In Maryland, 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 Maryland:

• Licensee Requirements
• (1) In addition to a fishing guide license (Type NT, NTT, or L), a licensee shall
• possess, as applicable, the following when engaged in fishing guide activities:
• (a) A valid angler’s license in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-604, Annotated Code of Maryland;
• (b) A valid Chesapeake Bay sportfishing license in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-745, Annotated Code of Maryland; and
• (c) Any necessary stamps issued by the Department.
• (2) If guiding from a vessel, a licensee shall also possess a valid license issued by the U. S. Coast Guard.
• An individual shall, at the time of application for a Type NT, NTT, or L fishing guide license, provide a valid copy of the following documentation:
• Safety Requirements
• (1) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate (CPR); and
• (2) American Red Cross First Aid Certification or equivalent.
• More information: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/pdfs/SummGeneralFishingGuideProvisions.pdf
• Maryland Fishing Guide License Application

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 Maryland:

• A. Licenses Required.
• (1) An individual shall be licensed by the Service as a waterfowl outfitter before the individual may outfit a hunter to hunt wild waterfowl for monetary consideration including:

(a) Direct monetary consideration from hunters for daily or multi-day hunts; or 2

(b) Indirect monetary consideration from the dues or membership payments of hunting club members.

• (2) An individual must be licensed by the Service as a waterfowl hunting guide before the individual may provide personal guiding services for which a waterfowl outfitter receives monetary consideration as described in §A(1) of this regulation.
• (3) A waterfowl outfitter may not employ or provide an unlicensed waterfowl hunting guide for the purpose of providing personal guiding services.
• B. Application.
• (1) To apply for a waterfowl outfitter license or a waterfowl hunting guide license, an applicant shall submit the following information:
• (a) A completed application including the applicant’s:
• (i) Full name;
• (ii) Address of residence;
• (iii) Address of business;
• (iv) Social security number;
• (v) Birth date; and
• (vi) Telephone number;
• (b) A copy of a current Maryland hunting license; and
• (c) An application fee of:
• (i) $300 for a waterfowl outfitter license; or
• (ii) $50 for a waterfowl hunting guide license.
• (2) An applicant for a waterfowl outfitter license shall include with the application a statement documenting the applicant’s qualifications in meeting the requirements of Regulation (3) of this chapter. An applicant using the provisions of Regulation .03B(3)(b) of this chapter to qualify for a waterfowl outfitter license shall provide a statement documenting the applicant’s waterfowl hunting guide experience.
• (3) Permit applications may be obtained from the Wildlife and Heritage Service, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave., E-1, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401, or by calling 410-260-8540, or online at www.dnr.state.md.us.
• (4) Completed applications shall be mailed or delivered to: Permits Coordinator, Wildlife and Heritage Service, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave., E-1, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.
• C. Duration. Waterfowl outfitter and waterfowl hunting guide licenses are valid from August 1 to July 31.

Qualifications for Waterfowl Outfitter License.

• A. The Service may not issue a waterfowl outfitter license if the applicant does not meet the qualifications of this regulation.
• B. A waterfowl outfitter licensee shall meet the following qualifications:
• (1) Be 18 years old or older;
• (2) Possess a valid Maryland hunting license; and 3
• (3) Have one of following sources of experience:
• (a) Previously licensed by the Service as a master hunting guide; or
• (b) Previously employed by a licensed waterfowl outfitter, for two seasons, as a waterfowl
• hunting guide licensed by the Service.
• More information: http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Licenses/pdfs/outfitterregs.pdf & http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Licenses/mhgpermit.asp

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: Maryland Department of Natural Resources-Fisheries Service

Agency Name Hunting: Maryland Department of Natural Resources-Wildlife and Heritage Service

Website Fishing: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/pdfs/SummGeneralFishingGuideProvisions.pdf

Website Hunting: http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Licenses/mhgpermit.asp

Phone Number Fishing: 877-620-8DNR 

Phone Number Hunting: 1-877-620-8DNR [8367], Extension 8540

Email Address Fishing: customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov

Email Address Hunting: customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov