensation in the State of Alaska, you must have the following:
- A Sport Fishing Business Owner Operator’s Registration issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).
- A valid State of Alaska Business Registration issued by the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development.
- A Sport Fishing Guide License issued by ADF&G.
- Current Alaska Sport Fish License, tags (e.g., king salmon stamp), and permits that are required to engage in the sport fishery for which the sport fishing guide services are being provided.
- A current USCG Operator’s license if operating a motorized vessel on navigable waters. Determination of navigable waters is made by the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Vessel Registration (if guiding from a vessel).
- Visit this site for more information: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=prolicenses.sportfishguides
- Must also fulfill all business requirements. Contact the “Corporation, Business & Professional Licensing” office at: http://commerce.state.ak.us/dnn/cbpl/home.aspx
Other Fishing Guide Requirements that May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License
- Good communication skills
- Well organized
- Ability to work with diverse groups of clients
- Willingness to teach others effective fishing techniques
- Outdoor survival and first aid skills
- Swimming skills
- Good physical fitness
Basic requirements for Hunting Guide Jobs in Alaska:
- License, exam and additional requirements are necessary. Please visit the website for full details: http://laborstats.alaska.gov/dlo/guide.htm
- Licensing authority is Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing. Big Game Commercial Services Board.
Other Hunting Guide Requirements that May Be Helpful:
- Driver’s License
- Good communication skills
- Well organized
- Ability to work with diverse groups of clients
- Willingness to teach others effective hunting techniques
- Outdoor survival and first aid skills
- Firearm safety skills
- Good physical fitness
State Wildlife Agency Contact:
Agency Name Hunting : Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing
Big Game Commercial Services Board
Agency Name Fishing : Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Website Hunting: http://laborstats.alaska.gov/dlo/guide.htm
Website Fishing: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=prolicenses.sportfishguides
Phone Number Hunting: (907) 465-2543
Phone Number Fishing: (907) 267-2369
Email Address Hunting: cindy.hansen@alaska.gov
Email Address Fishing: Cindy.Palmatier@alaska.gov