In Hawaii, 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 Hawaii:

• Bottomfish Fishing Vessel Registration if fishing for the deep 7 fishes.
• Commercial Marine License
• http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/licenses-permits/
• You should obtain a general excise tax license to operate a business in Hawaii

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 Hawaii:

• In order to become a hunting guide in Hawai‘i, you must get a license from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Applications are available at all Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) offices. The annual fee for this license is $25. Applications are not available online.
• To get your hunting guide license, you must already have a valid hunting license (click here for information on obtaining a hunting license). Anyone who hires you as a guide must also have a hunting license, unless they are exempted from needing one by the Department.
• All hunting guides must provide an annual report to DOFAW of their guide activities that shall include (1) the number of clients served and (2) the clients’ residency status. The reports shall be submitted within thirty days after the expiration of your hunting guide license. If you do not submit this report, your license may be canceled by DOFAW.
• You should obtain a general excise tax license to operate a business in Hawaii
• http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/become-registered-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 Fishing: Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources

Website Fishing: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/licenses-permits/

Phone Number Fishing: 808-587-0100

Email Address Fishing: dlnr.aquatics@hawaii.gov

Agency Name Hunting: Department of Land and Natural Resourcs

Website Hunting: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/

Phone Number Hunting: (808) 587-0400

Email Address Hunting: dlnr@hawaii.gov