In Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin:

• To become legally licensed in Wisconsin to guide for hunting or inland fishing you would need a Resident Guide license issued by the DNR; there are not any other DNR certificates or schooling needed to be become legally licensed. However, if you plan to guide on federally controlled waters such as the great lakes or Mississippi River then you may need a US Coast Guard Operator’s license. Or if you plan to troll for trout or salmon on those outlying waters then you would be required to obtain a Wisconsin Sport Trolling license. Additional information.http://dnr.wi.gov/Permits/documents/Wisconsin%20Guide%20Licenses.pdf

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 Wisconsin:

• To become legally licensed in Wisconsin to guide for hunting or inland fishing you would need a Resident Guide license issued by the DNR; there are not any other DNR certificates or schooling needed to be become legally licensed. However, if you plan to guide on federally controlled waters such as the great lakes or Mississippi River then you may need a US Coast Guard Operator’s license. Or if you plan to troll for trout or salmon on those outlying waters then you would be required to obtain a Wisconsin Sport Trolling license. Additional information.http://dnr.wi.gov/Permits/documents/Wisconsin%20Guide%20Licenses.pdf

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: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/Permits/documents/Wisconsin%20Guide%20Licenses.pdf

Phone Number: 1-888-936-7463

Email Address: http://dnr.wi.gov/feedback/