In Connecticut, 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 Connecticut:

• Guides can register online using DEEP’s Online Sportsmen Licensing system (ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing) or in person at DEEP offices and other vendors where hunting and fishing licenses and permits are available. There is a $100.00 fee for this registration.
• If you guiding while using a boat here’s some additional information: Operators and crew of vessels registered in Connecticut as a charter, party or head boat are exempt from the new guide registration when providing fishing guide services on the registered vessel. Individuals operating under a guide registration using a vessel to fish for or land marine species are limited to two customers per trip. A passenger-for-hire license issued by the United States Coast Guard is required for those operating on navigable waters of the state, which include Long Island Sound, the Thames River, the Connecticut River north to Hartford, and the Housatonic River downstream of Derby Dam. This USCG license is typically referred to as a “six-pack” license. You do not need to provide it to obtain your registration, but should you be stopped on “navigable waters” as described above, and checked by EnCon Police, you would need to produce the USCG license.

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 Connecticut:

• Guides can register online using DEEP’s Online Sportsmen Licensing system (ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing) or in person at DEEP offices and other vendors where hunting and fishing licenses and permits are available. There is a $100.00 fee for this registration.

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: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Website: https://www.ct.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales

Phone Number: 860-424-3000

Email Address: deep.webmaster@ct.gov