In Georgia, 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 Georgia:
- There is no state requirement for a fishing guide license for freshwater. Every angler and anyone assisting anglers must have an individual state fishing license. There are state fishing guide requirements for saltwater.
- There are U.S. Coast Guard regulations that may apply in freshwater and saltwater that require operators of for-hire vessels to have a Captain’s license. More information may be found here:
http://www.uscg.mil/pvs/UPV.asp
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/credentials/charter_boat_capt/default.asp - If you are operating a for-hire vessel in a federal park or a refuge (for example the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area), you may be required to have additional federal permits for that area. Check with the individual park or refuge headquarters for specific requirements.
- Any person assisting a person fishing must also have a fishing license and any other applicable license that might be required for that species or location.
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 Georgia:
- There is no state requirement for hunting guides in Georgia.
- Any person assisting a person hunting must also have a hunting license and any other applicable license that might be required for that species or location.
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: Georgia Department of Natural Resources- Wildlife Resources Division
Website: http://www.georgiawildlife.org/
Phone Number: (706) 557-3244
Email Address: weblbru@dnr.state.ga.us