I agree with Alsatian. This is not something you want to get into unless you get a business degree along with it, and plan to have your own outfit someday.

I have a good friend who has guided for about 23 years, and hasmade itto the point that he does have a good income. He works for several outfitters throughout the year to make it pay though. Spring bear, summer pack trips, late summer scouting for his fall employer, fall seasons, some cat hunting in between (he owns the dogs, by the way), and mule deer guiding in Mexico in January (maybe some more cat hunting when he gets back. He makes about 4K a month base pay plus tips which average about 2-500 bucks a trip, so yeah, he does pretty well. However, there are no health benefits, retirement packages, or time to hunt for himself. He gets one week in late august to bowhunt - that's it.

And yeah, expect to sleep about 6-7 hours a night and be away from your wife and kids for long periods of time (like he is). Not too many marriages can work this way. To put that in perspective, think about having a wife and kids at home while you are away for a year plus in Iraq, etc. Think about the worry you would have on your mind that they are doing well, getting what they need, etc.

You better find a tough hunter gal if you plan to give hera guides life.