License/Permit Needed to Guide

[Big Hutch]

I know some of you are guides or do some guiding. I am thinking about doing some guiding next year in my rice field blind in the Bunkie / Whiteville area. I'm definitely not trying to guide full time just trying to offset some costs so I would be guiding maybe 3 or 4 trips per year.

Do you need any special license or permits to guide hunters in Louisiana? I know there are restrictions when guiding involves navigable waterways but this is strictly a rice field.

I am looking into insurance options but if any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks
Robbie aka Big Hutch

[MarshRat89]

No guide license or outfitter license is required by wildlife and fisheries. It does get tricky parish by parish when the taxes come into play. You may have to obtain an occupational license.


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[Big Hutch]

Thanks. That's one thing I hadn't thought of. I will ask my CPA how to handle taxes. I will find out about the occupational licenses.

[grizzon30s]

Unfortunately the only license needed is if you take people on public waterways. Then you need a captains license. Other than that, any dummy can call themselves a guide...and many do.

[Big Hutch]

I probably fit the "dummy" category just for thinking about it. It's been a dream of mine since I was a teenager. I think there should be some kind of licensing if nothing else just for safety.

I've actually been "guiding" for years since my partners had little to no waterfowl hunting experience initially and none of them can even call a cab. If I can't go hunting they usually don't go because they have little to no success alone. From that standpoint they are "booking " a hunt with me to make sure they get to harvest some birds.

I am only looking to do a few hunts per year and I looking to be selective on who I guide. I am good with people and I like to make hunting fun.

I know there are lots of jokers out there who "guide" people all the way to the bank just to take their money with no regard for the hunting experience and the opportunity to harvest birds. I have been on some of those hunts with some so called guides. I have also leased some of those blinds from the same kind unscrupulous people. I won't ever do either. My personal reputation is worth more than any money I might make.

Thanks for the information. I am open to any and all advice and suggestions.

Robbie aka Big Hutch

[cgoods17]

Originally Posted by grizzon30s

Unfortunately the only license needed is if you take people on public waterways. Then you need a captains license. Other than that, any dummy can call themselves a guide...and many do.

Amen, and too many of them at that!

[Top Dawg]

Originally Posted by grizzon30s

Unfortunately the only license needed is if you take people on public waterways. Then you need a captains license. Other than that, any dummy can call themselves a guide...and many do.

X10

[Bdub]

I think the only qualification necessary is having a ribbon dog.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Bdub

I think the only qualification necessary is having a ribbon dog.

Come on man, 99% of guide dogs are "Rock Dogs".

[duckman1911]

Unfortunately the government is always going to find a way to steal money from you. Hopefully you dont need to pay for any BS licenses or permits. Good luck man.

[Duck Butter]

you mean there are enough ducks that come down to Louisiana that a man could actually guide for them? I thought ducks didn't reach La anymo

[herohunts]

This is north of washington, the land is owned by a volunteer of herohunts charity. This was taken the 2nd week in jan, after the 1st cold front passed though. They are mostly green heads and some pintail. very few teal tell me what you think.

[bgizzle]

Originally Posted by herohunts

This is north of washington, the land is owned by a volunteer of herohunts charity. This was taken the 2nd week in jan, after the 1st cold front passed though. They are mostly green heads and some pintail. very few teal tell me what you think.

Can't see pic


"Go ahead, share your opinion! I won't cry"

[grizzon30s]

My only advice is to be honest with your clients. If you are a good hunter, then you know what your chances are to kill on any given day. Of course sometimes your surprised with a hunt that is either worse or better than expected. What gets me is when a "guide" flat out lies about what they been killing. They say they been murdering them and when u get there it is painfully obvious that they haven't. Oh, and let the clients shoot, they didn't pay to see how good of a shot you are.

[MarshRat89]

Originally Posted by grizzon30s

My only advice is to be honest with your clients. If you are a good hunter, then you know what your chances are to kill on any given day. Of course sometimes your surprised with a hunt that is either worse or better than expected. What gets me is when a "guide" flat out lies about what they been killing. They say they been murdering them and when u get there it is painfully obvious that they haven't. Oh, and let the clients shoot, they didn't pay to see how good of a shot you are.

This is true. I let people know ahead of time what my expectations are when looking at weather forecast and scouting. Some people don't have the option to hunt during the week when the better days might be. But I let them know ahead of time what I expect. With that said you also have to be careful. Some times everything might be perfect weather wise but the birds have something else on their mind. Quite a few people on here have hunted with me and can tell you I sit back and judge the first couple shots before I pick up my gun. At the end of the day you want your customers to go home with birds and a good pic so if I have to knock down a few birds for them so be it.



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[Big Hutch]

Good points about the guide shooting and scouting reports. Keep them coming. At this point I am all ears.

Robbie aka Big Hutch

[Gerenemo]

Robbie,

In my opinion you have what it takes to be an excellent guide. Knowledge of the sport & birds, integrity and honesty. I will be more than pleased to be one of your clients. Looking forward to the upcoming season!!!

[scooper]

Robbie, I have to second what Gerenemo says. If you've got the itch, scratch it. I've been very fortunate to have had good friends and contacts which have allowed me to experience both sides, as the guide as well as the sport and both can be equally enjoyable or frustrating. But I do know, as it sounds like you do, that putting guys on a good hunt and seeing the smiles on their faces when they've truly enjoyed the outing is pretty gratifying. Many folks don't have the opportunity to participate in those types of hunts - they just don't have the access or the contacts. Picking your customers and dates of your outings will help reduce some of the pressure folks talk about. Give it a try, if you don't, you'll always wish you had.

[Paulox86]

Find another way to offset the cost. Charging to guide puts you in business. Being in business costs money plus puts all responsibility on you if someone was to get hurt. Most General Liability insurance policies are at least $1000 a year for hunting/guiding and that only gets you $1,000,000. And a million does not go far when some pone gets shot.


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[Sightwindow]

Originally Posted by Paulox86

Find another way to offset the cost. Charging to guide puts you in business. Being in business costs money plus puts all responsibility on you if someone was to get hurt. Most General Liability insurance policies are at least $1000 a year for hunting/guiding and that only gets you $1,000,000. And a million does not go far when some pone gets shot.


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Heartily second this.