ORIGINAL: Zrabfan26
Thank you for the help. I understand it's seasonal work. I have beenlooking into different schools and they're all saying how much demand there is for guides out west but this could be to get students. It doesn't seem like I'd have a chance without having that school under my belt. I wouldn't want to travel all over like you said to fill the year out. I want to be able to see my daughter and girlfriend. I can't believe that this seems like a single guys career like there's not much hope with a family. From what I read and see on tv it appears like something I'd really be into, but not everything is as it appears sometimes.
I don't really think it is much of a career. However, I would focus on getting out west first. Secure a job and get some money rolling in for the family. While your working, spend your weekends in the mountains learning to hunt the local species. After you reachcertain comfort level, approach an outfitter and go to work. Look for an outfitter who is ready to sell his operation, and maybe you can work out a purchase agreement. In 5-7 years you could own your own outfitting business and then you could make a decent living. I'm not saying give up on your dream, just approach it in the correct manner. Montana has chewed up and spit out a lot of people that came here to live the 'simple life'. I hate to see a young man move his family out west for a job that basically pays peanuts. Again, don't give up on finding a ranch job the also guides hunts. Many ranch jobs come with housing attached. Finally, as far as guide school, you are better off offering an outfitter free services during camp set up. Oufitters begin setting up back country camps weeks before the first client is in. You can learn the ropes of packing/horse and tent set up while working for free. This is attractive to many outfitters, and for you,three weeks of donated time by you, saves 4k in guide school fees.