In Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania:
- Charter boat operators and fishing guides are required to obtain a permit when conducting business on the waters of the Commonwealth, including the boundary waters. The annual fee for the permit is $100 for residents and $400 for non-residents. Permit applications are available from theHarrisburg office,regional headquarters, or an application can be downloaded and printed. For additional information about Charter Boat/Fishing Guide permits contact the Bureau of Law Enforcement at 717-705-7861.
- Must have current CPR first aid card
- Fishing license
- Insurance $500,000 minimum liability.
- More info: http://fishandboat.com/fishpub/summary/permits.html
- Application: http://fishandboat.com/chboat_app.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 Pennsylvania:
- For elk and bobcat need permit regardless of area you are hunting public or private
- If on private land no regulations for hunting except elk and bobcat
- Full information available here: http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/058/chapter147/subchapYtoc.html
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: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Website Fishing: http://fishandboat.com/fishpub/summary/permits.html
Phone Number Fishing: 717-705-7861
Email Address Fishing: nwedureach@pa.gov
Agency Name Hunting: Pennsylvania Game Commission
Website Hunting: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pgc/9106
Phone Number Hunting: 717-783-8164
Email Address Hunting: ra-comments@pa.gov