In California, 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 California:

• To become a license Guide in the State of California you would need to: complete the Guide application submit an original Surety Bond in the amount of 1000.00 dollars (bond must state that it will  be valid through the entire Guide license year). A guide license is valid from February 1, through January 31 of the following year.  https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=35186&inline=true

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 California:

• No regulations or certifications noted to become a guide.

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: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Website: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/

Phone Number: (916) 445-0411

Email Address: